Pick-a-Flick

After a friend told me how much they loved to watch old black and white movies I thought I might give an oldie a try. I remembered seeing The Thin Man on a list of somebody’s favorite movies and it has gotten pretty stellar reviews over the years so I figured why not. After all movies don’t get too much older than 1934 without being silent.

Plot: The story begins when Clyde Wynant is informed that his daughter will be married just before the New Year and he wants to prepare her wedding gift, $50,000 in government bonds, before he leaves town. However, he finds that the bonds are missing and knows that Ms. Wolfe, his secretary, has taken them. When he tries to retrieve them he realizes that she had an accomplice so he goes after the accomplice before he leaves town. When Ms. Wolfe is found dead shortly afterwards the murder mystery begins.

Twist: A former detective and now very wealthy man named Nick Charles is vacationing in the city at the same time as the murders. Everybody, including his wife Nora, wants him to take the case and help the police catch the killer. Nick has no desire to be involved and is more concerned with drinking and having a good time on his vacation.

Memorable Line: Nick Charles) What’ll you have to drink?

Herbert MacCaulay) I’m not drinking.

Nick Charles) That’s a mistake.

My Thoughts: The playful and quick witted exchanges between Nick and Nora Charles make up many of the best scenes in the movie. I was also shocked at times because I never thought people in the 1930’s fooled around on their significant others as much as this movie would have you believe. The story moves pretty quickly and there are a lot of characters to keep up with. Some of the acting resembles that of a high school play, but what can you expect from that time period. Overall, I would say it was very good.

Who Would Like This Movie: My mom and anybody who likes to watch old black and white noir films.

Rating: 9 out of 10 (as far as old movies go)