Comedy Mystery Hildegarde Withers Mystery Collection

The Penguin Pool Murder

Name: The Penguin Pool Murder
Director: George Archainbaud
Genre: Comedy, Mystery
Released: 1932-01-01
Duration: 70 min
Rating: 5.6
Cast: Edna May Oliver, James Gleason, Robert Armstrong, Mae Clarke, Donald Cook

1932Dir. George Archainbaud1h 10m

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About This Movie

The Penguin Pool Murder is a quirky blend of comedy and mystery that really stands out in early 30s cinema. Directed by George Archainbaud, it features a sharp performance from Edna May Oliver as Hildegarde Withers, the schoolteacher turned amateur sleuth. The film's peculiar setting, an aquarium's penguin tank, adds a unique twist to the murder mystery genre. The pacing is quite engaging, alternating between light-hearted banter and the serious undertones of a murder investigation. Practical effects such as the penguins themselves lend a charming touch to the film's atmosphere. It's interesting to see how the humor and mystery play off each other, creating a distinctive tone that reflects the period's cinematic experimentation.

Features Edna May Oliver in a memorable roleNotable for its unusual murder locationRepresents early 30s cinema blending genres