Today’s quick review: Shadow of the Thin Man. Nick Charles (William Powell) and his wife Nora (Myrna Loy) have their day at the horse track ruined when a jockey accused of fixing races is found murdered. Lt. Abrams (Sam Levene) begs Nick, a renowned detective, to take a look at the case. But it’s only when suspicion for a second murder falls on Paul Clarke (Barry Nelson), a reporter and a friend of Nick, that he agrees to search for the real culprit.
Shadow of the Thin Man is a crime comedy and the fourth film in the Thin Man series. Shadow of the Thin Man brings back Nick and Nora Charles for another mystery, this time investigating a gambling racket that has turned bloody. The film has the same virtues as the previous ones: two leads with great chemistry, a steady stream of banter, and a solid mystery. Though not as outstanding as the first film, Shadow of the Thin Man is a worthy sequel.
Shadow of the Thin Man puts a greater emphasis on mystery than the previous films. It sets up the mystery early, introduces a slew of characters connected to it, and lets the events of the plot play out naturally, rather than cramming them into the back half of the movie. The result is a typical Thin Man mystery with better pacing and a better payoff. The cost is a slight dip in the amount of comedy, but there’s still plenty left to entertain.
Try Shadow of the Thin Man if you’re a fan of the series, or if you’re just in the mood for an amusing, well-constructed mystery. William Powell and Myrna Loy are still a delight to watch, and the early start to the mystery changes up the formula just enough to keep things fresh. Skip it if you are looking for a more dramatic mystery or an edgier comedy. For a serious noir, try The Maltese Falcon.
7.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for a solid plot and a pair of entertaining leads.