Film Of The Week: "The Thin Man"

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

Although this film is not obscure in terms of the history of motion pictures, it is so old I suspect many of you have never seen it and don't have any real compelling reason to do so. However, I recommend this film merely for the shocking manner in which alcohol consumption is portrayed. The characters in the film are all 'faced the whole movie, and they are PROUD of it.

Nick and Nora Charles are married detectives, and they start, end, and move through each day with a drink in their hands, and an alcoholic disregard for personal enrichment.

It really gives you a perspective on our collective pasts. Our grandparents and great-parents come from a generation that had its share of party animals, and the concept of "political correctness" is unknown in this film.

It is a film that must be seen to be believed.

[KingVoyeur]

I haven't seen the original, but I did manage to catch one of the sequels on TCM one day, good stuff. I don't remember much alcoholism, so maybe they got rid of it by that film. I'm planning on renting the rest soon.

[kah]

I love The Thin Man!! Nick and Nora Charles kick ass. You have to see them in After the Thin Man, with Jimmy Stewart. Another great old flick that is just a riot is Holiday, with Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. Of course, I love Cary Grant, and think he's hilarious, so I might just be a little biased. I had a really great night a few months ago- I kicked everyone out, and watched Arsenic and Old Lace back to back with Abbot and Costello Meet the Invisible Man.

~sigh~ It would be nice if I could actually get someone to watch black and white movies with me. Bastards that call themselves my bf and best friend think they're stupid. They thought Chris Farley was funny, so I suppose I should expect as much. ~sigh~

I forgot to add, if you think Nick and Nora are great, and you happened to be a fan of Sam Spade, and other sleuths of the old days, then you will absolutely love Murder by Death. Fantastic movie. Kind of follows the lines of Clue, but you have to know your detective movie history to get all the references.

[KingVoyeur]

OMG I looooove Murder By Death. Came before Clue, had one of the best ensemble casts ever (even Truman Capote!), and is funny as hell. Definitely check it out!!!

[Asonokirk V 2.0]

I haven't seen the original, but I did manage to catch one of the sequels on TCM one day, good stuff. I don't remember much alcoholism, so maybe they got rid of it by that film. I'm planning on renting the rest soon.

Yes, they toned it down after the first film, and by the last one Nick and Nora were non drinkers.

[thedoctorrr]

I love the Thin Man series and I really have a crush on Myrna Loy. Her Nora Charles was ideal- she's rich, loves to sink a few drinks and puts up with your crap.
Nick and Nora really did live the lives of the seemingly idle rich. The later films were still entertaining but had lost that edge the more tee-total they became.
As drunkards they were more fun to be with than Arthur.

[Space Tycoon]

What I want to know is this:

Just how thin was this man anyway?




.