The Thin Man Double Bill

The Thin Man (WS Van Dyke, 1934)

After The Thin Man (WS Van Dyke, 1936)

What are they about? A pair of comic detective films, in which amateur sleuths Nick and Nora Charles (William Powell and Myrna Loy) investigate a couple of missing person cases, but still take time to drink, flirt and cheerfully insult each other along the way. Think Hart to Hart, only good.

Are they any good? Great fun. Both stories are satisfyingly plotted, sharply written and entertainingly played - even the comedy dog is actually funny. But it's the brilliant chemistry between Powell and Loy that elevates the films to something a bit special, as they swap wisecracks and insults, quaff cocktails and martinis at every opportunity, and never miss a chance for a good old innuendo. Genuinely funny and effortlessly charming - you'll go a long way to find a modern screen couple with the same appeal.

Anything else I should know? There's another 4 films in the Thin Man series, and whilst Powell and Loy are as good as always, the stories can't match up to the first two. You might also want to check out the grittier source novel by Dashiell Hammett. Recent word has it Johnny Depp is to star in a remake, but even he'll have his work cut out to match up to Powell's sophisticated wit and delivery.

What does the Fonz think? Two unapologetically alcoholic thumbs up!

Buy The Thin Man Collection on Amazon