SimonJack
"The Thin Man" is the first of half of dozen comedy mystery movies that William Powell and Myrna Loy would make together. Based on Dashiell Hammett's novel of the same title and year, this ushered in a new type of mystery show that would entertain audiences for the next four decades plus. It wasn't the first mystery to include comedy, but it solidly established the man and wife team in a mixed genre of comedy, romance, mystery and crime. Add to Powell and Loy a very talented pooch by the name of Asta, and some humorous antics happen as well. The series became known as the Thin Man films, although the name doesn't come from Powell as Nick Charles. Rather, it was the victim in this first film. Anyway, Nick Charles is a super sleuth who, as a private detective, was responsible for sending a large coterie of crooks of various types to prison. - or, "up the river," as more than one of them say in this film. However, on meeting and marrying the very wealthy Nora Charles, Nick has sworn off of sleuthing and instead gone to boozing. He's a heavy drinker, who appears tipsy at times in this film. For as much booze as he puts away, it's a wonder he could ever have a clear head to solve this mystery. But, the solution comes when he seems not to have been imbibing for some time. Nick and Nora otherwise lead a life of pleasure that includes many encounters with Nick's old friends. Many are ex-cons who swear that it was Nick who got them to go straight. Of course some haven't, as we see in this flick. Nora enjoys the party atmosphere and cocktails as well. And, she's fascinated by her hubby's former profession. Nick protests that he can't go back to sleuthing because his new work is to oversee his wife's fortune and investments, for which he married her. But, Nora's interest and nudging lead Nick back into his sleuthing, only now he has a sometimes intruder, sometimes helper, sometimes rescuer in his devoted Nora.
This is a wonderfully entertaining film that led to a superb and enjoyable series of films. Powell and Loy made their first appearance together the same month that this film was released, in "Manhattan Melodrama," with Clark Gable. It wasn't a comedy, but Powell and Loy clicked. Credit Louis B. Mayer for spotting the talent match. Powell and Loy would be gold for MGM as the best-loved movie match couple for two decades. They may be the best match of all time. Their last of 14 total films together was "Song of the Thin Man" in 1947. In 1957-59, NBC ran a half-hour Thin Man series on TV. It had 72 episodes and starred Peter Lawford and Phyllis Kirk with another Asta. The man and wife mystery venue still proved to be popular when Universal and NBC teamed up for a long-running TV series, "McMillan & Wife" in 1971-77. The comedy was toned down considerably in this series, which took on a little more serious tone about crime. But, there still were some lighthearted moments, sometimes at the expense of John Schuck who played Sgt. Enright. "McMillan & Wife" had only 40 episodes over seven years, but they were full-fledged films of 90 to 120 minutes - all very entertaining.Here are some favorite lines. For more funny dialog, see the Quotes section under the IMDb Web page of the movie. Nora, "You know, that sounds like an interesting case. Why don't you take it? Nick, "I haven't time. I'm much too busy seeing that you don't lose any of the money I married you for."Nora gets out of bed to answer the doorbell late at night, and returns to the bedroom. "Someone to see you, dear," she says. Nick, "Well, that's good. I was afraid I'd have to go to sleep."Nick and Nora are reading the morning papers at the breakfast table. Nick, "Oh, I'm a hero. I was shot twice in the Tribune." Nora, "I read where you were shot five times in the tabloids." Nick, "It's not true. He didn't come anywhere near by tabloids."Nora, speaking to Asta before he leaves with Nick, "If you let anything happen to him, you'll ever wag that tail again."Nora, "Uh, waiter, will you serve the nuts. I mean will you serve the guests the nuts."Nora, "Is that him?" Nick, I don't know." Nora, "Then why are you saying it?" Nick, "It's the only way it makes sense." Nora, I hope you're well."Nor, "Oh, I'm glad you're not a detective."
elvircorhodzic
THE THIN MAN is a highly entertaining crime comedy based on the novel of the same name. The mystery becomes strong comedy dialogue and acting quite unique. This film can be seen as a very good detective story with one hand, and a well thought out and "healthy" comedy on the other side. Excitement is present in both parts. Powell and Loy are shared perfection of chemistry on screen. The dialogue between the main actors is simply excellent. The story and scenery are good. Acting is in a good part of the film is excellent.At one point, I was surprised because a serious topic is approached quite frivolous. I've finally realized that the film, in addition to other segments, should be just fun. Couple Charles offered us a great time for a bit of mystery and research and a lot of comedy dialogue. Van Dyke offered us a movie in which we really enjoy.
Prismark10
William Powell and Myrna Loy star in this classic screwball comedy cum detective thriller which very much created its own genre. Its based on a book by Dashiell Hammett.They play Nick and Nora Charles. He is a retired detective, she is a wealthy socialite who now reside in LA. During a Christmas trip to New York, the rich and glamorous couple get caught up in the mystery of the disappearance of a wealthy workaholic engineer and factory owner. Added to this, dead bodies turn up and this missing Thin man is the prime suspect.There is a s lot of banter and red herrings with a greedy ex-wife, a greedy mistress, various relatives and hangers on related to the mystery of the missing Thin man.Keeping it all together is Powell and Roy plus their dog and plenty of rapid fire repartee casually mixed with high voltage alcohol. In fact I reckon the couple needed to attend AA meetings.I guess The Thin Man films were the inspiration for the 1980s TV series Hart to Hart.Its enjoyable stuff, some of the humour requires knowledge of the time period or else it will fly past your head such as the joke about the Mann Act.
LeonLouisRicci
A Charming Who Done It with a Charming Alcoholic Couple. The Camaraderie of William Powell and Myrna Loy as the Classic Nick and Nora Charles and the Relentless Snappy Patter are what makes this one of the Most Popular Films of All Time. But there is more.The Plot is Complicated and Manages to keep Viewers Guessing. The Cast is Equipped with Good Actors Playing Interesting Characters that are Fleshed Out and that is Unusual for a B-Movie. All are Distinctive and Quirky. There isn't One Character On Screen that is not Full Blooded Including the Dog.The "gather all the suspects in one room and unveil the Murderer" is the only Thing that is rather Standard in this Always Engaging, Rapid Fire, Combination of a Screwball, Slapstick, Mystery, Movie with some Impressionism and Dark Undertones. It is one of those Rare Occasions when a Movie Fires on All Cylinders and is a Tightly Wrapped Package. There are many Quotable Lines with most of the Humor Derived from Drinking and the Rich, Married Couples Breezy Relationship.It is an Artifact of its Age in Regards to Attitudes about Alcohol and Drinking. Here it is all done with Funny Quips and there is Never a Hint about the Dangers of Excess as Nick and Nora are more than Competent Drunks and because They are Extremely Wealthy, without a Care in the World They Easily get away with it. The Film Shows in Stark Terms just how the Cultural Considerations can Drastically Change with the Current Hypocrisy (the War on Drugs) that will be ever so Clear with the Passage of Time.
