Thin Man, The (1934)

Lists

Ratings & comments

full starfull starfull starfull starempty star

Nick Charles (William Powell) is a private detective turned socialite, unwillingly pulled into the investigation of an ex-client's secretary's murder.

"Well, can't you tell us anything about the case?"
"Yes, it's putting me way behind in my drinking."

The Thin Man was a low-budget B-movie shot in twelve days, and it shows. Cuts are clumsy, there are no fancy sets and most of the acting is tolerable at best. The mystery itself, based on a novel by Dashiell Hammett (The Maltese Falcon), has convolutions enough to maintain interest, but W.S. Van Dyke's film doesn't have time enough to do it justice; at times it moves with confusing rapidity.

What raises it classic status is the fantastic interplay between Nick and his wife Nora (Myrna Loy), layered with loving barbs and sarcastic -- but visibly genuine -- affection. Dialogue is rarely so entertaining, and the leads have remarkable chemistry. It isn't quite domestic bliss, but it's a real treat.

- Sam - 2007-06-25 03:01:41