The Thin Man (1934)

Den Tynde Mand

Already I have read so many reviews of ”The Thin Man” that I think everything has been said about it. It is also a movie which is widely loved so there is a lot of hype to deal with going into this movie. Fortunately I saw it once before in January last year so I am not going in blank. However that was during a very difficult period for me personally so a movie which is all about good spirits (!) might not have been done justice at the time.

Now the time have come to see it again for my official comments here on the blog and… I did enjoy it very much.

It is a very simple concept executed brilliantly, which is often the recipe for the best things in life.

Basically the producer (and director I suppose) has taken two stories and cooked them together.

The most apparent story is a murder mystery, a regular whodunit plot, with the exception that all involved are absolutely nuts and have somehow been taken with their finger deep down in the cookie box.

The second story is that between Mr. and Mrs Charles, Nick and Nora (William Powell and Myrna Loy). This is not the regular description of a relationship but a veritable party. The jibes, jokes, pokes and puns those two fire off at each other and everyone around them are just amazing, and all the while they are permanently tipsy from conspicuous consumption of cocktails and highballs. This to an extend to relegate the murder mystery to a backdrop to the party and give opportunities to fire off some especially witty wisecracks.

In fact the Powell – Loy duo was such a success that an entire series of films were build up around these two characters and the concept was attempted copied on numerous occasions to this day. Think detective couple and party and the film or series will hark back to Powell and Loy.

This is a happy film. The tone is very easy and Powell and Loy are in such a good mood that it is difficult not to be smitten by them. In fact you get very thirsty from watching this film so I would suggest arming yourself with a bottle of champagne or even better a dry martini mixer set. All this despite no less than 3 people are getting murdered. They may be ghastly murders but since everybody are nutcases with very long fingers it is only surprising that no more are killed. They are certainly all capable of it.

I must admit that I got a bit lost in the murder mystery. There are so many people involved and they are all related to each other in strange ways. Yeah, I know who did it, it is revealed in the end, but I am not sure if I understand how or why. Well, it is not really so important. The point is that all these jackasses get busted in the most wonderful way as guests at Mr. and Mrs. Charles party.

Following Loy and Powell is a real joy. Every time they open their mouth it is funny. They care for each other, that is obvious, and that to an extend that they can tease each other silly and both enjoy it. I will not attempt at quoting them, that just turns out flat. You have to watch their smiles and the glint in their eyes when they deliver their jab to do them justice. It is top class.

So how can this jolly couple solve murder mysteries with one hand on the back and the other holding a cocktail? Well, they get a lot of help from the magic hunch that make them go to the right places and look for the right things. Gentlemanly and easy, no worries there. Certainly not enough trouble to ruin the party. How frustrating it must be for the police to see these two party revelers solve the cases they are working so hard on, but even they must bend to the Charles’s charms.

I enjoyed myself throughout. This is intelligent comedy but also happy and silly comedy. It is a party to watch, but I would have to warn you: Do not do this at home. Any ordinary metabolism would render you seriously hangovered if you tried to emulates Mr. and Mrs. Charles and your liver would not last long, but at least it was fun trying.

If you have not seen “The Thin Man” I have just one question: What are you waiting for? Bring out the ice box, the mixer and the booze and bring on the party.

Cheers!