After the Thin Man
The second of the Thin Man movies, this is just as good as the first. It also explains some of the back story and we get to meet Nora’s family. Apparently, though in love, all of the money comes from Nora, and the family is not entirely happy that she ended up with a “gumheel”. That said, they turn to Nick to solve the disappearance, and later murder, of Nora’s cousin Selma’s husband. The dialog is sparkling and clever, and written by Dashiell Hammet. Some of the topics a bit surprising risque for a 1930’s-era movie, although Nick and Nora do sleep in separate beds.
Jessie Ralph, as Nora’s domineering Aunt Katherine is fantastic as are most of the underworld friend’s of Nick’s, and even Asta the dog was great. The only not-so-good performance was Sam Levine as Lt. Abrams, the detective in charge of the case as he was a bit on the mugging side. This was also one of the Jimmy (credited as “James”) Stewart’s first roles and he was, of course, spectacular.
Rating: A; would watch again.
