What We're Watching: Rita

The Thin Man, starring William Powell and Myrna Loy.

It’s hard to believe that this classic film is 75 years old. Of course, the fashions and the automobiles give away the film’s age, but the characters are just as charming as they were when they were introduced in 1934 and the dialogue sparkles as brightly as ever. The characters are, of course, Nick and Nora Charles. Nick is a retired detective trying to lead a conventional life but when his move back to New York with wife Nora and their dog Asta (a sleuth in his own right) reunites him with his old acquaintances, he’s quickly drawn back into the world of investigation. Nick and Nora obviously adore each other, but that doesn’t stop their verbal jousting in repartee that is loaded with memorable lines, many of which involve Nick’s penchant for cocktails. This lovely black and white film was added to the National Film Registry in 1997 and is the first of six films in the Thin Man series. Mix yourself a classic cocktail (Martini, anyone?) and settle in for an evening with the delightful Nick and Nora; even better, check out the entire series.

The Thin Man
After the Thin Man
Another Thin Man
Shadow of the Thin Man
The Thin Man Goes Home
Song of the Thin Man