Review of The Thin Man (1934) by Chris B — 02 Sep 2018

Although the murder mystery is a bit formulaic by today's standards, the carefree couple at the center of this adventure-comedy make this well worth watching. Nick Charles has retired from being a very successful detective after apparently suddenly inheriting wealth, and he and his wife Nora are primarily focused on enjoying themselves by throwing parties, goofing off, and.

..whatever, as long as they each have a cocktail in hand. Although reluctant to get distracted by the case of a missing scientist at first, they get drawn into solving the mystery as suspects and bodies start to mount around them.

Nick Charles is a perfect blend of James Bond and Groucho Marx, and Nick and Nora Charles have fantastic couples banter while also seeming to be permanently smitten. The pacing of the story is relaxed and does a marvelous job both moving the story along and fleshing out Nick and Nora - that is, until the final half hour, which seemed a bit rushed to wrap it up.

The surrounding cast is competent and fairly entertaining, and there are some good action scenes. To top it off, this is a Christmas movie!