This could be the best boxed set of 2005 so far. Let's look at evidence: (1) All six films are screwball comedies AND great detective stories; (2) They have two of the coolest actors ever to appear on the silver screen, Myrna Loy and William Powell; (3) The supporting cast is fantastic, including people like Jimmy Stewart and Gloria Grahame; and (4) To top it off, you have one of the best supporting dogs in Hollywood history, the perky and hard-working Asta. It's pretty much flawless -- and there are six movies.
The sequel, After the Thin Man (1936), is on par with the original film, The Thin Man (1934), which was originally produced as a simple "B" movie based on Dashiell Hammett's novel of the same name, featuring the husband-and-wife detective team of Nick and Nora Charles. Most people have probably seen the original film, and perhaps the second one, but the last four, while all big hits at the time, are seen far less often on TCM and the like.
Another Thin Man (1939) takes place on Long Island, where Col. McFay (C. Aubrey Smith) investigates Nick's financial situation. Murder ensues, and the audit takes a back seat to the investigation.
In Shadow of the Thin Man (1941) Nick and Nora visit the racetrack to investigate the murder of a jockey. The Thin Man Goes Home takes the pair to Sycamore Springs to visit Nick's parents, and we find out a lot more about the great detective, not all of it flattering.
In Song of the Thin Man (1947), the scene shifts to a series of New York jazz joints, and features the aforementioned Gloria Grahame, not to mention Jayne Meadows, Marie Windsor and Keenan Wynn.
Perhaps the most exciting feature of the new boxed set -- especially for those who have seen all six films aready -- is the bonus disc, featuring two documentaries on William Powell and Myrna Loy. Other extras include a Lux Radio Theater adaptation of the story, plus an episode of the 1950s TV series (did you remember there even was one?) starring Peter Lawford and Phyllis Kirk.
It's a total joy, and a must-own for classic film fans.
Buy it!
Visit the Warner Home Video site.
