After the Thin Man Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Tipsy detective and his sassy wife solve a murder while dodging Nora’s annoying relatives and Asta’s canine infidelity.

🍿 After the Thin Man: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Returning to San Francisco

Nick and Nora Charles arrive back in San Francisco after solving a case in New York, eager for a quiet New Year’s Eve. However, their plans are quickly derailed when they’re drawn into a family drama involving Nora’s cousin, Selma Landis, whose husband, Robert, has gone missing.

The Disappearance of Robert Landis

Nora’s aunt, Katherine, insists that Nick investigate Robert’s disappearance, fearing scandal. Nick and Nora learn that Robert is involved with a nightclub singer, Polly Byrnes, and is attempting to extort money from David Graham, an old flame of Selma’s. This sets the stage for a complex web of relationships and potential motives.

Murder and Suspicion

Robert Landis is found murdered, and suspicion immediately falls on Selma. Nick, however, believes Selma is innocent and begins to unravel the truth behind the murder, navigating through a cast of shady characters and uncovering hidden motives. He soon discovers Robert was involved with dangerous people and blackmail plots.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Nick Charles (William Powell): A witty, martini-loving former detective who is drawn into another murder investigation despite his desire for a quiet life.
• Nora Charles (Myrna Loy): A wealthy and sophisticated socialite, Nora enjoys adventure and enthusiastically assists her husband Nick in solving crimes.
• David Graham (James Stewart): Selma’s former fiancé, harboring a long-standing love for her and ultimately revealed to be the killer.
• Selma Landis (Elissa Landi): Nora’s cousin, whose troubled marriage and missing husband lead to a murder investigation where she becomes the prime suspect.
• ‘Dancer’ (Joseph Calleia): The shady nightclub owner involved in blackmail and illicit affairs.
• Aunt Katherine (Jessie Ralph): Nora’s overbearing and snobbish aunt who disapproves of Nick and pressures him to investigate the disappearance of Selma’s husband.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Nick Charles: “Come on, let’s get something to eat. I’m thirsty.” – Nick’s frequent call for a drink, highlighting his fondness for alcohol and dry wit.
• Aunt Katherine: “Hello, NicholASS.” – Aunt Katherine’s snobbish and intentionally rude mispronunciation of Nick’s name, showing her disapproval of him.
• Nick Charles: “I’m just trying to get all of the bad words out of my mind.” – Nick’s sarcastic response to Nora when she asks what he’s muttering, showcasing his irreverent humor.
• Nora Charles: “Dear, you know the most interesting people.” – Nora’s dry comment on Nick’s acquaintances, hinting at their often shady backgrounds.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $683,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 After the Thin Man Reviews

Personal Review

I love this movie! Nick and Nora are my favorite movie couple. Their witty banter makes me laugh every time, and I adore how Nora always gets involved in Nick’s cases. The scene where they are trying to get the clue away from Asta is hilarious! The family dynamics are amusing, especially aunt Katherine. This film makes me wish I lived in the 1930s, solving crimes with a martini in hand.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic mystery films”
  • “Those who enjoy witty banter and sophisticated humor”
  • “Viewers interested in 1930s cinema and style”
  • “Fans of William Powell and Myrna Loy’s on-screen chemistry”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Alcohol use and smoking”
  • “Mature themes related to infidelity and murder”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Powell and Loy are as charming as ever, their witty banter and effortless chemistry elevating the familiar mystery plot. The film is a delightful romp through San Francisco’s high society and seedy underworld, with a supporting cast that shines. While the mystery is convoluted, the overall experience is pure entertainment.
• The New York Times: “A worthy successor to ‘The Thin Man,’ this sequel delivers more of what audiences loved: sophisticated humor, a complex mystery, and the undeniable charisma of Powell and Loy. James Stewart adds a compelling layer to the story, and Asta steals every scene. A classic blend of comedy and crime.
• The Guardian: “A lighthearted romp through a murder investigation, relying heavily on the charm and chemistry of Powell and Loy. The plot is secondary to the witty dialogue and delightful characters. The film provides a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era of sophisticated crime-solving.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between William Powell and Myrna Loy is absolutely perfect and makes the movie incredibly enjoyable.: Viewers consistently praise the witty dialogue, the charming performances, and the overall lighthearted atmosphere.

Asta the dog adds a delightful comedic element, stealing scenes with his antics and undeniable cuteness.: Many appreciate the film’s blend of humor and mystery, finding it a refreshing and entertaining experience.

Overall Consensus: A charming and witty sequel that captures the magic of the original, thanks to the incredible chemistry between Powell and Loy. It is a timeless classic.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Writing, Original Story)- 1937

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film reunites the successful team from The Thin Man (1934), including writers Dashiell Hammett, Frances Goodrich, and Albert Hackett, ensuring a similar tone and quality.”
• “During filming, James Stewart, in an early role, reportedly took photos of Myrna Loy and joked about marrying her, showcasing the lighthearted atmosphere on set.”
• “The character of Asta, the wire-haired terrier, was so popular that he was given more screen time in this sequel, including a subplot involving his own family life.”
• “The film showcases vintage location footage of San Francisco in the 1930s, including Coit Tower and Lotta’s Fountain, offering a glimpse into the city’s past.”

🖥️ How to Watch After the Thin Man?

After the Thin Man is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for possible television airings. Consider purchasing the DVD or Blu-ray for a physical copy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed After the Thin Man, you might like these similar films:

• The Maltese Falcon (1941): A classic detective story with a cynical private eye, showcasing a dark and complex mystery.
• Murder on the Orient Express (1974): Features an ensemble cast and a complex murder mystery with multiple suspects, similar to the intricate plots of the ‘Thin Man’ series.
• Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988): Blends mystery, comedy, and romance with a detective investigating a crime in a whimsical setting.
• Knives Out (2019): A modern whodunit with a star-studded cast, clever twists, and sharp social commentary, appealing to fans of intricate mysteries.

🛒 After the Thin Man Related Products

• The Complete Thin Man Collection (DVD): Own all six Thin Man films in this comprehensive DVD collection. Perfect for classic film lovers and fans of William Powell and Myrna Loy.
• Thin Man: Audio books: Enjoy the collection of Thin Man Stories. Re-immerse yourself in the original book.
• Thin Man Poster: High-quality poster, celebrating the iconic movie. A piece of memorabilia.
• Martini Glasses Set: Channel your inner Nick and Nora with this set of elegant martini glasses. Perfect for recreating their signature cocktails.

🎧 Soundtrack

After the Thin Man features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Blow That Horn” – performed by Penny Singleton

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

After The Thin Man (1936) – Asta

Asta is the real star of this movie, let’s be honest! This clip showcases one of Asta’s best scenes. Check it out, you won’t regret it!

Original “Walk this Way”

Did you know that the famous “Walk This Way” gag actually originated in ‘After the Thin Man’? It’s a fun little bit of film history, give it a watch!

CLASSIC MOVIE REVIEW: THE THIN MAN & AFTER THE THIN MAN – STEVE HAYES: Tired Old Queen at the Movies

Want a deeper dive into what makes “After the Thin Man” so great? This review breaks down the movie’s charm and historical significance. I think it’s totally worth watching before or after seeing the movie.

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