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By the time this film was made so many crime and mystery films had been made that it would appear that producers were seeking even more complex and unusual plots and methods of murder to stump the cinema going public.In this case it is murder by vacuum cleaner.It is therefore rather difficult to take this film seriously.In fact Mary Clare as the female detective seems to go through this film with a smile on her face as if she is constantly wondering with amusement that she is actually getting paid to make this tosh..She is supported by a youngish Irene Handel and an impossibly young looking Nigel Patrick.This film may be rubbish but it is nevertheless extremely entertaining rubbish which does not outsmart its welcome.

As a film this is only so-so, although it does contain some extremely atmospheric compositions by "lighting expert" (as the credits call him) Brian Langley. But in addition to early glimpses of Nigel Patrick (in his film debut) & Irene Handl it provides a meaty role for Mary Clare in the title role, probably inspired by RKO's Hildegarde Withers.

I don't recall a Mr Pym (just as I don't think the film tells us that her first name is 'Palmyra'). But Mrs Pym is refreshingly an actual Scotland Yard detective for once - albeit an extremely eccentric one constantly patronised by her colleagues - rather than yet another amateur sleuth; while Edward Lexy's Det-Inspector Shott, although always several steps behind Mrs Pym, is not the dunce James Gleason always was as the cop in the Hildegarde Withers films.

The sole entry of a planned series of films featuring Mary Clare as a (gasp!) female police officer is riddled with the kind of sexist nonsense to be expected from a film from the 1940s. Clare does well as the peppy detective, and the film may possibly boast cinema's only killer whose weapon of choice is a vacuum cleaner. Screen debut of leading man Nigel Patrick.

Now this film is far from perfect, but for some reason I found myself totally engaged in it, and really enjoyed it. The whole premise is ridiculous beyond belief, and the attitudes shown in this film will amuse some and horrify others, a 'woman' in Scotland Yard may have been an oddity back in 1940, but it helps serve as a reminder that luckily times have changed.

Death by vacuum cleaner is one of the most ludicrous things anyone could possibly have dreamed up, ludicrous, but entertaining. Mary Clare is utterly delightful in the role of Mrs Pym, the characters are big and well drawn, particularly Miss Bell, who is beautifully played by the wonderful Irene Handl.

The courtroom scene featuring the maid giving evidence is comedy gold, ridiculously funny, and there are chuckles throughout the remainder of the film.

Don't take it too seriously and you'll love every minute.

7/10.

Nigel Morland's eccentric heroine of more than twenty novels is hired by Scotland Yard. Her first case is the investigation of a murder linked to a psychic society.

The role is essayed by Mary Clare, doyenne of the stage, who usually wound up playing villaineszes on the screen. She plays her as abrupt, self-assured, and bumptious. It's an attractive performance. I suspect her seconding to the Yard is part of the the British reticence to having murder mysteries solved by amateurs. In the US industry, anyone could solve a murder, and many a fast-talking reporter did so. In Britain, some connection with officialdom was de rigeur; even Lord Wimsey had a brother-in-law on the Force. Amateurs were often seen interfering with the smooth operations of the omniscient peelers.

Aside from Miss Clare, it's a rather dull affair. Originally it was planned as the first of a series. No further movies eventuated.

This quota quickie has a Thin Man mixed with Miss Marple vibe.

It is a silly film as Mrs Pym investigates the murders of two people who are members of a psychic society.

Her Scotland Yard colleagues are sceptical of her abilities and they might have good reasons.

At one point Mrs Pym considers death by vacuum cleaner. No a theory that is easy to hoover up.

It is flimsy and preposterous but also easy going. A sign of the times with early appearances from Irene Handl amd Nigel Patrick.