Nick Charles, a retired detective, and his beautiful wife, Nora, return to New York for the holidays, and a bit of socializing. Nick and Nora love to drink a little. Nick is awakened from his pleasant life, when Dorothy Winant comes to ask for his help in finding her missing father, an inventor.
Dashiell Hammett, the mystery writer, wrote serious crime novels, but in the delightful "Thin Man" series, he is playful, as he is never too serious about the cases he gave his captive audience. The film was directed by W. S. Van Dyke, a man that clearly had a good feeling for the material. Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich marvelous adaptation of the novel contributed to make this motion picture into one of the most beloved works of that era.
It helped that MGM had two of its best stars in the leading roles. William Powell was one of the best actors of that era, and he was born to play Nick Charles, a man that appreciated a good martini, or any drink, for that matter. Equally excellent was Myrna Loy, a woman who had great chemistry with Mr. Powell. Her Nora is a sophisticated lady who was at home with an elegant crowd, as well as with low class scoundrels her husband investigated.
Also in the cast, a good Maureen O'Sullivan as the gorgeous Dorothy Winant. A young Cesar Romero also made an impression as the lover of the inventor's former wife. The director got fine ensemble playing from his supporting cast, notably, Nat Pendleton, Minna Gombell, and Natalie Moorhead, among others, and let's not forget Asta. James Wong Howe photographed the movie with his usual style.
"The Thin Man" is still delighting after more than seventy five years since it was produced.
Dashiell Hammett, the mystery writer, wrote serious crime novels, but in the delightful "Thin Man" series, he is playful, as he is never too serious about the cases he gave his captive audience. The film was directed by W. S. Van Dyke, a man that clearly had a good feeling for the material. Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich marvelous adaptation of the novel contributed to make this motion picture into one of the most beloved works of that era.
It helped that MGM had two of its best stars in the leading roles. William Powell was one of the best actors of that era, and he was born to play Nick Charles, a man that appreciated a good martini, or any drink, for that matter. Equally excellent was Myrna Loy, a woman who had great chemistry with Mr. Powell. Her Nora is a sophisticated lady who was at home with an elegant crowd, as well as with low class scoundrels her husband investigated.
Also in the cast, a good Maureen O'Sullivan as the gorgeous Dorothy Winant. A young Cesar Romero also made an impression as the lover of the inventor's former wife. The director got fine ensemble playing from his supporting cast, notably, Nat Pendleton, Minna Gombell, and Natalie Moorhead, among others, and let's not forget Asta. James Wong Howe photographed the movie with his usual style.
"The Thin Man" is still delighting after more than seventy five years since it was produced.