The Thin Man (1934)

"Now a Manhattan you always shake to fox-trot time, a Bronx to two-step time, a dry martini you always shake to waltz time.", 18 December 2005

With The Thin Man, William Powell and Myrna Loy created what may be the perfect on-screen couple – Nick and Nora Charles. The two work flawlessly with one another. Their witty quips and playful banter seem so natural. I know that real people don't exactly talk like they do, but it just seems so effortless. Nick and Nora have style to burn. Just watch Nora glide from her bedroom to the front door in her flowing silk nightgown and you'll see what I mean. Their alcohol consumption may be a bit overdone, but it fits their characters. These people can do more after drinking a bottle of gin than most can do completely sober. The plot to The Thin Man hardly matters. These two could make reading the phone book an enjoyable experience. To sum up my ramblings, I love watching Powell and Loy as Nick and Nora.

But of course The Thin Man does have a plot – a murder that Nick wants no part of is literally thrust upon him. Even Nora wants to see him solve the case and, naturally, offers her assistance. There are plenty of suspects – the dead woman's employer/lover, his kids, his ex-wife, her lover, and a who's who of shady types. In mystery novel drawing room style, Nick gathers everyone together for the big reveal.

9/10