Movie Notes: After The Thin Man
= 4 stars
Starring William Powell, Myrna Loy, James Stewart
Directed by W.S. Van Dyke
Synopsis
Upon returning to their San Francisco home, newlyweds Nick (William Powell) and Nora (Myrna Loy) learn a relative’s husband has vanished.
The Good
- The film’s heart consists of sophisticated newlywed couple Nick and Nora, played with polite energy by William Powell, and smart loyalty by Myrna Loy. Their charm is on constant display through witty banter, mostly composed of Nora’s amusing comebacks.
- Around the pair swirls a myriad of colorful characters (chorus girl, Chinese waiters, old flames, relatives) including a young Jimmy Stewart, all somehow involved in the central mystery.
- Neat glimpses of early century San Francisco.
The Bad
- Ridiculous antics: fist-fights breaking out in dark rooms, the presently un-exotic setting of a Chinese nightclub, and the impossibility of having all the suspects corralled into a room at the very end, patiently waiting for a murderer to be identified.
Conclusion
The handful of dated elements are more than made up for by the banter between Nick and Nora — chemistry between an entertaining couple never gets old. And I ought to watch this series in the correct order.
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