Over the holidays I had a few goals. Some were practical, others frivolous, many overdue. One that was all three: Watch all of The Thin Man films.
It’s not an esoteric goal. The films are widely regarded —rated between 75-100 on Rotten Tomatoes. I had two lazy weeks to watch all six, which turned out to be fun! If I had watched them as first-runs it would have taken 13 years as they released between 1934-1947.
Based on the 1934 novel by Dashiell Hammett, in which “retired” private detective Nick Charles and his recent bride, the heiress Nora Charles, stumble onto mysteries that only they can solve, much to the surprise of the police. The film was so successful they continued to make more with plots and storylines written expressly for the films.
Like when one binges a tv show in rapid succession, I was able to recognize all the in-jokes, call-backs, and notice how Nora’s fashion changes as the years pass. As soon as one ended, I wanted to start the next.
Why Watch The Thin Man series?
The chemistry: Actors William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles have the most delightful chemistry and are believable as a couple. They playfully joke, and gaze at each other as if they’re about to ravish one another at any moment. Nick calls Nora by sweet pet names. Their casual, easy conversation feels unscripted, and above all they look like their having fun. It’s an enviable relationship.
The clothes: Nora’s status as an heiress made her sumptuous wardrobe believable and the gorgeous clothes that costumer Dolly Tree designed for the leads are the height of fashion for the time. It’s easy to think that everyone dressed like that but the first three films ran during the waning years of The Great Depression. I imagine theatergoers at the time were as fascinated as I am.
Asta the dog: Anyone who loves their dog will also love the relationship that Nick and Nora have with their pup, Asta. He goes everywhere with them. When they book passage on a train and are told Asta can only stay in the baggage car they go along with him. In one film, Asta helps Nick discover a valuable clue and saves him from danger —a loyal companion.
The booze: While I don’t drink often, Nick and Nora always seem to have a drink in hand. It’s a running gag, and when Nick goes on the wagon in later films, Nora is supportive even if she can’t understand why he’d do it. It’s an entertaining aspect of their lives that’s probably better on screen than in real life.
The adage, “They don’t make ‘em like they used to” is apt for The Thin Man. I can’t imagine how these could be made today after the realism that took-over filmmaking in the 70s that still exists today. I’m perfectly happy to rent these films, and visit them in their time and place. I really hope no one tries to remake them. They’re perfect as they are.
Thank you for the reminder about these great films!