After the Thin Man (1936)

☆ ☆ ☆ ½

After the Thin Man (1936) – W. S. Van Dyke

Nick and Nora Charles (the sleuthing couple from Dashiell Hammett’s 1934 novel, The Thin Man) are back, again incarnated by dapper/sophisticated but totally soused William Powell and Myrna Loy. Of course, like many of the mystery series of the era, the plot introduces many characters (many red herrings) and brings them all together into a room at the end so Charles can accuse/catch the real killer. What elevates this series, aside from the stars’ perfect chemistry is the droll (and sometimes screwball) humour (both Powell and Loy know how to wait for the beat) and the superior actors in supporting roles. For example, this sequel features Jimmy Stewart (!) and Joseph Calleia as suspects (among others). The plot finds Nick and Nora travelling to California, arriving on New Year’s Eve but being called to her aunt’s house to investigate the disappearance (and then murder) of her cousin’s no-good husband. Perhaps viewers can’t really figure out whodunnit very easily (also an issue with some of Hammett’s short stories) but the fun is in watching the stars in action, despite the formula.