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After The Thin Man Blu-ray Review

“After The Thin Man” is a fun if overlong sequel.

In this sequel to “The Thin Man,” Nick and Nora Charles return home to San Francisco for rest and relaxation on New Year’s Eve. Alas, things don’t go as planned. Not only do they have a surprise party thrown at their home, but Nora’s cousin Selma is in need of help. It seems Selma’s husband Robert has been missing. As Nick and Nora look into matters, problems only worsen when Robert and others begin to wind up dead. Who is the murderer and what is his or her motive?

“The Thin Man” is widely known as the best in the mystery comedy series, but 1936’s W.S. Van Dyke directed “After The Thin Man” is a worthy follow-up. While the story may be pretty basic when it comes to murder mysteries, that’s not really what makes the series so endearing. Viewers are tuning in for Nick and Nora Charles played by William Powell and Myrna Loy respectively. Not only do the two actors have great chemistry together, but these characters are among the finest husband-wife duos in cinema history. You believe them as a couple and want to go on journeys with them. Powell is especially on point here as he arguably has the funniest moments (the phone call during a shooting and his imitations of people come to mind). Powell and Loy aren’t the only cast members here though as a very young James Stewart has a pivotal role playing David (who has a crush on Selma). It was a blast to see him so early in his career here.

The Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich script does have a few issues here. For one, it gets a bit too stuck in the formula that the first film had (although the very end was a nice touch). The story also runs a bit too long and could have easily been shaved 10-15 minutes to tighten up the pacing. On an added note, this movie did need more Asta. The scenes Asta does have (especially with Mrs. Asta) were among the highlights. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.37:1 1080p. How does it look? Expect a nice crisp B&W print.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? This disc provides a satisfactory Mono track.

Extras:
* Theatrical trailer
* A classic cartoon called “The Early Bird And The Worm.”
* “A Leo Is On The Air” radio promo.
* A 1940 Lux Radio Theater radio drama of “After The Thin Man” with Powell and Loy.
* “How To Be  A Detective”- A comedy short film.

March 8, 2021 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | After The Thin Man Blu-ray Review, Comedy, Myrna Loy, Mystery, The Thin Man, Warner Archive, William Powell