8.26.2010

thin man sequels

The Thin Man series is (I think) a lot of fun to watch. I love the back-and-forth banter of Nick and Nora, the not-too-scary mysteries, Nora's fabulous fashions, Nick's friends in low places, Asta's antics, and how they always gets their man.

And while watching on a rainy day is ideal, these are good enough to watch even if it's sunny outside.


There were five sequels: After the Thin Man, Anther Thin Man, Shadow of the Thin Man, The Thin Man Goes Home, and Song of the Thin Man.


After the Thin Man - back in San Francisco after their holiday in New York, it's New Year's Eve and Nick and Nora are summoned to dinner at Nora's elderly, and very aristocratic, family. There they find that cousin Thelma's husband Charles has been missing for three days. Nick reluctantly agrees to look for him but the case takes a twist when Charles is shot and Thelma is accused of murder. Several other murders occur but eventually Nick gathers everyone into the same room to reveal the identity of the killer. [Trailer here.] Also stars Jimmy Stewart.



Another Thin Man - the Charles' are back in New York with Asta and a new arrival: Nicky Jr. They are invited by Colonel MacFey to spend the weekend at his house in Long Island as he desperately wants Charles to help him out. It seems he has been receiving threats from Phil Church, a very shady character. When McFey is killed Church seems to be the obvious suspect but Nick suspects there is something far more complicated going on. McFey's housekeeper, daughter and various hangers-on may all have had an interest in seeking the old man's demise. [Trailer here.]




Shadow of the Thin Man - Nick and Nora are looking forward to a day of leisure, but when they make a trip to the race track, they learn that a jockey, who was recently accused of throwing a race, has just been found shot to death. With his friend Lieutenant Abrams in charge of the case, Nick has difficulty keeping from getting involved. Then a special state deputy, in charge of investigating gambling scandals, comes to see Nick. He tells Nick that the jockey could have been silenced by a gambling syndicate, and he asks for Nick's help. Soon Nick is fully involved in a complicated and hazardous investigation. (This one is my personal favorite - the wrestling scene is one of the best.) [Trailer here.] Also stars Donna Reed.




The Thin Man Goes Home - Nick and Nora head to Nick's hometown of Sycamore Springs to spend some time with his parents. His father, a prominent local physician, was always a bit disappointed with Nick's choice of profession in particular and his lifestyle in general. With Nick's arrival the townsfolk, including several of the local criminal element, are convinced that he must be there on a case despite his protestations that he's just there for rest and relaxation. When someone is shot dead on his doorstep however, Nick finds himself working on a case whether he wants to or not. [Trailer here.]




Song of the Thin Man - Nick and Nora Charles attend a charity benefit aboard a gambling ship. The festive atmosphere conceals many tensions among those connected with the ship, with most of the friction centering around Tommy Drake, its unpopular, spiteful band-leader. When he is murdered later that night, suspicion falls on Phil Brant, who had argued with Drake earlier in the evening. When Phil and his wife seek help from Nick and Nora, Nick refuses to get involved. But when shots are fired outside his own apartment, Nick begins to investigate, and he soon finds himself in a confusing case with numerous suspects. [Trailer here.}

2 comments:

Erika said...

Did you know: Asta's "birthname" was Skippy.

Millie Motts said...

I did not! :)