This page presents an annotated, worldwide bibliography of reviews, articles and other published material related to the 1929 film The Canary Murder Case (LBS filmography page). This film featured Louise Brooks in the role of the Canary, a showgirl. Under its American title, documented screenings of the film took place in Australia, British Malaysia (Singapore), Canada, China, Dutch East Indies (Indonesia), England, India, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jamacia, New Zealand, and Scotland. Elsewhere, this motion picture was known to have been shown under other-language titles including Die Stimme aus dem Jenseits (Austria); O drama de uma noite (Brazil); Die Stimme aus dem Jenseits (Czechoslovakia); Kanárkový vražedný prípad (Czechoslovakia); Hvem dræbte Margaret O’Dell? (Denmark); Salaperainen Rikos (Finland); Le meurtre du Canari (France); Die Stimme Aus Dem Jensits (Germany); La canarina assassinata (Italy); Il caso della canarina assassinata (Italy); カナリヤ殺人事件 (Japan); De Kanarie Moordzaak (The Netherlands); I Kanarifuglens Garn (Norway); Kryyk z za Swlatow (Poland); O drama duma noite (Portugal); Kdo je morilec? (Slovenia); 카나리아 머더 케이스 (South Korea); Дело об убийстве канарейки (U.S.S.R.); ¿Quién la mató? (Spain); and Midnattsmysteriet (Sweden). Based on unsourced clippings, it is also likely the film was shown in Egypt.
This page is a work in progress. The intention of this selective bibliography is to be both comprehensive and as useful as possible. Most citations represent a substantial review or article. Significant shorter, capsule reviews — usually a paragraph or two in length — are so noted. Entries are arranged chronologically. Critical commentary regarding Brooks, or the film as a whole (excerpted from the material cited) are given as annotations. Some citations link to the material noted: some links reside on the Louise Brooks Society, while others reside elsewhere on the web.
Much can be gleamed from a bibliography such as this. Besides what critics thought of the film, one can follow the path of the film’s distribution — where it showed and when, and if the film was shown before its official release date. As well, this bibliography shows how many newspapers there may have been in any given city or town, and which reviewed movies. History, here, is in the details.
An * indicates that a copy of this citation is held in the archives of the LBS. This annotated bibliography has been compiled by Thomas Gladysz, and was last updated in October 2015. [Help wanted: If you know of additional citations, can provide further information on entries noted on this page, or can provide copies of citations not marked with an * but which are known to exist, please contact the LBS. The LBS would like to acquire material on the screening of this film in Latin America, eastern Europe, the Soviet Union, and Asia.]
THE CANARY MURDER CASE
released February 16, 1929
Brinkley, Elena. “St Clair to Direct Powell in The Canary Murder Case.” Hollywood Daily Citizen, February 19, 1928. *
— article in Hollywood, California newspaper
anonymous. “Murder Mystery to be Made Soon.” Charleston Gazette, July 5, 1928. *
— article in Charleston, West Virginia newspaper
anonymous. “What a Bird This One Is.” Washington Post, July 5, 1928. *
— small article in Washington D.C. newspaper
anonymous. “Preparations Move Along For Filming Canary Murder Case.” Mansfield News, September 18, 1928. *
— Brooks is mentioned in instance of syndicated article in Mansfield, Ohio newspaper
anonymous. “Jean Arthur Completes Cast of Mystery Film.” Mansfield News, September 27, 1928. *
— Brooks is mentioned in instance of syndicated article in Mansfield, Ohio newspaper
author unknown. “Author Declares Film Better than Book.” Hollywood News, October 12, 1928.
— article
anonymous. “S.S. Van Dine Murder Mystery Going Into Pictures.” Daily Oklahoman, October 21, 1928. *
— article, with mention and picture of Brooks, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma newspaper
Nina. “Sidelights of the Stage and Screen.” Amarillo Globe, October 31, 1928. *
— “S. S. Van Dine, author of the bestselling thriller, The Canary Murder Case, will write the dialogue for the talking picture which Paramount is to make from the novel. The announcement was made today in Hollywood where Van Dine is, having gone west from New York to assist in production. The film of the Canary Murder will be directed by Malcolm St. Clair, with a cast including William Powell, James Hall, Jean Arthur and Louise Brooks..” – write-up in syndicated column in Amarillo, Texas newspaper
anonymous. “Trick Shadowy Photograph Discarded In Murder Film.” Los Angeles Times, November 4, 1928. *
— article about the making of the film in Los Angeles, California newspaper
Nina. “Sidelights of the Stage and Screen.” Amarillo Globe, November 9, 1928. *
— anecdote in syndicated column in Amarillo, Texas newspaper
Lane, Tamar. “Views and Reviews.” Film Mercury, November 16, 1928. *
— review in trade journal
anonymous. “The Canary Murder Case.” Screenland, January, 1929. *
— illustrated page devoted to the film
anonymous. “The Daily Terror.” Motion Picture Classic, January, 1929. *
— two page, newspaper style illustrated feature
“Poor, Little Birdie.” Picture-Play, January, 1929.
— full page pictorial “The fate of a canary who flew from her cage to freedom is told in pantomime by Louise Brooks, in The Canary Murder Case.”
anonymous. “The Canary Murder Case.” The Bioscope, January 16, 1929. (England) *
— capsule review; “Louise Brooks, in the brief impersonation of the covetous ‘Canary,’ gives a fine study of a heartless woman.”
anonymous. “The Canary Murder Case.” Kinematograph Weekly, January 17, 1929. (England) *
— capsule review; “The cast, which includes William Powell, Louise Brooks, Gustav von Seyffertitz, John Bartels and Ned Sparks, is so good that it is impossible to individualize, for it is essentially a case of excellent team work.”
Beaton, Welford. Film Spectator, January 26, 1929.
— review
anonymous. “The Canary Murder Case.” Motion Picture, February, 1929. *
— short review with still – the film was picked as one of the best of the month; “William Powell is superb. The rest of the players, including Louise Brooks, Jean Arthur, James Hall, Charles Lane, Gustav Von Seyffertitz and many others, win credit.”
anonymous. “Current Pictures: The Canary Murder Case.” Photoplay, February, 1929. *
— short review with still; “Jean Arthur shares the feminine honors with Louise Brooks.”
anonymous. “Picturization of Van Dine Novel Coming.” Los Angeles Times, February 8, 1929. *
— article in Los Angeles, California newspaper
anonymous. “Theaters.” Richmond Banner, February 8, 1929. *
— short write-up in article in San Francisco, California neighborhood newspaper
Parsons, Louella O. ” ‘Canary Murder Case’ Pulsating Mystery Picture.” Los Angeles Examiner, February 8, 1929. *
— “He was handicapped by no less a person than Louise Brooks, who plays the Canary. You are conscious that the words spoken do not actually emanate from the mouth of Miss Brooks and you feel that as much of her part as possible has been cut. She is unbelievably bad in a role that should have been well suited to her. Only long shots are permitted of her and even these are far from convincing when she speaks.” – Los Angeles, California newspaper
Schallert, Edwin. “The Canary Murder Case Presented at the Paramount Theater.” Los Angeles Times, February 8, 1929. *
— Los Angeles, California newspaper
Taylor, Ken. “Now Put Philo Vance on Cock Robin Mystery.” Los Angeles Evening Express, February 8, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks plays the brief role of the Canary, the musical-comedy star whose personality is such that she is given deafening applause for merely swinging over an audience’s head on a trapeze.” – Los Angeles, California newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Case Shows For Only One Week.” Hollywood Filmograph, February 9, 1929. *
— article in Hollywood, California trade journal
Gillaspey, A. Fulton. “New Musical Director, Thriller at Granada.” San Francisco Bulletin, February 9, 1929. *
— “Robert Armstrong and Louise Brooks give the new star excellent support.” – San Francisco, California newspaper
Massey, Charles F. “Canary Murder Case Feature at The Granada.” San Francisco News, February 9, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks, as ‘The Canary,’ appeared little enough. In her scenes she did well, though.” – San Francisco, California newspaper
S., R. “The Canary Murder is Granada Hit.” San Francisco Call and Post, February 9, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks is well cast as the chorus girl.” – San Francisco, California newspaper
Warren, George C. “Talkie Tone Mastered By St. Clair.” San Francisco Chronicle, February 9, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks is the hard-boiled ‘Canary,’ and Louise can be excessively evil when she tries – on the screen. She disappears early from the scene because of the little matter of murdering her, but while she is there she shows quite a considerable advance in finesse, and she uses her voice nicely.” – San Francisco, California newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Thrills Lovers of Good Mystery.” Seattle Daily Times, February 11, 1929. *
— review in Seattle, Washington newspaper
Armstrong, Everhardt. “Miss Stewart Featured in Stage Exhibit.” Seattle Post Intelligencer, February 11, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks plays the harsh-souled but physically magnetic dancer who counts her wealthy dupes by the score and stops at nothing to win a husband whose name will give her the entree to New York’s most fashionable circles.” – review in Seattle, Washington newspaper
Taylor, Doris G. “The Canary Murder Case at the Paramount Theater.” Daily Bruin, February 11, 1929. *
— review in UCLA student newspaper
Merrick, Mollie. “Says English to be Future’s Esperanto.” Lincoln Evening Journal, February 14, 1929. *
— “In a recent picture made with Louise Brooks for leading woman, a talkie version was decided upon only after Miss Brooks had sailed for Europe. Margaret Livingston took her place and the substitution took nothing from the picture, they tell me.” – mentioned in article in Lincoln, Nebraska newspaper
Parson, Louella. “Talkie Murder Mysteries Prove to be Big Hits.” San Antonio Light, February 14, 1929. *
— instance of syndicated article in San Antonio, Texas newspaper
anonymous. “Florence to Open New Mystery Film.” Pasadena Star-News, February 16, 1929. *
— article in Pasadena, California newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Is Screen Show at Loew’s State.” New Orleans Times-Picayune, February 17, 1929. *
— article in New Orleans, Louisiana newspaper
anonymous. “At the Ritz.” Tulsa Daily World, February 17, 1929. *
— article in Tulsa, Oklahoma newspaper
anonymous. “At the Ritz.” Tulsa Tribune, February 17, 1929. *
— short article in Tulsa, Oklahoma newspaper
anonymous. “At the Theaters.” Duluth News Tribune, February 18, 1929. *
— review in Duluth, Minnesota newspaper
Davis, George. “Tom-Cats Yowl, Fight in Movietone.” Cleveland Press, February 18, 1929. *
—review in Cleveland, Ohio newspaper
Gloss., Edward E. “Canary Murder Case Is Fine Film.” Akron Beacon Journal, February 18, 1929. *
— “Powell is starred in a film that brings back Louise Brooks after a long absence . . . .” – review in Akron, Ohio newspaper
K., K. T. “Asbestos.” New Orleans Times-Picayune, February 18, 1929. *
— review in New Orleans, Louisiana newspaper
Marsh, W. Ward. “Powell Creates Slickest of Detectives.” Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 18, 1929. *
— “Here you have Powell realizing that five men loved the ‘canary’ of Louise Brooks . . . .” – review in Cleveland, Ohio newspaper
anonymous. “Lyceum.” Duluth Herald, February 18, 1929. *
— review in Duluth, Minnesota newspaper
Star-News Critic. “Suspense is Kept in Talkie Murder.” Pasadena Star-News, February 18, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks is brilliant as the murdered girl.” – review in Pasadena, California newspaper
Washburn, Mel. “Canary Murder Case Scores at Loews.” New Orleans Item, February 18, 1929. *
— review in New Orleans, Louisiana newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Case At Capitol Theater Is Absorbing Mystery Featured in Current Picture At Capitol.” Hartford Courant, February 19, 1929. (United States)
— review in Hartford, Connecticut newspaper
anonymous. “Thrilling Mystery Is Drawing Large Crowds of Picture Fans.” Pasadena Star-News, February 19, 1929. *
— article in Pasadena, California newspaper
anonymous. “Loew’s State.” New Orleans States, February 20, 1929. *
— review in New Orleans, Louisiana newspaper
anonymous. “Mystery At the Rialto.” Tacoma News Tribune, February 23, 1929. *
— article in Tacoma, Washington newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Case, Talkie, At Shea’s Century.” Buffalo Courier-Express, February 24, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks plays the role of the Canary. She is the featured figure in a gorgeous stage presentation which includes a chorus of 70 girls.” – article in Buffalo, New York newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Case Is Baffling for Sleuths.” Chicago Herald and Examiner, February 24, 1929. *
— article in Chicago, Illinois newspaper
anonymous. “Minnesota.” Minneapolis Journal, February 24, 1929. *
— review in Minneapolis, Minnesota newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder at Riviera.” Omaha World-Herald, February 24, 1929. *
— article in Omaha, Nebraska newspaper
anonymous. “S.S. Van Dyne Novel Makes Mystery Talkie.” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, February 24, 1929. *
— article in St. Louis, Missouri newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Case Offering at Empire.” San Antonio Express, February 24, 1929. *
— article in San Antonio, Texas newspaper
anonymous. “Murder of Gold-Digger Investigated.” Tacoma Ledger, February 24, 1929. *
— article in Tacoma, Washington newspaper
anonymous. “Shea’s Century – Canary Murder Case.” Buffalo Evening News, February 25, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks, as the blackmailing dancer, contributes an especially good bit.” – review in Buffalo, New York newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Case – Circle.” Indianapolis News, February 25, 1929. *
— review in Indianapolis, Indiana newspaper
A., D. H. “The Canary Murder Case an Intensely Interesting Film; William Powell Is Excellent.” Davenport Democrat And Leader, February 24, 1929. *
— review in Davenport, Iowa newspaper
A., C. “Movies.” Minneapolis Star, February 25, 1929. *
— review in Minneapolis, Minnesota newspaper
G, I. “Movies.” Minneapolis Tribune, February 25, 1929. *
— review in Minneapolis, Minnesota newspaper
anonymous. “Offerings of the Week at Buffalo’s Leading Playhouses.” Buffalo Courier-Express, February 25, 1929. *
— “This cast of excellence, plus a plot that with vin, vigor and vitality, is a combination hard to beat.” – review in Buffalo, New York newspaper
anonymous. “New Films.” Indianapolis Star, February 25, 1929. *
— review in Indianapolis, Indiana newspaper
J., L.D. “At the Des Moines.” Des Moines Register, February 25, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks, as the Canary, has the voice which registers perfectly.” – review in Des Moines, Iowa newspaper
Mueller, Anita. “Screen in Review.” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, February 25, 1929. *
— review in St. Louis, Missouri newspaper
Nie. “The Week’s New Films.” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, February 25, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks is the little gold digger . . . .” – St. Louis, Missouri newspaper
R. Jr., J. “Mumbling-Murder Mystery-Meller Plays at Palace.” Dallas Morning News, February 25, 1929. *
— review in Dallas, Texas newspaper
anonymous. “Board of Review Lists the Films That Are Nice.” Dallas Morning News, February 26, 1929. *
— related article in Dallas, Texas newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Case Places William Powell at Top in Talkies.” Chicago Daily Journal, February 27, 1929. *
— review in Chicago, Illinois newspaper
Orndorff, Marguerite. “The Canary Murder Case.” Educational Screen, March 1929. *
— “The most popular of the popular Van Dine mysteries is on the screen at last with William Powell as the psychologist -philosopher-gentleman detective, and a cast including Louise Brooks, Jean Arthur, Gustav von Seyffertitz, John Louis Bartels, Lawrence Grant, Charles Lane, James Hall, and Ned Sparks. Owing to the nature of the story and the fact that the film is all talkie, there is practically no action. The two high spots are the poker game and the phonograph scene which latter, I remember thinking when I read the story, was simply made to order for the talkies. Changes in the story have made the murderer into one of nature’s noblemen who was merely ridding the world of a menace. They kill him off via the train-auto accident route, thereby, to my mind, rendering Vance’s omniscience null and void. Mr. Powell is the perfect Philo Vance. Here is an actor who knows how! Watch his expressive hands, particularly where he enacts the scene of the murder for the district attorney.” – capsule review in trade journal
“Louise Brooks.” Picturegoer, March 1929. (England) *
— full page portrait with brief text
anonymous. “Among the Theaters.” Daily Herald, March 1, 1929. *
— article in Chicago-area newspaper serving Arlington Heights, Illinois newspaper
anonymous. “As We See the Movies.” The Tech, March 1, 1929. *
— “The Canary, a fascinating, ravishing brunette, played to perfection by Louise Brooks, has her claws in a number of men.” – review in student newspaper at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Soanes, Wood. “Powell Makes Hit as Hero on Oakland Bill.” Oakland Tribune, March 2, 1929. *
— “There are but two women in the case. Louise Brooks as the victim of the murderer going out of the scene early . . . .” – review in Oakland, California newspaper
W., D. “Mystery Tale Well Staged As Oakland All-Talkie.” Oakland Post-Enquirer, March 2, 1929. *
— “It is generally known by this time that Margaret Livingston doubled for Louise Brooks in the dialogue sequences. Hence the not quite perfect synchronization in close-ups and the variety of back views and dimly photographed profiles of the Canary.” – review in Oakland, California newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Case on Howard Screen.” Atlanta Constitution, March 3, 1929. *
— article in Atlanta, Georgia newspaper
anonymous. “Virginian to Show Mystery Feature.” Charleston Daily Mail, March 3, 1929. *
— article in Charleston, West Virginia newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Case At The Mosque.” Newark Star Eagle, March 4, 1929. *
— review in Newark, New Jersey newspaper
Larkin, Paul W. “Theaters.” Daily Oklahoman, March 4, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks is ‘The Canary,’ but she is in only a few of the scenes.” – capsule review in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma newspaper
T., P. “Passing Review.” Olean Herald, March 4, 1929. *
— review in Olean, New York newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Case Photoplay at Virginian.” Charleston Gazette, March 5, 1929. *
— article in Charleston, West Virginia newspaper
anonymous. “New Kind of Mystery Film at Rosemary.” Santa Monica Evening Outlook, March 5, 1929. *
— review in Santa Monica, California newspaper
H., P. L. “The New Shows Reviewed.” Knoxville Journal, March 5, 1929. *
— “In fact all of them do passably well, except Miss Brooks. Not once is she shown actually speaking. This defect is the most glaring in the picture.” – review in Knoxville, Tennessee newspaper
H., S. “Good Entertainment In Canary Case.” Knoxville News-Sentinel, March 5, 1929. *
— review in Knoxville, Tennessee newspaper
Nevin, James R. “Powell Has Finest Part at Howard.” Atlanta Georgian, March 5, 1929. *
— review in Atlanta, Georgia newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Thrills Many Rosemary Fans.” Venice Evening Vanguard, March 6, 1929. *
— review in Venice, California newspaper
anonymous. “Whoa, Pegasus!” Columbia Missourian, March 9, 1929. *
— column largely devoted to the film in Columbia, Missouri newspaper
anonymous. “At the Palace.” Montreal Daily Star, March 9, 1929. *
— review in Montreal, Canada weekly newspaper
anonymous. “Pictures Playing Atlanta This Week.” Weekly Film Review, March 9, 1929. *
— capsule review; “The picture is all dialogue and holds the interest tense throughout. Acting of entire cast fine.” – Atlanta, Georgia trade journal
anonymous. “The Canary Murder Case im Paramount Theater.” New Yorker Volkszeitung, March 10, 1929. *
— brief notice in German-language, New York City newspaper
anonymous. “Mystery Film Booking in Penn.” Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph, March 10, 1929. *
— article in Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania newspaper
anonymous. “Detective Karn In Dialogue Is Loew’s Feature.” Richmond Times-Dispatch, March 10, 1929. *
— article in Richmond, Virginia newspaper
anonymous. “Both Dialogue Sequences and Silent Needed.” Washington Post, March 10, 1929. *
— article in Washington D.C. newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Case, a Mystery Drama, Is the Attraction at the Palace.” Memphis Commercial Appeal, March 10, 1929. *
— article in Memphis, Tennessee newspaper
anonymous. “Cabrillo Theatre Offers Gripping Mystery Picture.” San Diego Union, March 10, 1928. *
— review in San Diego, California newspaper
anonymous. “Louise Brooks Comes Home in Greatest Role of Career.” Wichita Beacon, March 10, 1929. *
— article with still; Wichita, Kansas newspaper
de R., M. “Philo Vance Solves One.” Morning Telegraph, March 10, 1929. *
— “Vance, played by William Powell, made an admirable little solver and was ably supported by a good cast, including Louise Brooks, the hard-boiled Canary.” – New York City newspaper
F., H. W. “Canary Murder Case.” Wichita Eagle, March 10, 1929. *
— article in Wichita, Kansas newspaper
Thirer, Irene. “Canary Murder Case Thrilling Mystery at Paramount Yesterday.” Daily News, March 10, 1929. *
— “An entertaining movie.” – New York City newspaper
anonymous. “The Canary Murder Case.” La Patrie, March 11, 1929. (Canada) *
— review in French-language Montreal, Canada newspaper
anonymous. “Murder Mystery Makes Good Film.” Montreal Gazette, March 11, 1929. (Canada) *
— review in Montreal, Canada newspaper
anonymous. “Murder, Mystery Abound in Pictuyre On Capitol Screen.” Salt Lake Telegram, March 11, 1929. *
— review in Salt Lake City, Utah newspaper
anonymous. “Action-Dialogue Move Fast in Capitol Film.” Salt Lake Tribune, March 11, 1929. *
— review in Salt Lake City, Utah newspaper
Cannon, Regina. “Canary Murder Case Thriller.” New York American, March 11, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks, an ‘It’ gal with intelligence aplenty, plays the canary. She’s a bird in a gilded cage, to be sure, but wotta bird and wotta cage!” – New York City newspaper
Cohen Jr., John S. “The New Photoplays.” New York Sun, March 11, 1929. *
— ” . . . probably the best of the all-talking mystery shows that have yet found their voice on the screen.” – New York City newspaper
Dickstein, Martin. “The Cinema Circuit.” Brooklyn Daily Eagle, March 11, 1929. *
— review in New York City newspaper
G., M. F. “Van Dine Mystery At Palace Theatre.” Montreal Herald, March 11, 1929. (Canada) *
— review in Montreal, Canada newspaper
Hall, Mordaunt. “Who Strangled the Dancer?” New York Times, March 11, 1929. *
— “The speech in this picture is well reproduced, but judging by the manner in which Louise Brooks is posed it is reasonable to assume that the voice one hears from the screen is not hers. It is not an especially pleasing voice and the lines given to this Margaret Odell, the Canary in the case, are hardly what one would imagine to be the manner of talking of a stage performer who had coaxed jewels from such men as are presented in this film.” – New York City newspaper
Johaneson, Bland. “Thrills in Plenty on Broadway’s Screens.” Daily Mirror, March 11, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks’ magnificent legs ornament the screen for half the picture before she [is] murdered. But Louise is such a wicked little blackmailer, even the legs don’t get your sympathy.” – New York City newspaper
P., S. M. “Famous Detective Tale On Screen at Palace In All-Talking Production.” Montreal Daily Star, March 11, 1929. *
— review in Montreal, Canada newspaper
Peet, Creighton. “The New Films.” New York Post, March 11, 1929. *
— “Others in the cast are Louise Brooks, James Hall . . . .” – New York City newspaper
Z., K. “Dialogue Submerges Action in Canary Murder Case Film.” New York Telegram, March 11, 1929. *
— “It is the screen adaption of the Van Dine best seller, and is fortified with a cast of notables that includes William Powell, Louise Brooks, Jean Arthur, James Hall and the author himself.” – New York City newspaper
Pelswick, Rose. “The Canary Murder Case.” New York Journal, March 11, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks appears briefly as the Canary.” – New York City newspaper
S., A. “The New Films.” The World, March 11, 1929. *
— “The Canary Murder Case at the Paramount this week is an example of a good movie plot gone wrong as the result of spoken dialogue.” – New York City newspaper
anonymous. “Penn Mystery One of Best.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, March 12, 1929. *
— “Every voice carries conviction with Powell and the double that speaks for Louise Brooks probably the best.” – review in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania newspaper
Ludlow, George T. “The Talkies Improve.” Pittsburgh Press, March 12, 1929. *
— review in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania newspaper
C., J. O. “Palace.” Memphis Commercial Appeal, March 12, 1929. *
— “He is supported by Louise Brooks in the role of the ‘Canary’.” – review in Memphis, Tennessee newspaper
Polly. “At Loew’s.” Richmond Times-Dispatch, March 12, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks is a lovely victim and as hard-boiled as she is lovely.” – review in Richmond, Virginia newspaper
S., F. “At the Theatre.” Memphis Press Scimitar, March 12, 1929. *
— short review in Memphis, Tennessee newspaper
Watts Jr., Richard. “On the Screen.” New York Herald Tribune, March 12, 1929. *
— “Miss Louise Brooks, as the murdered Canary, is nice to watch.” – New York City newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder is Attraction at U.C.” Berkeley Daily Gazette, March 13, 1929. *
— preview article; “The cast shows careful selection. Louise Brooks has the feminine lead.” – Berkeley, California newspaper
Dane, Rex. “Canary Murder Case Brimfull of Mystery.” Riverside Daily Press, March 13, 1929. *
— review in Riverside, California newspaper
Bige. “The Canary Murder Case.” Variety, March 14, 1929. *
— review in trade publication; “As an all-talk murder mystery melodrama, The Canary Murder Case will occupy the front rank, for its plot has been constructed so intelligently that it is logical almost in every one of the situations.”
M., J.C. “The Current Cinema.” New Yorker, March 16, 1929. *
— brief review
P., J. E. “The Canary Murder Case.” Billboard, March 16, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks is mediocre as the Canary, but this does not detract from the production, as she appears in but a few scenes.”
anonymous. “Mystery Play To Be Shown At Stanley.” Baltimore Sun, March 17, 1929. *
— article in Baltimore, Maryland newspaper
anonymous. “Van Dine Pleased With Treatment of Canary Film.” Columbus Dispatch, March 17, 1929. *
— review in Columbus, Ohio newspaper
anonymous. “Stage and Screen.” Eugene Register, March 17, 1929. *
— write-up in Eugene, Oregon newspaper
anonymous. “The Canary Murder Case (All Talker).” Film Daily, March 17, 1929. *
— capsule review; “Effective talking sequences put over ordinary mystery murder film.”
anonymous. “The Canary Murder Case (Silent).” Film Daily, March 17, 1929. *
— capsule review; “Good cast composed of Louise Brooks, who has little to do . . . .”
L., C. A. “Selections from the New Films.” The Observer, November 3, 1927. (England) *
— brief write-up in London newspaper
anonymous. “Louise Brooks Got Movie Job and Role on Her Fine Figure.” Ohio State Journal, March 17, 1929. *
— article in Columbus, Ohio newspaper
anonymous. “Who Killed The Canary? Broad Film Has Answer.” Ohio State Journal, March 17, 1929. *
— article in Columbus, Ohio newspaper
anonymous. “Murder Done on Stanley Screen.” Baltimore Post, March 18, 1929. *
— article in Baltimore, Maryland newspaper
anonymous. “Colonial Shows Hit.” Dayton Journal, March 18, 1929. *
— review in Dayton, Ohio newspaper
E., H. C. “Powell’s Philo Vance Is Broad Hit.” Ohio State Journal, March 18, 1929. *
— review in Columbus, Ohio newspaper
McNulty, John. “An Enjoyable Murder Is This.” Columbus Citizen, March 18, 1929. *
— review in Columbus, Ohio newspaper
Tucker, George. “‘Who Killed Cock Robin?’ ‘I’ Chirped the Sparrow.” Columbus Dispatch, March 18, 1929. *
— review in Columbus, Ohio newspaper
B., S. “Who Killed Canary.” Wall Street Journal, March 20, 1929. *
— review in New York City newspaper
anonymous. “Music and the Movies.” Musical Courier, March 21, 1929. *
— brief review of New York City screening and accompanying stage attraction
anonymous. “Broadway Night Life Picturized.” Los Angeles Times, March 22, 1929. *
— notes screening at Lazarus Million Dollar theatre, in article in Los Angeles, California newspaper
Smith, Frederick James. “An Entertaining Crime.” Liberty, March 23, 1929. *
— “The rest of the cast is good to the last drop. When you see Louise Brooks hold up her admirers as the Canary, you really are hearing Margaret Livingston’s voice.”
Hall, Mordaunt. “The Finger of Suspicion.” New York Times, March 24, 1929. *
— “It is on the whole the best talking-mystery production that has been seen, which does not imply that it is without failings. It is quite obvious that Louise Brooks, who impersonates Margaret Odell, alias the Canary, does not speak her lines. Why the producers should have permitted them to be uttered as they are is a mystery far deeper than the story of this picture.” – New York City newspaper
Bonhomme, Jack. “Nouvelles et Potins d’Hollywood.” Cinémonde, March 28, 1929. (France). *
— article with film still
anonymous. “Opinions on Pictures.” Motion Picture News, March 23, 1929. *
— “The cast is one hundred per cent great with William Powell, Louise Brooks, James Hall and Jean Arthur as the featured members.” – review in trade journal
Hall, Mordaunt. “Poetic Hindu Picture.” New York Times, March 24, 1929. *
— review in New York City newspaper
anonymous. “At the Columbia.” State Times, March 25, 1929. *
— brief article in Baton Rouge, Louisiana newspaper
anonymous. “Photoplay Reviews.” Cincinnati Enquirer, March 25, 1929. *
— “The role of the murdered girl is played by Louise Brooks, who is much more satisfying optically than auditorilly.” – review in Cinncinnati, Ohio newspaper
Aston, Frank. “Capitol Has One Full of Murder Mystery.” Cincinnati Post, March 25, 1929. *
— brief review in Cincinnati, Ohio newspaper
Martin, Boyd. “Piping the Plays.” Courier-Journal, March 25, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks, who plays the Canary, is very bad and it appears from the dialogue that she is not actually doing the talking. Apparently a substitution was made here.” – review in Louisville, Kentucky newspaper
Q., L. E. “Murder and Mr. Vance.” Louisville Herald Post, March 25, 1929. *
— review in Louisville, Kentucky newspaper
Whitley, R. J. “Slump in Silence.” Daily Mirror, March 25, 1929. (England) *
— “I do not suggest for a moment that talkies and sound films in their present form are popular with everybody. Quite a number of people I meet deplore the advent of voice and sound to the cinema. On the other hand, there is evidence that good tiiikfRs are proving very popular with the public. At the Plaza, for instance, where The Canary Murder Case, a good mystery talkie, is now being shown, the boxoffice receipts last week exceeded the record figures of Beau Geste, one of tho greatest silent films.ever made.” – write-up in London newspaper
anonymous. “At the Columbia.” Morning Advocate, March 26, 1929. *
— article in Baton Rouge, Louisiana newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Case at Colonial.” Hartford Times, March 30, 1929. *
— article in Hartford, Connecticut newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Case.” Movie Age, March 30, 1929. *
— short article in regional trade publication based in Minneapolis, Minnesota
anonymous. “William Powell Plays Detective In Colonial Film.” Hartford Courant, March 31, 1929. *
— article in Hartford, Connecticut newspaper
anonymous. “Eckel.” Syracuse Post-Standard, March 31, 1929. *
— article in Syracuse, New York newspaper
A., J.J. “Canary Murder Case.” South Bend Tribune, March 31, 1929. *
— article in South Bend, Indiana newspaper
Coyne, Margaret L. “New Picture Plays.” Post-Standard, April 1, 1929. *
— “The only flaw is the substitution of another voice for that of Louise Brooks – the Canary – making necessary a number of subterfuges to disguise the fact.” – review in Syracuse, New York newspaper
Davies, David. “Paramount Picture Stars William Powell.” Toledo News Bee, April 1, 1929. *
— review in Toledo, Ohio newspaper
E., R. “All Sorts Of Entertainment On Program At Toledo-Paramount.” Toledo Times, April 1, 1929. *
— review in Toledo, Ohio newspaper
anonymous. “Mystery Picture is Stanton Feature.” Philadelphia Inquirer, April 2, 1929. *
— “The picture has a long cast and every part is played well enough to keep the audience in constant suspense.” – review in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Case – Stanton.” Philadelphia Public Ledger, April 2, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks is the murdered ‘canary’ and does her bit well.” – review in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania newspaper
anonymous. “The canary Murder Case Given Screen Vitality.” Philadelphia Record, April 2, 1929. *
— “The big crowd at the Stanton yesterday seemed to be having a corking time.” – review in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania newspaper
Heffernan, Harold. “The New Movies in Review.” Detroit News, April 8, 1929. *
— “Mechanically, too, The Canary Murder Case has been well handled. The voices are well modulated and free of static. It is evident that Miss Brooks’ voice test was a flop for a double is used in sequences requiring speech from her.” – review in Detroit, Michigan newspaper
McCormick, Ella H. “Reel Players.” Detroit Free Press, April 8, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks as the fascinating light-o-love who comes to a mysterious and not undeserved end is at once alluring and crystal-hard in her evil determination of collecting blackmail from her many wealthy admirers.” – review in Detroit, Michigan newspaper
Richardson, Charles. “Van Dine Thriller and The Letter Are Well Done.” Detroit Times, April 8, 1929. *
— review in Detroit, Michigan newspaper
Bell, Nelson B. “Behind the Screens.” Washington Post, April 9, 1929. *
— “The Canary is Louise Brooks, cast as a gay Broadway Circe, something after the pattern of ‘Dot’ King – and quite as lucky.” – article in Washington D.C. newspaper
Mason, Lawrence. “A Pretty Puzzle.” Toronto Globe and Mail, April 9, 1929. (Canada) *
— “James Hall, Louise Brooks and Jean Arthur also provide fine performances.” – short review in Toronto, Canada newspaper
anonymous. “Louise Brooks in Mystery Role Here.” News-Palladium, April 12, 1929. *
— article in Benton Harbor, Michigan newspaper
Evans, Harry. “Movies.” Life, April 12, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks, who furnishes the sex-appeal, is evidently a poorer conversationalist than Miss Arthur, because all of her articulation is obviously supplied by a voice double . . . .”
Russell, Mary Porter. “Offerings at the Local Theaters.” Washington Post, April 15, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks, who apparently uses a speaking double as the Canary . . . .” – Washington D.C. newspaper
anonymous. “Opening Attractions in Washington Theaters.” Washington Star, April 15, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks, who will make you wonder whether she really talks . . . .” – Washington D.C. newspaper
B., J. W. “Melodrama, and Good at Met.” Washington Times, April 15, 1929. *
— “Louise Brooks, ‘The Canary,’ acts the part of this hard-boiled wench in pretty good style.” – review in Washington, D.C.newspaper
Somers, Lee. “Van Dine Story Metropolitan’s Film Offering.” Washington Herald, April 15, 1929. *
— “Powell is good but not distintive as the detective, but Louise Brooks is the hardest-boiled baby the screen has yet produced, in the role of the Canary.” – review in Washington, D.C.newspaper
anonymous. “Work of Powell in Canary Murder Case is Superfine.” News-Palladium, April 16, 1929. *
— review in Benton Harbor, Michigan newspaper
author unknown. “At the Capitol.” Calgary Daily Herald, April 16, 1929. (Canada) *
— review in Calgary, Alberta newspaper
anonymous. “At the Napier.” Drumheller Mail, April 18, 1929. (Canada) *
— article in Drumheller, Alberta newspaper
anonymous. “Great Mystery Thriller Here.” Decatur Evening Herald, April 21, 1929. *
— short article in Decatur, Illinois newspaper
anonymous. “Regent.” Flint Journal, April 21, 1929. *
— review in Flint, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Case.” Movie Times, April 21, 1926. (Japan)
— brief write-up in Japanese film magazine
anonymous. “Canary Murder Case is All-Talkie at Strand.” Knickerbocker Press, April 21, 1929. *
— article in Albany, New York newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Case Strand All-Talker.” Albany Evening News, April 22, 1929. *
— article in Albany, New York newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Case Well-Acted Talkie.” Albany Times-Union, April 23, 1929. *
— review in Albany, New York newspaper
anonymous. “Who Killed the Canary.” San Jose Evening News, April 24, 1929. *
— article in San Jose, California newspaper
anonymous. “California Shows Mystery Thriller.” San Jose Mercury Herald, April 24, 1929. *
— “The Canary, beautiful chorus girl, played by Louise Brooks, is found murdered in her apartment.” – San Jose, California newspaper
anonymous. “Baffling Case of Canary Now at Sheboygan.” Sheboygan Press, April 24, 1929. *
— article in Sheboygan, Wisconsin newspaper
anonymous. “Famous Murder Case at Granada Fri-Sat.” West Seattle Herald, April 25, 1929. *
— article in West Seattle, Washington newspaper
anonymous. “In Movieland.” Manitoba Free Press, April 29, 1929. (Canada) *
— review in Winnipeg, Manitoba newspaper
anonymous. “El Crimen de la Canaria.” Mensajero Paramount, May 1929. *
— four page illustrated article in Spanish-language Paramount house organ
anonymous. “The Canary Murder Case.” Screen Secrets, May 1929.
— short film review with picture of Brooks
anonymous. “Van Dine Praises Picture Writers.” Ann Arbor Daily News, May 4, 1929. *
— instance of syndicated article in Ann Arbor, Michigan newspaper
J., A.W. “Stage and Screen.” Ann Arbor Daily News, May 6, 1929. *
— review in Ann Arbor, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “Royal.” The Afro American, May 11, 1929. *
— brief write-up in Baltimore, Maryland newspaper
anonymous. “William Powell, as Philo Vance, Has Lead in Canary Murder Case.” Lansing State Journal, May 11, 1929. *
— article in Lansing, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “Graceful Figure Wins Movie Role.” Ada Evening News, May 13, 1929. *
— article in Ada, Oklahoma newspaper
anonymous. “Former Follies Dancer in Canary Murder Case.” Lansing State Journal, May 13, 1929. *
— article about Brooks in Lansing, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “Majestic Offers Two Great Shows Next Week.” Reno Gazette, May 18, 1929. *
— article in Reno, Nevada newspaper
anonymous. “Sleuth Story is at Pinney.” Boise Capital News, May 19, 1929. *
— article in Boise, Idaho newspaper
anonymous. “The Canary Murder Case.” Northern Territory Times, May 24, 1929. (Australia) *
— very brief article in Darwin, Northern Territory newspaper
Lusk, Norbert. “The Screen in Review: Who Killed The Canary?” Picture-Play, June, 1929. *
— capsule review; “Louise Brooks, as the hardboiled Margaret Odell, is first seen smiling down to her lovers as she swings out over the audience from an elaborate stage setting. Later, when she frightens the gentlemen with a phone call, Margaret Livingston does some businesslike dialogue for her.”
anonymous. “Mystery Author Film at Last.” Salinas Index Journal, June 3, 1929. *
— article in Salinas, California newspaper
anonymous. “At the Theaters.” Manitoba Free Press, June 24, 1929. (Canada) *
— brief write-up in Winnipeg, Manitoba newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Case.” Argus, July 1, 1929. (Australia) *
— “Louise Brooks, as ‘The Canary,’ gives an able rendering as the blackmailing actress.”- review in Melbourne, Victoria newspaper
anonymous. “At the Theaters.” Manitoba Free Press, July 2, 1929. (Canada) *
— brief write-up in Winnipeg, Manitoba newspaper
anonymous. “Movies.” Vidette-Messenger, July 12, 1929. *
— article in Valparaiso, Indiana newspaper
anonymous. “Majestic Theatre.” Argus, July 8, 1929. (Australia) *
— “The Canary Murder Case is in its second week at the Majestic Theatre, where it continues to attract large attendance.” – very brief review in Melbourne, Victoria newspaper
Van Dine, S. S. “The Canary Murder Case.” Grit, August 18, 1929. (United States)
— this issue includes part of a serialization of the novel, with stills from the film
anonymous. “Two Most Popular Themes, Jazz and Mystery, Presented in Double Feature At Schoolfield Y.M.C.A. This Week.” Bee, August 26, 1929. *
— article in Danville, Virginia newspaper
anonymous. “Murder Mystery is Pictured at Rialto.” Charleston Daily Mail, August 30, 1929. *
— article in Charleston, West Virginia newspaper
Filmiaitta, #8, 1929. (Finland)
— full-page publicity still
anonymous. “At the Cinema.” North China Daily News, September 9, 1929. (China) *
— review in Shanghai newspaper
anonymous. “Pick of Pictures.” Picturegoer, October, 1929. (England) *
— capsule review
anonymous. “William Powell, Detective.” Picturegoer, October, 1929. (England) *
— brief article
L., C.A. “Selections from the New Films.” London Observer, October 6, 1929. (England) *
— capsule write up
anonymous. “Dublin Theatres Cinemas.” Irish Times, October 7, 1929. (Ireland) *
— mention in article in Dublin, newspaper
anonymous. “A Film of the Week.” Irish Times, October 8, 1929. (Ireland) *
— review in Dublin, newspaper
anonymous. “The Canary Murder Case.” Picture Show, October 12, 1929. (England) *
— one page illustrated feature
anonymous. “Majestic Offers Two Great Shows Next Week.” Reno Gazette, October 18, 1929. *
— article in Reno, Nevada newspaper
anonymous. “Was in den Filmen geschieht.” Die Filmwoche, January 22, 1930. (Germany) *
— short film synopsis – along with a still from the film on a previous page
“Die Stimme Aus Dem Jensits.” Illustrierter Film-Kurier, no. 1314, 1930. (Germany) *
— entire issue of this Berlin publication is devoted to the film
anonymous. “First Night at Theaters.” Manitoba Free Press, April 15, 1930. (Canada) *
— brief write-up in Winnipeg, Manitoba newspaper
anonymous. “Screen Life.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, April 16, 1930. *
— write-up in Fairbanks, Alaska newspaper
anonymous. “Canary Murder Case.” The Straits Times, June 10, 1930. (Singapore)
— article in Singapore newspaper
anonymous. “O drama de uma noite.” O Seculo, June 23 – 24, 1930. (Portugal)
— capsule review; “Louise Brooks e Jean Arthur inexcediveis de sedução em duas estrêlas de music hall”
L., A. “Estreias.” Cinefilo, June 28, 1930. (Portugal) *
— capsule review
Cinegrafia, June 30, 1930. (Portugal) *
— full page back cover image of Brooks
Kino i Zhizn, #12, 1930. (U.S.S.R.) *
— captioned photo of Brooks
Gomaa, El Sayyed Hassan. unknown Egyptian publication, 1930? (Egypt)
— article in unknown Egyptian publication; reprinted in The Writings of El Sayyed Hassan Gomaa, volume 2 1930 – 1934, compiled and edited by Farida Marei (Egypt: Ministry of Culture, Egyptian Film Center)
anonymous. “Estreno de Quien la Mato en el Cine Madrid.” El Imparcial, April 2, 1931. (Spain) *
— article in Madrid newspaper
Willis, P. Jerome. “The Cinema in Singapore.” New York Times, June 28, 1931. *
— notes that the film was subject to censorship in Singapore, article in New York City newspaper
Verdone, Mario and Auriol, Jean-George. “La valeur expressive du costume dans le style des films.” La Revue du Cinéma, Autumn, 1949. (France)
— ” . . . . Dans un vieux film parlant sans importance, une des actrices le plus excitantes de son époque, Louise Brooks, apparaissait un instant nue sous une sorte de cuirasse de plumes. On la voyait en plane d’ensemble, donc d’assez loin et on la devinait plutôt. Au plan suivant, moyen, elle était coupée juste au – dessus de la taille. D’un bond, dans la salle en plen air d’Afrique où nous vîmes naguère ce Canary murder case, tout un rang d’adolescents arabes se leva, d’instinct, pour pouvoir voir plus bas, confondant l’écran avec une fenêtre. Éloquence brûlante du costume . . . .”
Wagner, Geoffrey. “The Blue Angel: A Reconsideration.” Quarterly of Film Radio and Television, Autumn, 1951. *
— passing reference – “Possibly this tendency originated with Travis Banton, who joined Paramount in 1924 (and put Louise Brooks, in The Canary Murder Case, 1929, in a cap of feathers almost identical with Evelyn Brent’s.”
Wagner, Geoffrey. Parade of Pleasure. New York, New York: Library Publishers, 1955. *
— passing references “Possibly this tendency originated with Travis Banton, in the Canary Murder Case of 1929, in a cap of feathers almost identical to Evelyn Brent’s”.
Cabana Jr., Ray. “Murder, Mythology & Mother Goose.” K’Scope, vol. 2 no. 3, 1967. *
— long article on the Philo Vance movies
Sweeney, Russell C. Coming Next Week: a Pictorial History of Film Advertising. New York: Castle Books, 1973. *
— contains a full page reproduction of a movie advertisement
Springer, John. Forgotten Films to Remember. Secaucus, New Jersey: Citadel Press, 1980. *
— includes a still and brief passage about The Canary Murder Case
Kael, Pauline. 5001 nights at the movies. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1982. *
— contains an entry on the film
Everson, William K. “Film Notes – The Canary Murder Case.” Pacific Film Archive, January 14, 1984. *
— brief notes from the PFA program “William Powell & Louise Brooks in a Philo Vance Mystery” – Berkeley, California
Quirk, Lawrence J. The Complete Films of William Powell. Secaucus, New Jersey: Citadel Press, 1986. *
— illustrated section on the film
Tuska, Jon. In Manors and Alleys: A Casebook on the American Detective Film. New York: Greenwood Press, 1988. *
— Brooks is referenced and The Canary Murder Case is discussed in chapter 2, “The Life and Times of S. S. Van Dine”
Parish, James Robert and Pitts, Michael R. The Great Detective Pictures. Metuchen, New Jersey: Scarecrow Press, 1990.
— Brooks is referenced and The Canary Murder Case is discussed
Loughery, John. Alias S.S. Van Dine. New York: Scribners, 1992. *
— biography of the author of the novel, The Canary Murder Case; contains brief mentions of Brooks and the film
anonymous. “The Canary Murder Case.” TV Guide Online, circa 2001. *
— brief review on entertainment website; ” . . . one of the most beautiful women ever to act upon the screen, Louise Brooks.”
Marshall, Harry. “The Canary Murder Case (1929).” Harry’s Stuff, 2003. (England) *
— website review
Morandini, Morando. Dizionario dei film 2006. Rome: Zanichelli, 2005. *
— contains an entry on the film, which includes discussion of an Italian TV version of the story, directed by Marco Leto in 1974 featuring Giorgio Albertazzi as Philo Vance and Virna Lisi as the Canary