After the Thin Man (1936): Nick and Nora’s New Year Mystery

ByFabian Bullitt

1936 • W.S. Van Dyke • 1.37:1 • Jump to Gallery ↓

Directed by W. S. Van Dyke, After the Thin Man sees married detectives Nick and Nora Charles return to San Francisco for the New Year, where they find themselves embroiled in a new mystery. What starts as a social visit soon turns into a murder investigation involving Nora’s extended family, a missing husband, and a group of suspicious acquaintances.

Like its predecessor, The Thin Man, the film successfully combines detective fiction with sophisticated comedy. The investigation unfolds through conversations, social gatherings, and witty repartee rather than action, with the emphasis placed on the rhythm of the dialogue and the interaction between the characters. The relationship between Nick and Nora remains central to the film, with their playful banter providing both comic relief and narrative momentum.

After the Thin Man reinforces the template established by the original film, blending detective story with romantic comedy and social satire. Visually, the film maintains the polished studio aesthetic typical of mid-1930s MGM productions. The lighting is soft and balanced, and the mise-en-scène highlights elegance rather than menace, despite the plot revolving around murder.

Technical Specs:

  • The Story: Just back from New York, suave detective Nick Charles and his witty wife Nora are drawn into another murder case, this time involving Nora’s aristocratic family and a string of suspicious characters in San Francisco. Read my review of After the Thin Man.
  • Actors: William Powell, Myrna Loy, James Stewart, Elissa Landi, Joseph Calleia, Jessie Ralph, Sam Levene.
  • Director: W.S. Van Dyke
  • Year: 1936
  • Cinematographer: Oliver T. Marsh
  • Origin: American Cinema
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1
  • Genre: Crime Comedy
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