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The Thin Man (1934)

1934 • 1h 31m • Comedy, Crime • NR
On September 23, 2026
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All reviews

John Chard on The Thin Man

9/10 · Dec 23, 2018

The question isn’t whether the service will be provided, but whether it will be delivered to the right people—in this case, the guests and their nuts. W. S. Van Dyke directed The Thin Man, with Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich sharing writing duties based on Dashiell Hammett's novel. William Powell and Myrna Loy lead the cast, supported by Maureen O’Sullivan, Nat Pendleton, Minna Gombell, Porter Hall, and Skippy as Astra the dog. William Axt composed the music, while James Wong Howe served as cinematographer. The story centers on Powell and Loy portraying Nick and Nora Charles—a former detective and a wealthy socialite, respectively—who are attempting to start a quiet life together. Their plans are disrupted when Nick is drawn back into investigating a friend's disappearance, which may be connected to a murder. Expect a mix of suspense, humor, and lightheartedness. The film was an unexpected success in 1934, despite studio head Louis B. Mayer initially dismissing it as weak material and ordering its rushed completion within three weeks. It propelled Powell and Loy to stardom, grossing $2 million at the box office and spawning a franchise of sequels on film, radio, and television. The movie's undeniable appeal is still apparent today, easily explaining why audiences in the mid-1930s embraced it so readily. From the beginning, the project was in capable hands; Dyke—sometimes called “One-Take Woody”—was an efficient director with a talent for pacing and casting, qualities evident throughout the film. The writing is also strong, both in Hammett’s original material and Hackett and Goodrich's adaptation. Hammett drew inspiration for his clever couple from himself and playwright Lillian Hellman, providing ideal fodder for Hackett and Goodrich, who were themselves happily married and well-regarded in Hollywood. They later wrote It’s a Wonderful Life for Frank Capra and won a Pulitzer Prize for The Diary of Anne Frank. The film is memorable because it successfully blends a murder mystery with screwball comedy elements—a fresh and exciting combination at the time. Also refreshing was the portrayal of Nick and Nora's believable relationship: a loving, devoted, humorous couple who enjoy drinks together and engage in witty banter. It’s hard to overstate just how excellent Powell and Loy are; while they benefit from an exceptionally clever script, their comedic timing—both visually and through line delivery—is remarkably sharp. Despite its modest budget and quick production schedule, The Thin Man delivers big laughs, a compelling mystery, and a heartwarming romance, all wrapped up in a classic film package. 9/10

Source on TMDB