Thin Man movies tonight on TCM…

I exhort everyone, especially those who haven’t seen the first film, to check out The Thin Man and i’s sequels (especially the first one, After the Thin Man, co-starring a very young Jimmy Stewart) on TCM tonight. The Thin Man, adapted from the novel by Dashiell “The Maltese Falcon” Hammett, is a glorious confection of the sort Hollywood is seemingly unable to make anymore, and it’s not my favorite William Powell movie. Which means it’s in my top 50 films, as opposed to my top 10 films, as with My Man Godfrey.

A glorious picture, really. A terrific detective story, one of the great screen comedies, and arguably the most perfect romantic couple in cinema history. Oh, and Asta.

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Ericb

Funny to think that only two years before The Thin Man Loy played Fu Mancu’s sadistic daughter opposite Boris Karloff in the Mask of Fu Manchu.
Rock Baker

That’s one of the most amusing career turns in cinema history, seeing Loy go from exotic seductress parts to being known as the most perfect all-American wife (although it certainly fits certain male instincts quite well). Loy was absolutely adorable as Mrs. Charles, and an expert at dialog-driven and physical comedy on top of everything else.

A great slate of pictures, the rare series fully worthy of all the praise heaped upon it. I managed to collect all but one of the series when a local video store was clearing out its stock a few years ago. I believe I’m missing Shadow of the Thin Man, but I’ll find a copy eventually.

I’ll also note the wacky, all-star cast detective spoof Murder By Death, which includes a note-perfect Nick and Nora stand-in couple. In fact, Loy was approached to play the part herself!
Beckoning Chasm

Asta has been the greatest gift to those who create crossword puzzles.
Anonymous

Along with Judge Ito.

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