Review of The Thin Man (1934) by Jay K — 10 Oct 2011

"Why are you in town?" "My wife's on a bender. I'm trying to sober her up." Powell's martini-sozzled detective Nick Charles and Myrna Loy's intoxicated and intoxicating Nora (the wife) are the stars of the show in this witty murder mystery.

The murder investgation is interesting enough but the real joy is the chemistry between the two leads and when Nick wanders off to find answers you feel Nora's absence acutely and withdrawal symptoms set in sharpish. The party scenes in the Charles' hotel suite are barmy and brilliant, with some of the best repartee of any comedy in any age. Later Nora's expression as a hungover Nick lies on the sofa popping balloons with an air gun is exquisite. There are many of these small moments, each as lovable as the last, as we witness a sublime onscreen partnership blossom.

The Thin Man was released in 1934 and for such an early film, it's humour is as razor sharp and whole-heartedly enjoyable as anything that has come after it. If anything its charm only continues to grow as it ages. Like many films of its era, it puts modern comedies to shame in a hundred different ways, never resorting to base laughs or cruelty in its characters, and showing utmost respect to the intelligence of its audience. The first of 5 Thin Man films, soon to be remade (reportedly starring Johnny Depp as Nick), it's very difficult to imagine a modern version getting anywhere close to The Thin Man's charm and charisma - not least because of changes in contemporary attitudes towards the lovable drunk - but mainly because there is nothing to improve. Easily one of the best comedies ever made.