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Shadow of the Thin Man

Shadow of the Thin Man

Comedy · Crime · Mystery · 1941

Nick and Nora Charles are back at the racetrack—and murder is running a close second! While attending a major horse race with their young son, Nick Jr., the sophisticated couple witnesses a shocking murder from the crowded grandstand. What first appears to be an isolated killing soon leads to a maze of corruption, blackmail, gambling scandals, and criminal intrigue. As Nick investigates, he encounters suspicious bookmakers, dishonest officials, rival gangsters, and a mysterious killer determined to stay ahead of the law. Nora, as always, is never far from the action, bringing her quick wit and fearless curiosity to the case. William Powell and Myrna Loy return in top form as Hollywood’s favorite married detectives, with Asta adding his usual comic charm. Directed by W. S. Van Dyke, Shadow of the Thin Man is a stylish 1941 mystery-comedy packed with suspense, romance, sparkling dialogue, and the irresistible Nick-and-Nora chemistry that made the series a classic.

Movie details

Shadow of the Thin Man

“FUNNIER THAN EVER in their first new laugh-thriller in 2 years!”

1941 Comedy · Crime · Mystery 1h 37m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

7.0 / 10

Community rating

Nick and Nora Charles are back at the racetrack—and murder is running a close second! While attending a major horse race with their young son, Nick Jr., the sophisticated couple witnesses a shocking murder from the crowded grandstand. What first appears to be an isolated killing soon leads to a maze of corruption, blackmail, gambling scandals, and criminal intrigue. As Nick investigates, he encounters suspicious bookmakers, dishonest officials, rival gangsters, and a mysterious killer determined to stay ahead of the law. Nora, as always, is never far from the action, bringing her quick wit and fearless curiosity to the case. William Powell and Myrna Loy return in top form as Hollywood’s favorite married detectives, with Asta adding his usual comic charm. Directed by W. S. Van Dyke, Shadow of the Thin Man is a stylish 1941 mystery-comedy packed with suspense, romance, sparkling dialogue, and the irresistible Nick-and-Nora chemistry that made the series a classic.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over Shadow of the Thin Man?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

W.S. Van Dyke

Written by

Harry Kurnitz · Irving Brecher

William Powell

William Powell

Nick Charles

Myrna Loy

Myrna Loy

Nora Charles

Barry Nelson

Barry Nelson

Paul Clarke

Donna Reed

Donna Reed

Molly Ford

Sam Levene

Sam Levene

Lieutenant Abrams

Alan Baxter

Alan Baxter

Whitey Barrow

Henry O'Neill

Henry O'Neill

Jason Sculley

Court is in session

Put Shadow of the Thin Man on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Auteur Devotee

“Form is the argument.”

Every composed frame and deliberate cut is evidence that control can be thrilling in its own right.

The prosecution The Popcorn Loyalist

“Technique in search of a pulse.”

Immaculate construction is still construction. The film may be too busy proving its craft to feel alive.