Saturday 5 November 2016

The Thin Man (1934)

Here comes a review of another favourite of mine and a true classic: The Thin Man.
As I can't think of any proper introduction remarks, I'll just dive straight into the plot:

                  Image result for the thin man

When the scientist Wynant disappears after a secret business trip, his worried daughter asks the retired detective Nick Charles for help. He and his wife, Nora are on vacation and initially he isn't interested in taking the case, but when Wynant's secretary is suddenly murdered and all evidence is pointing to Wynant as the murderer Nick sets out to solve the mystery.

Now, this movie is a delightful mix between a mystery and a comedy. But what makes it worthwhile is definitely the lovely duo William Powell and Myrna Loy in the roles of Nick and Nora. This was actually their very first movie together, and the chemistry between them was so great they went and made 13 more movies together and today they are considered one of Hollywood's most iconic pairings.

                                     Bill Powell, Maureen O’Sullivan, Myrna Loy: The Thin Man (1934)

Every time they interact they steal the entire scene with their many sarcastic comments, witty barbs and memorable one-liners. Their chemistry on screen is really remarkable, and I admit they are the main reason for every rewatching:)

                   Image result for the thin man quotes

They are not the only memorable characters, though. The movie is filled with a variety of hilarious characters, one more crazy than the next.
My favourite is the son of the missing scientist (Gilbert) a young man who is very well read and eager to contribute with all his knowledge, but at the same time crazy and truly lacking tact. Let me show you an example (which also happen to be my favourite scene):

The situation is this: Wynant's daughter is terribly distressed that her father seems to be a murderer, and she lament over the possibility of her future children becoming murderers as well. In comes the brother with words of consolation:

G: You're wrong about all your children being murderers. Now, I've studied the Mendelian laws of inheritance and according to their findings only one out of four of your children will be a murderer. Now, the thing for you to do would be to just have three children.......No. No, that might not work..

Words of true comfort indeed;)

                  Image result for the thin man funny

Of course it's not all fun and games, there is a mystery to solve after all, and all the excitement is very nicely concluded in an elaborate dinner party scene where all the suspects are invited and the case carefully unrolled by Nick until the murderer is exposed.

                 Image result for the thin man

So, the conclusion is: if you like humorous mysteries in a classic 1930's setting and a couple with a most snarky and yet adorable relationship, this is a movie you must watch.

Have any of you seen this movie?
If yes, what is your favourite Nick and Nora moment?

9 comments:

  1. I love me some Nick and Nora... one of my favorite quotes from the movies (can't remember which one) is when Nora waves to some people and Nick asks who they are and she replies "You wouldn't know the, they're respectable." :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I love that quote as well!
      Nick and Norah are just delightful together:)

      Delete
  2. Oh the Thin Man!!!! I love it, I would have to say my favorite is when there is a robber and at first only Nick wakes up. Then Nora who doesn't know what is going on wakes up and says "What's that man doing in my drawers?"
    Have you seen the rest in the series? Great review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I laughed so hard at that scene!!
      My mom has the whole series but I have only seen the 3 first ones as of yet.
      SO glad you liked it:)

      Delete
  3. I LOVE this series! The first is the best, but the others are delightful as well, mostly thanks to Powell and Loy. I don't think I can choose a favorite moment, though the bit where Nick is shooting things with a toy gun on Christmas morning is close to the top.

    ReplyDelete

You might also like

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...