A 1920s circus performer uses every means at his disposal to achieve fame and fortune at the expense of others.

Philo Vance investigates when a murderer preys upon members of a wealthy family on New York's Upper East Side.

Philandering actor Richard Hardell is murdered at a movie studio. His jealous wife Blanche, his director Rupert Borka, and a girl he mistreated, Helen MacDonald, all have substantial reasons for having wanted him dead.