Steven Helmer Publications

Synopsis: When Violet Feverel is found dead on a bridle path in Central Park, police believe she was accidentally thrown from her horse and trampled, until schoolteacher Hildegarde Withers points out a clue that shows the young woman was murdered. Inspector Oscar Piper quickly focuses his attention on Feverel's ex-husband, Don Gregg, believing he is the killer. Hildegarde, however, isn't convinced. Who's in it? The movie stars James Gleason , Helen Broderick, Louise Latimer, Leslie Fenton and Willie Best . Review: I have enjoyed other Hildegarde Withers mysteries and was quick to add Murder on a Bridle Path to my library even though it had a different actress (Broderick) in the lead role other than Edna May Oliver . Despite the schoolteacher and amateur detective having a different face, it still turned out to be an entertaining mystery. One thing I found I liked right away about this movie was how it was quick to establish Hildegarde as the brains of the duo while still...

Synopsis: After yet another one of his colleagues dies under mysterious circumstances, Phillip Browning, believing he is cursed, decides to return treasures taken from Egyptian King Pharatine's tomb during an excavation. Needing diggers, he hires Stanley Wright and Aloysius C. Whittaker, two layabouts who pretend to be Egyptian experts. Trouble arises not long after they reach Egypt, with both Browning and his associate, Edward Sterling, disappearing under threatening circumstances. Who's in it? The movie stars Bert Wheeler , Robert Woolsey, Barbara Pepper , Willie Best , Frank M. Thomas and Moroni Olsen. Review: I came across Mummy's Boys last night before bed and thought it looked interesting enough to add to my library. I managed to watch it this morning before it was surprisingly and abruptly removed from the movie channel I found it on. Unfortunately, while I see where the filmmakers were trying to go, I just didn't think it was that good. While I'll admit ...

Synopsis: While on a short flight to Catalina Island in California, schoolteacher Hildegarde Withers witnesses a fellow passenger, Roswell Forrest, come down sick then die. Police and the local coroner believe the death was from natural causes, but Hildegarde believes the man was murdered by one of the other passengers. When her friend, Police Inspector Oscar Piper, learns of the death and realizes Forrest was a key witness against a crime syndicate, Hildegarde's theory becomes more plausible. However, proving Forrest was murdered and determining how become more complicated when the body goes missing. Who's in it? The movie stars Edna May Oliver , James Gleason , Lola Lane , George Meeker and Willie Best. Review: I absolutely loved The Penguin Pool Murder and Murder on the Blackboard . So, when I saw Murder on a Honeymoon , I quickly added it to my library. I watched it this morning and was not disappointed. I'll start out by saying the dynamic between Hildegarde (Oliv...

Synopsis: Out of work and with bill collectors pounding on his door, chemical engineer Lucky Downing accepts $1,000 to pretend to be engaged to beautiful heiress Elinor Bentley Fairchild for one month. He is thrilled to be making money for easy work until he learns Elinor's previous three fiancés were attacked by a mysterious figure known as the Smiling Ghost and his life is likely in danger. Who's in it? The movie stars Wayne Morris , Brenda Marshall , Alexis Smith , Alan Hale and Willie Best. Review: I had this movie in my library for a few weeks and finally had an opportunity to sit down and watch it earlier today. At first, I wasn't really sure what to expect from it, but it ended up being an entertaining film. I think the thing I liked best about this movie is, in addition to being funny, it has a good mystery. At first, the ghost/killer seemed obvious since there were those who had motive to make sure Elinor (Smith) didn't get married. However, there were quit...