Archer Coe (Robert Barrat) is the victim, though as he was found in a locked room with a gun in his hand suicide is suspected. Though as the victim wasn't killed by a gunshot but rather a stab in the back suicide becomes unlikely. Unfortunately for Vance and the police Coe was rather unpleasant and had many enemies and people who would have had cause to kill him. His niece played by Mary Astor hated him for restricting her money, his secretary (Ralph Morgan) hated him for not letting him marry his niece. Even his servants had reasons to kill him!
The case is complex but by using fast editing and plenty of energy in the directing and performances a lot of story is packed into a fairly short film. The leads put on a good show backed up by some great supporting parts. A very good film indeed.
