Film Weekly wrote: "British attempt to produces a Philo Vance story. It compares unfavourably with previous Vance films made in Hollywood. Badly over-laden with dialogue it becomes tedious in spite of a neat story. ... Wilfred Hyde White gives a smooth, competent performance in the role, but he has not the suave sophistication that such actors as William Powell put into the part. ... Acting is quite competent, and the story is sufficiently strong to make the picture moderately entertaining in an unpretentious way."
Kine Weekly wrote: "This picture makes the fundamental mistake of permitting action to play second fiddle to dialogue. For the first half an hour or so it holds and interests, because the story certainly has ingenuity, but after that the incessant talk becomes tedious and takes the edge off intended thrills. ... The snag in this picture is the director's inability to get a move on. The deductions and twists are fashiored by an ingenious pen, but the very fact that they are described verbally rather than acted in the general sense limits the entertainment's punch. The unexpected happens, but only with a casualness that leaves one cold."
The Daily Film Renter wrote: "Put over mainly in terms of dialogue, plot nevertheless holds attention, neat denouement revealing killer as original suspect! ... W. Hyde-White acts well, but seems miscast in lead, sterling support coming from Wally Patch as boneheaded Yard inspector. ... Agreeable supporting feature of type." == Lost film ==