The
Thin Man,
released in 1934, was such a success (and Oscar nominee) that Hollywood decided
to make a sequel (and, in fact, several of them). After the Thin Man,
released in 1936, reunited stars William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora
Charles, the Wire Fox Terrier-actor Skippy as “Asta,†director W. S. Van Dyke,
writer Dashiell Hammett (who wrote the original novel and supplied story ideas
for the sequels), and screenwriters Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich. The
result is a thoroughly enjoyable follow-up, if not quite as brilliant as the
original (sequels seldom are).
One
of the more striking elements of After the Thin Man is the presence of a
young James Stewart in a supporting role. It is one of his earliest screen
appearances, and he displays the charisma that would suit him well for the next
several decades.
The
picture brings back all the trappings of the first movie—the chemistry between
husband-and-wife Nick and Nora, their penchant for cocktails (especially his
penchant), their precocious dog, and the couple’s ability to outsmart the
cops and effortlessly solve a crime. The plot is complex, has many twists and
turns, and keeps an audience guessing (the screenplay received an Oscar
nomination). The big reveal of who the murderer really is may come as a
surprise to most.
Nora
has some troublesome relatives. Her Aunt Katherine (Jessie Ralph) has to be the
most annoying shrew on the planet. However, her daughter, and Nora’s cousin,
Selma (Elissa Landi), is pleasant enough but is married to a scoundrel, Robert
(Alan Marshal). Robert has run off, infatuated with a nightclub singer/dancer,
Polly (Penny Singleton, credited here as Dorothy McNulty). Friend of the family
David (James Stewart) provides support for Selma and wants to pay off Robert
$25,000 (!) to grant Selma a divorce and leave for good. David, perhaps, has a good
reason to do so—he has always carried a torch for Selma. The co-owner of the nightclub,
a guy named Dancer (Joseph Calleia), is shady and schemes with Polly to steal
David’s money from Robert. Added to the mix is Polly’s brother?/boyfriend?/husband?
Phil (Paul Fix), who wants money from Polly, too. When Robert is shot to death
on the street in San Francisco, Selma is arrested and blamed for the murder.
Enter Nick and Nora. Aunt Katherine reluctantly asks the Charles couple to
investigate and clear Selma’s name.
What
follows is the kind of intrigue with laughs that one would expect from a Thin
Man sequel (note: there is no “thin man†character in this one). Also
amusing is the subplot involving Asta and “Mrs. Asta,†another Wire Fox Terrier
who has had Asta’s puppies. There’s a problem, though—one of the pups is all
black, and Asta discovers an all-black Scot Terrier sneaking into the yard and
visiting Mrs. Asta! Uh oh! Asta must continually send the interloper on his way
and chastise the missus. What isn’t explained is why Nick and Nora allow Asta
inside their house all the time and take him around town with them, and yet
Mrs. Asta and the puppies must remain outside in a pen and a doghouse. Doesn’t
seem right, does it?
Powell
and Loy are marvelous in reprising their roles. Stewart is engaging, and Ralph
is hilariously exasperating. The writing is brisk and full of terrific
one-liners. Van Dyke’s direction is breezy, and he handles the complicated
mystery with aplomb. Perhaps the picture is ten or fifteen minutes too long,
but that’s a quibble.
Warner
Archive’s new Blu-ray restoration of an earlier DVD release looks superb.
Supplements include a vintage MGM cartoon short by Hugh Harman and Rudolf
Ising, “The Early Bird and the Worm,†and a 1936 comedy short, “How to Be a
Detective,†starring Robert Benchley. Also included is the LUX Radio adaptation
starring Powell and Loy, an MGM radio promo, and the theatrical trailer. All
good stuff.
After
the Thin Man is
a welcome high-definition addition to sit on the shelf with the earlier release
of The Thin Man. Here’s hoping Warner will issue the remaining titles in
the series on Blu-ray. So, grab your martini shaker, put on your pajamas, settle
back, and have a good time at the movies!
