
The Thin Man
1934, Comedy/Drama, 1h 33m
42 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Featuring an involving mystery and sparkling repartee between William Powell and Myrna Loy, The Thin Man is an endlessly charming romp. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Nick Charles
Nora Charles
Dorothy Wynant
Lt. John Guild
Mimi Jorgenson
MacCauley
News & Interviews for The Thin Man
Critic Reviews for The Thin Man
All Critics (42) | Top Critics (11) | Fresh (41) | Rotten (1)
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It's hard not to love the whip-smart, hilarious Nora.
January 8, 2021 | Full Review… -
This film has the unusual merit of combining exciting adventure and genuine comedy. The two are so cleverly managed that the one never gets in the way of the other.
November 3, 2020 | Full Review… -
[An] exceptionally good movie...
November 3, 2020 | Full Review… -
Don't spare the enthusiasm on this one because if the book had thousands of readers, this picture will have millions of customers - well satisfied and with that well-fed look.
May 29, 2018 | Full Review… -
One of the most popular comedies ever made.
February 10, 2012 | Full Review… -
Tense and slick, this early thriller remains a true masterpiece.
February 10, 2012 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Thin Man
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Jun 20, 2017This was the movie that would launch the 'Thin Man' series, and as in the sequels which would follow, William Powell and Myrna Loy are so damn charming, endearing, and wonderful that you'll want to eat them up. The movie starts off with a gritty feeling, as an inventor finds he's been robbed of bonds from his safe, and angrily approaches his mistress. His daughter, played by the lovely Maureen O'Sullivan, is about to get married, and when he disappears shortly thereafter, she begins to worry. She runs into William Powell in a bar (where else?), and explains things to him, but he's on vacation and doesn't want anything to do with the case. Eventually of course, he gets sucked in. Powell is simply outstanding in this movie. His character is what every man wishes he could be: witty, charming, one step ahead of everyone else, calm under pressure, married to the cute and playful Myrna Loy, and able to hold an incredible amount of liquor. Far from being stressed out, he's bemused by it all. Powell plays this role perfectly, and his chemistry with Loy is extraordinary. Their banter and quirky behavior quickly takes over the movie, rendering the mystery of the 'thin man' secondary. There are just so many funny lines and facial gestures that I was literally laughing out loud 83 years later. All that and 'Asta' the dog too! The actual solving of the crime is a little convoluted, but don't worry too much about that, you'll be highly entertained.Antonius B Super Reviewer
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Aug 16, 2014Classic detective film. Hilarious and entertaining.Stephen S Super Reviewer
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May 06, 2014The first of an epic number of films concerning the "Thin Man" fueled by the love of cinema noir by the audience. Powell and Loy have great chemistry as a strange plot unfolds around them.John B Super Reviewer
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Jul 21, 2013A husband/wife detective tandem work to solve a series of murders. The thirties style of slap-dash, madcap overlapping dialogue highlights the excellent performances of this very strong film. Comparing this film to the mysteries of today proves how much harder screenwriters of the old days had to work and how much more language was valued. Every line of this film is so witty and sharp, and William Powell and Myrna Loy never seem like people you know, but they always seem like people you wish you knew. The mystery, originally penned by Dashiell Hammett, is not terribly predictable, but it's solvable, which is the way mysteries should be. Overall, I enjoyed this film immensely, and it made me long to hear more dialogue from this era.Jim H Super Reviewer
The Thin Man Quotes
Nora Charles: | Say, what's that man doing in my drawers? |
Nick Charles: | The important thing is the rhythm. Always have rhythm in your shaking. Now a Manhattan you shake to fox-trot time, a Bronx to two-step time, a dry martini you always shake to waltz time. |
Nora Charles: | [suffering from a hang-over] What hit me? |
Nick Charles: | The last martini. |
Nick Charles: | The murderer is right in this room. Sitting at this table. You may serve the fish. |
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