Experience the perfect blend of mystery and comedy in the world of “Thin Man” movies. In this blog post, we will guide you through the franchise chronologically and explain why these films achieved classic status during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
“The Thin Man” series follows the charming couple Nick Charles and Nora Charles, played by the incomparable William Powell and Myrna Loy, as they solve murders and crimes with a side of hilarity.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to these films, you’ll soon understand why they’ve remained so beloved. So sit back, grab a martini, and let’s dive into the world of the “Thin Man” franchise.
A List of All ‘Thin Man’ Movies In Order
- The Thin Man (1934)
- After the Thin Man (1936)
- Another Thin Man (1939)
- Shadow of the Thin Man (1941)
- The Thin Man Goes Home (1945)
- Song of the Thin Man (1947)
‘The Thin Man’ (1934)
Have you ever watched a film that had everything? Mystery, comedy, romance, a stunning and flirtatious couple, and even an adorable fur ball. Yes, we are talking about “The Thin Man,” the 1934 movie that charms and captivates you from the very beginning.
Directed by W.S. Van Dyke and based on Dashiell Hammett‘s novel of the same name, this film introduces us to Nick and his wife Nora, a retired private detective and a wealthy heiress who enjoy their lives with plenty of drinks and undeniable chemistry.
With William Powell and Myrna Loy at the helm, they deliver fantastic performances that show why they are considered one of the greatest on-screen duos ever. Let’s not forget their furry sidekick, dog Asta, played by canine actor Skippy. This film features all the ingredients to make it a timeless classic. It was added to the United States National Film Registry in 1997. With a budget of $231,000, the film made $1.4 million at the box office. If you are looking to watch some great classic films, this one should be on your list.
‘After the Thin Man’ (1936)
“After the Thin Man” is a classic American murder mystery comedy film that was released in 1936. The movie is a sequel to the first one in the franchise and features William Powell, Myrna Loy, and James Stewart. Directed by W.S. Van Dyke, it stars Elissa Landi, Joseph Calleia, and Jessie Ralph alongside Powell and Loy, who portrays the iconic Nick and Nora Charles.
The movie opens with the couple returning from vacation to their home in San Francisco on New Year’s Eve, only to find themselves swept up in a murder mystery. Despite some stuffy family drama and initial reluctance from Nick, the two soon set out to help find a missing man and solve the case.
With great characters and a compelling plot, “After the Thin Man” remains a beloved classic to this day. If you have the chance to watch the first film, then you must watch this one too.
‘Another Thin Man’ (1939)
The next movie in the series, “Another Thin Man,” was released after three years after the previous movie. The third installment in the “Thin Man” series brings back the beloved duo of Nick and Nora Charles, played by William Powell and Myrna Loy and directed by W. S. Van Dyke.
The movie is based on Dashiell Hammett‘s Continental Op story “The Farewell Murder.” This time, Charles’ son Nick Jr joins in on their adventures. The story of the movie follows the couple as Colonel Burr MacFay invites them to his Long Island house for a weekend vacation.
Mackay, the administrator of Nora’s fortune, seeks Nick’s help to deal with death threats he has been receiving from Phil Church, a shady character. With plenty of suspense and drama, “Another Thin Man” delivers yet another thrilling mystery for fans of the series.
‘Shadow of the Thin Man’ (1941)
“Shadow of the Thin Man” is a classic murder mystery comedy film released in 1941 by MGM and directed by W. S. Van Dyke. It stars William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles, a high society couple investigating a race-track murder with their pet dog Asta in tow. It is the fourth movie in the “Thin Man” series.
The movie follows the central conflict of the Charles’ trying to find out who killed a jockey at the racetrack while also dealing with shady characters. The plot is full of witty dialogue, cleverly written scenes, and humorous moments, making it an enjoyable watch even today. In the film, Nick gathers all the evidence to catch the culprits.
“Shadow of the Thin Man” is an entertaining classic that has stood the test of time due to its clever writing, engaging plot, and memorable characters. Its unique blend of comedy and mystery makes it a timeless classic that still resonates with modern audiences today. It’s no wonder this movie has been praised for over eight decades – it’s simply one of those films you can’t help but love.
‘The Thin Man Goes Home’ (1945)
The fifth installment in the classic detective-comedy series “The Thin Man,” “The Thin Man Goes Home” (1945) follows the married detective Nick and Nora Charles (William Powell and Myrna Loy) as they visit Nick’s parents in their small, rural hometown. When Nick searches Berton’s room for clues, he is knocked unconscious by a mysterious assailant and wakes up to find himself embroiled in a murder investigation.
The film fits into the larger context of the “Thin Man” series by continuing to explore the dynamic between Nick and Nora Charles, whose witty banter and playful chemistry are as entertaining as ever. Richard Thorpe’s plot direction is deftly handled, with plenty of twists and turns that keep viewers guessing until the end.
“The Thin Man Goes Home” is an enjoyable addition to the series that still holds up today. While it may not be quite as iconic as some of its predecessors, it still offers plenty of laughs and thrills for fans of classic detective films.
‘Song of the Thin Man’ (1947)
The classic 1947 film “Song of the Thin Man,” directed by Edward Buzzell, is a murder mystery-comedy and the sixth and final installment in MGM’s Thin Man series. The film stars William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles, a married couple investigating a murder on a gambling boat.
The plot follows the two main suspects, who come to Nick for help as they try to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death. The movie is filled with suspenseful moments as well as comedic ones that keep viewers engaged throughout. The cinematography is excellent, with beautiful shots of New York City and its nightlife. The screenplay is cleverly written, with plenty of witty dialogue between Nick and Nora that adds to the movie’s overall charm.
“Song of the Thin Man” is an excellent entry in the franchise and a classic example of noir mysteries from its period. It highlights many aspects of cinema from this era, such as cinematography, acting, screenplay writing, and themes that make it stand out from other films in its genre. It also serves as an important reminder about justice and morality within society today.
So here we are with all the “Thin Man” movies in order of the release date. These are all classic films with plenty of laughs and thrills for everyone to enjoy. We highly recommend checking them out if you haven’t seen them already.
FAQ
What Is The Best Way To Watch The Thin Man Movies?
You can watch the Thin Man films in order of release date. If you want a cinematic experience, check out their Blu-ray releases for a higher-quality viewing experience. Either way, watching the “Thin Man” films is an entertaining ride you won’t forget. Whether it’s for nostalgic purposes or as a great introduction to classic film noir, these movies are sure to provide hours of entertainment.
Do You Need To Watch The Thin Man Movies In Order?
No, you can watch them in any order that you like. However, if you have any interest in the characters or the story, it is recommended that you watch them in order of release date to gain a better understanding of their relationship and motivations. This experience will be more enjoyable than watching them out of order.
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