Watch The Thin Man
- TV-PG
- 1934
- 1 hr 33 min
-
7.9 (32,866)
The Thin Man is a classic American comedy-mystery film released in 1934, directed by W.S. Van Dyke and starring William Powell and Myrna Loy in their first film together. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett and follows the story of retired detective Nick Charles (Powell) and his wealthy socialite wife, Nora (Loy), as they become embroiled in a murder case.
The film takes place in New York City during the Christmas holiday season. Nick and Nora are enjoying their luxurious life and the festivities until Nick gets involved in solving the disappearance of Clyde Wynant (portrayed by Ellis). Wynant is a wealthy inventor who hasn't been seen for months and is suspected of murder when his former secretary is found dead.
Nick is initially reluctant to take on the case, but he's convinced to help when he learns that his old friend Wynant is a suspect. As he investigates, he is accompanied by his wife Nora, who is eager to join him in the intrigue. The couple conducts investigations at different locations around the city, including hotels, nightclubs, and speakeasies. Along the way, they meet a colorful array of quirky characters, including Wynant's daughter, Dorothy (Maureen O'Sullivan), who is in love with a man her father disapproves of, and Nick's old cop friend, Lt. John Guild (Nat Pendleton), who also helps in the investigation.
The investigation is full of twists and turns, and soon everyone is a suspect. Nick and Nora's lives are threatened as their investigation uncovers more clues to the murders. They continue to investigate the murders at the same time as they are living their stylish and carefree lives in Manhattan. At every step of the way, Nick and Nora display great wit, humor, and charm, adding to the movie's appeal.
As they delve deeper into the case, they discover a complex web of lies, betrayals, and secrets that make it difficult to figure out who the real killer is. At times, the situation becomes so desperate that Nora even finds herself in grave danger.
Despite the seriousness of the case, the film has a light-hearted tone that makes it an enjoyable experience. Powell and Loy have great chemistry, and their comedic exchanges make it evident why they would go on to star in multiple movies together. In addition to the charming romance that unfolds between the characters, the movie is full of snappy dialogue, witty one-liners, and hilarious scenes, making it a quintessential screwball comedy.
The Thin Man is a classic film that is highly regarded for its charming characters, witty dialogue, and memorable performances. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and it spawned five sequels due to its massive popularity. It's a timeless classic that has aged well, and it still remains an entertaining and engaging mystery-comedy experience for modern audiences.
The Thin Man is a 1934 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 86.