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After the Thin Man

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"After the Thin Man" is the second of five sequels in "The Thin Man" series. It was released in 1936, two years after the original movie, and literally takes up where the first one left off - aboard the Sunset Limited headed from New York to California.

Having had their Christmas holidays in New York interrupted by a murder mystery [much to Nick Charles' dismay and wife Nora's delight], the couple is looking forward to a quiet New Year's Eve at home. This is not to be. Their house, it seems, has a huge cocktail party going on in it. And - you guessed it - there's another mystery brewing. Nora's cousin's husband has gone missing, and scandal threatens her stuffy, socialite family. Nick could care less. He has no use for his holier-than-thou in-laws. Nora is concerned - and not a little thrilled at the prospect of another adventure.

William Powell and Myna Loy are, as always, Nick and Nora. They are one of the great screen couples of all time. Their relationship is often hysterically funny, sometimes touching, and more than a little complicated. A very young James Stewart has a meaty supporting role. The star quality is easy to see. Selma Landis is in top form as the neurotic cousin who is under the thumb of her frightfully domineering mother.

"After the Thin Man" [great sequel title!] is only slightly less entertaining than its predecessor and is certainly superior to most of the comedies of today. That superiority is due to great screen writing, true star power and a genuine zest for life that rarely is seen today - at least in the movies.

By the way, there IS no thin man!

Of the six "Thin Man", films produced by MGM my favourite by far is the second installment in the classic series "After the Thin Man". Full of fresh humour, immortal lines, hilarious prat falls and a superb supporting cast surrounding the two leads in top form it is that rare thing, a sequel just as good as the original. Movie series always tend to fizzle out in the later installments and certainly the first three "Thin Man" films are the best, however the winning combination of William Powell and Myrna Loy always shone through in whatever film they appeared in together and showed in a seemingly effortless way what screen chemistry was all about.

Like all the "Thin Man", films this installment trades heavily on the elements that made the series such a legendary success. Very evident in the script of "After the Thin Man", is the wonderful verbal sparring between performers Powell and Loy, Nick Charles famous associations with every form of low life, Nick's drinking, and Nora's gutsy determination to get in on any form of action that is taking place and which is normally reserved for the "guys'. Powell and Loy created in this unforgettable series the first "modern' married couple, where both were total equals and where Nora would much rather match Nick drink for drink and go out investigating with him on a case than be your traditional housewife. Their work on screen together in "After the Thin Man", is a total delight and goes along way towards explaining why this and other films they did together remain so popular even today. "After the Thin Man", like all the other installments in the series has quite an involved plot and this one picks up the story from where the earlier first film finished off. It focuses this time on Nora's own society family in Nob Hill San Francisco where her cousin Selma (Elisa Landi) finds herself in a loveless marriage with perrenial playboy Robert Landis (Alan Marshal)who is planning to leave her. Accused of his murder just after he has walked out Selma asks the reluctant Nick to take the case in her defense.The fun really begins when Nick with Nora and the scene stealing Aster in tow get involved in the complicated case that has them uncovering two more murders along the way and has Nick being shot at and Nora being thrown into prison for being in the wrong place at the wrong time!!. The finale is vintage Thin Man stuff with Nick rounding up all the suspects in Robert's murder with the quips flying fast and furious at every turn before the surprise murderer is revealed in a rousing final confrontation. "After the Thin Man", is really less about the case at hand and more about highlighting a series of wonderful comic scenes that will have you laughing out loud. The first introduction to Nora's awfully stoggy relations at a terrible dinner part with Nick "colliding" with Nora's formidable Aunt Katherine (Jessie Ralph in probably the most hilarious performance of her career)is priceless and the following scene of Nick being stranded in the smoking room with the men none of whom are under 90 and who all fall asleep is vintage Powell and is hysterical. The film abounds with wonderful supporting performances as well from the brash night club performer Polly Byrnes (Penny Singleton) who's immortal line "Hey dont call me illiterate my parents where married right here at City Hall!" is probably the most famous bit of dialogue from the whole "Thin Man" series. A very young James Stewart shines in the non typical role of Selma's first love David Graham who in the surprise twist turns out to be not exactly what he appears to be. Good looking Alan Marshal has the small but pivotal role of Selma's husband Robert who is murdered early in the piece but he manages to create a great impression in his few scenes as the worthless scoundrel who only is after Selma's inheritance. George Zucco as Selma's doctor Dr. Adolph Kammer, and Joseph Calleia, Sam Levene and Teddy Hart all help to fill out the crazy proceedings to great effect.

Unlike alot of movie series during the 1930's and 40's the "Thin Man" films were never regarded as programmers but instead as some of the top flight productions for their respective years. All of the MGM knowhow and expertise is evident in each installment and is no where more evident than in "After the Thin Man". Directed with typical speed and breeziness by veteran W.S.Van Dyke, his style suited these fast moving, rapid fire stories perfectly and he was always resonsible for extracting the best work from William Powell and Myrna Loy in their numerous projects together. Adapted for the screen by polished writers Goodrich and Hackert the dialogue is a hoot from start to finish and contained some of the most memorable Nick and Nora dialogue that went along way to endearing this wonderful couple to movie audiences such as Nick's line "Let's get something to eat. I'm thirsty", priceless stuff indeed.

The magical combination of William Powell and Myrna Loy and of course Asta who became a star in his own right after this film really is what classic Hollywood is all about. Today's stars cannot come close to these type of performers who had the benefits of a top studio to groom and develop them. "After the Thin Man", is a memorable viewing experience and one of the very best in the Powell/Loy series of films together and it seems to become wittier and more funny with each viewing. I strongly recommend this film to anyone who loves witty sophisticated movies with an element of mystery thrown in for good measure. You can't help but love the latest hilarious adventures of Nick and Nora Charles in MGM's "After the Thin Man". Enjoy!

The very first THIN MAN movie was so popular due to love bickering relationship between Nick and Nora. It was no doubt a treat to see a married couple pick at each other and all the while the love they shared for each other was evident to all. The murder mystery almost takes second place to the bickering between Nick and Nora. Not so in AFTER THE THIN MAN.

AFTER THE THIN MAN devotes the bulk of the story to the murder mystery. Nick, who is still supposedly retired from detective work, gets lured into another case. A relative of Nora's needs Nick to prove her innocent. The case seems iron clad and Lieutenant Abrams, portrayed by Sam Levene is sure who the killer is. Only Nick seems to be able to sift through all the circumstantial evidence and get to the real evidence. Nora dogs his every step as she attempts to convince her family Nick is a good man even if he wears a "blue" collar.

James Stewart, prior to becoming famous, does well as the rejected love interest of the accused murderer. He will do anything to help her...or will he? Penny Singleton, prior to her role as Blondie Bumstead in the BLONDIE movies and her providing her voice as Jan Jetson on the JETSONS, has an interesting role as 1930's sexy street sassy blonde. As she would tell you, she's not illiterate because her parents were married at city hall.

So, while the original THIN MAN was fresh and new AFTER THE THIN MAN has all the dents and dings banged out of the script. It is a much better and much more interesting film. It is my favorite of the six THIN MAN films.

The DVD edition of this film is long overdue.

The second in the series of Thin Man films and the second best one, just a notch below the first. The story begins just days after the first movie. Nick and Nora have returned to their very luxurious home in California from New York.

They arrive home to find a house full of (uninvited) guests who are there to welcome the couple back home. They attend a Dinner party at Nora's very uptight socialite Aunt. Hilarious watching Nick interact with these old, wealthy step-relatives.

Soon, though, Nora's cousin Selma is accused of murdering her estranged husband and Nick and Nora have to step in to investigate.

This time the Charles celebrate New Years Eve with plenty of drinks at the night club of a small-time hood named Dancer. Nick is joined by a table full of his old friends and ne'er-do-wells in the club all drinking and having a great time.

Sam Levine is very funny making his first of two appearances as Lt. Abrahms. A young Jimmy Stewart is also along as the unrequited love of Selma.

As with the first, the drinks flow freely, particularly in the night club scenes where Nick finds himself the object of affection of a drunken young lady, much to the chagrin of her boyfriend.

Fantastic banter between the two stars as usual. Their chemistry was second to none. Asta is along too.

This was also, I think one of the better mysteries of all the Thin Man movies. Where is the DVD????

If you are ready for great fun, this detective film also qualifies as a classic comedy. After a hilarious return to San Francisco, Nick and Nora encounter a murder on New Year's Eve. The witty and sophisticated repartee of William Powell and Myrna Loy remains the primary appeal of the Thin Man series. The key word is "sophisticated." We are not speaking of slapstick and pratfalls. Nick and Nora demonstrate that it is fun to be married, especially in a relationship of equals. They are wealthy, but Nick relishes his working class background. He is a favorite of cab drivers, newsboys, and beer truck drivers. Nora's chutzpah enables her to keep pace. This time, Nora's snooty family is in for some ribbing. It seems that most people related to Nora are over the age of 70. Although the family disapproves of Nick's background as a "flatfoot," they ask him to investigate cousin Selma's missing husband. The sets up several funny sequences ranging from dinner at haughty Aunt Catherine's to the New Year's Eve party at the Li Chi club. When recently released convict Willie the Weeper and his cronies join Nick and Nora's party at the Li Chi, the humor flies fast and furious. A strong supporting cast was another hallmark of the series. A young Jimmy Stewart plays Selma's old boy friend, who wants her back. Dorothy McNaulty is the cabaret singer. Later, she changed her hair color, changed name to Penny Singleton, and played Blondie in the old movie series. The entertainment is as fresh and vital as it was almost 70 years ago. Enjoy the fun. ;-)

Although it lacks the sharp edge of the original, AFTER THE THIN MAN is a worth sequel to THE THIN MAN, with the famous William Powell and Myrna Loy chemistry as intoxicating as one of Nick Charles' famous cocktails.

The sequel finds Nick and Nora Charles newly returned to their home in San Francisco in the wake of Nick's successful handling of "the thin man" case--only to find Norah's formidable aunt Katherine determined to keep the family name out the papers re cousin Selma's wayward husband, who has been missing for several days. Nick is accordingly summoned to track him down as discreetly as possible. But where Nick and Norah go, both murder and publicity is sure to follow.

AFTER THE THIN MAN boasts a cast equal to the original, most notably a young James Stewart as cousin Selma's former love, Jessie Ralph as Aunt Katherine, and a truly delightful Penny Singleton as Polly, the hard-knocks cabaret singer who leads wealthy husbands astray. The story is a bit convoluted, but the complications never get in the way of the film's witty dialogue, and while many may find the killer a bit obvious it doesn't prevent the film from being a great deal of fun. Recommended.

This was the second in the series featuring the great film team of William Powell and Myrna Loy, again starring as Nick and Nora Charles, the couple who seem to have a way with getting mixed up in murder. The mystery itself is quite complicated, but it basically surrounds the murder of Nora's cousin's husband, although his murder is only the first. The mystery is fun to follow (and not easy to figure out, although my hunch proved right). But the terrific dialogue and rapport between Powell and Loy matches the mystery, and even their dog, Asta, has some hilarious scenes as well. The supporting cast of Elissa Landi, James Stewart, and many familiar character actors are also good. I can't compare this to the other Thin Man movies, having not scene all of them, but I'm sure this must be one of the best and fans of mysteries and this great film team will definitely want to catch this movie.

"After the Thin Man" picks up where 1934's classic comedic mystery "The Thin Man" left off. Nick and Nora Charles (William Powell and Myrna Loy) are returning by train to their home in San Francisco. They arrive on New Year's Eve to a gaggle of reporters plying Nick for details of the now-famous Thin Man case and a house full of drunken revelers. Nora's fragile cousin Selma (Elissa Landi) insists that the couple join her for dinner at the family home, hoping Nick will be able to help with a problem: Selma's philandering husband Robert (Alan Marshall) is missing. The generally disapproving family matriarch Aunt Katherine (Jessie Ralph) will do anything to avoid a scandal. And Selma's former fiancé Robert (Jimmy Stewart), who still loves her, hopes that Robert is gone for good this time. So much for Nick and Nora's plans to relax for a while.

The creative talent from "The Thin Man" reunited for this sequel: Dashiell Hammett contributed the (unpublished) story. Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett wrote the screenplay. And W. S. Van Dyke directs. Of the five "Thin Man" sequels that were made 1936-1947, "After the Thin Man" is the only one that approaches the quality of the original. It doesn't match "The Thin Man"'s witty banter between Nick and Nora, which explains why this film is not as fondly remembered. But it does match, and possibly exceeds, the mystery and cast of suspects. There are colorful underworld characters, indelicate and unscrupulous dames, and a hard-boiled police detective, Lieutenant Abrams (Sam Levene). This is notable, because the police become buffoons, played for laughs, in subsequent "Thin Man" films. Dashiell Hammett is characteristically unflattering to everyone: The underworld is motivated purely by material gain and completely lacking in ethics, while the aristocracy's values are outdated and out-of-touch. A well-written and thoroughly entertaining film.

The DVD (Warner Brothers 2005): This print has some minor white specks, but the picture is otherwise good, and sound is good. Bonus features include a short film and a cartoon, as is usual for the "Thin Man" DVDs, but this one also includes some old radio programs. "How to Be a Detective" (9 min) is a short film in which satirist Robert Benchley gives us comedic lessons in how to recognize criminal types, catch and criminal, and get a confession. "The Early Bird Gets the Worm" (9 min) is a Harmon-Ising cartoon of a bluebird chasing an elusive worm while a rattlesnake chases them both. "6/17/1940 Lux Radio Theater Broadcast" (audio only) is a radio play, starring William Powell and Myrna Loy, of "After the Thin Man", introduced by Cecile B. Demille. It's a good play but completely redundant if you're seen the movie. "Leo Is on the Air Radio Promo" (audio only) is a "cavalcade of musical hits" from 1936 movies, including the song "Smoke Dreams" from "After the Thin Man". There is also a theatrical trailer (3 min). Subtitles are available for the film in English, Spanish, and French. Dubbing is available in French.

Great periscope view of the thirties. Everybody wears a mustach (except the women). Humor still valid. And cocktail- drinking? sheesh! Humor still valid. Good acting. And where does one find a marriage like this? Wonderful. Take me back (altho I wasn't even a gleam yet).

William Powell and Mryna Loy belong high up on Hollywood's great comedy teams. Infact that should be AFI's next list. The 100 greatest Hollywood teams. And I bet Powell and Loy would place high if only for their work in "The Thin Man" series.

"After the Thin Man" is the sequel to the 1934 film "The Thin Man". And it's almost as wonderful as the first. The witty dialogue, the chemistry between Powell and Loy and the charm of the first one is all here.

The story starts off with Nick and Nora (Powell and Loy) returning from New York after solving the crime in the first movie (I feel you do not have to see these movies in order to understand them. But, I do think one should see the first movie first only to help you understand the lead characters. After that you can watch them in any order you like). Wanting to spend a quite evening home alone and sleeping the Charles' find that they have been invited to Nora's Aunt Katherine's (Jessie Ralph) house. Selma,(Elissa Landi)Nora's cousin is having problems with her husband. He has left her for another woman. Not wanting the police to find out thus bringing the family name to disgrace they ask Nick if he'll help them find Robert (Alan Marshall), Selma's husband.

As the movie goes on we find that Robert has been shoot. But who did it? Was it Selma, jealous that she has lost her husband? Was it David Graham (James Stewart). A friend who has been in love with Selma and was being brided by Robert. Could it of been Polly (Penny Singleton), the woman Robert was having an affair with? "After the Thin Man" has a lot of fun figuring that out.

By the time this movie was made Powell and Loy had appeared in quite a few films already. And many of them had been directed by the same director of this movie W.S. van Dyke. They include "Manhattan Melodrama", and "The Thin Man". Later on in their careers they would also work together on "I Love You Again" and a few other "Thin Man" movies. I mention this so you can understand that the 3 of them seem to understand each other. Dyke know for his "one take" approach seemed suited to direct these two. All of the films are charming and bright. They each offer that wonderful old fashion Hollywood charm.

If you haven't seen any of the "Thin Man" movies I honestly do feel it would be better to see the original first. But, "After the Thin Man" is a lot of fun. I also feel it's better then the next installment "Another Thin Man".

Bottom-line: Very good follow-up to the original "Thin Man". Witty and bright them movie is filled with charm. Has good performance and over-all is just a lot of fun to watch.