Review of The Thin Man (1934) by Rick B — 12 Nov 2010

If you love classic movies, you must love Nick and Nora. William Powell & Myrna Loy were one of the best onscreen couples in Hollywood movies (and my favorite Hollywood actor & actress). This movie is a lot of fun and is full of quotable dialogue. The solution to the mystery is really secondary to the chemistry between Powell and Loy and the couple's crazy lifestyle and playful teasing of each other. The characters were so much fun to be around that the studio was able to milk it for 5 sequels. It's amazing that director 'One-take Woody' slapped this great film together in just two weeks.

Unfortunately, in real life, heavy drinking is a much more serious subject than the comedic treatment it gets with Nick & Nora on film, but I hope that won't hamper your enjoyment of this classic film. If so, the 5th film, THE THIN MAN GOES HOME, is the one where Nick didn't drink (because he was visiting his parents in the old neighborhood) and it's probably my 2nd favorite of the film series.

Avoid the subsequent cash-in tv series (which starred different actors) at all costs. I saw one episode and it was abysmal.