the thin man

the year: 1934

the genre: mystery


the cast: William Powell (Nick Charles); Myrna Loy (Nora Charles); Maureen O'Sullivan (Dorothy Wynant); Cesar Romero (Chris Jorgenson)


the plot: After a four year absence, one time detective Nick Charles returns to New York with his new wife Nora and their dog, Asta. Nick re-connects with many of his old cronies, several of whom are eccentric characters, to say the least. He's also approached by Dorothy Wynant whose inventor father Clyde Wynant is suspected of murdering her step-mother. Her father left on a planned trip some months before and she has had no contact with him. Nick isn't all that keen on resuming his former profession but egged-on by wife Nora, who thinks this all very exciting, he agrees to help out.


did you know: Louis B. Mayer didn't want to make the film, so director W.S. Van Dyke agreed to shoot the film with a tiny budget and within 2 weeks. It went on to become one of the year's smash hits.


don't miss: Christmas morning at the Charles' home.


watch for: the fabulous pairing of Myrna Loy and William Powell. They would star in 14 films together.


listen for: "The important thing is the rhythm. Always have rhythm in your shaking. Now a Manhattan you shake to fox-trot time, a Bronx to two-step time, a dry martini you always shake to waltz time."