The Canary Murder Case - DVD

When nightclub singer Margaret Inchthe CanaryInch O'Dell (Louise Brooks) is found strangled, the list of suspects seems endless. With a jilted former lover (James Hall) accused of the crime, it's up to the suave and sharp-witted Philo Vance (William Powell) to unravel the mystery and uncover the real killer before it's too late. This early Paramount talkie served as the screen debut for S.S. Van Dine's popular literary detective.

The Stabat Mater is Dvorák's most celebrated choral work. He began composing the piece in late 1875, but set it aside. Then, two tragedies befell him and he was plunged into an uncharacteristically melancholic mood. The deaths of his eleven-month-old daughter and three-year-old son compelled Dvorák to complete his masterpiece. Even though stricken with grief, Dvorák still could not resist writing simple, folk-like, melodies for his luminous Stabat Mater. On this performance, acclaimed conductor Mariss Jansons leads four superb soloists and the combined forces of the chorus and orchestra of the Bayerischen Rundfunk.

A murder at the secluded home of a wealthy, eccentric family draws the attention of famed amateur detective Philo Vance, once again played by the dashing William Powell.