The Penguin Pool Murder is a 1932 American pre-Code comedy/mystery film starring Edna May Oliver as Hildegarde Withers, a witness in a murder case at the New York Aquarium, with James Gleason as the police inspector in charge of the case, who investigates with her unwanted help, and Robert Armstrong as an attorney representing Mae Clarke, the wife of the victim.

Schoolteacher Hildegarde Withers (Edna May Oliver) takes her class on a field trip to the aquarium.

Police Inspector Oscar Piper (James Gleason) arrives and uncovers several suspects: the widow and Seymour; Bertrand Hemingway (Clarence Wilson), the head of the aquarium, who had financial dealings with the deceased; and Chicago Lew, found hiding near the scene.

Lawyer Barry Costello (Robert Armstrong), a bystander, catches Gwen Parker when she faints, and acquires a client when she is taken in for questioning.

When Gwen Parker is released, the waiting Seymour slaps her in the face, to the amusement of Piper and Miss Withers.

However, it is one of those comicalities that possesses a good share of fun and therefore the murder mystery is, to the audience, not of great consequence.