Another Thin Man (1939)

By the time Another Thin Man was released in 1939, William Powell and Myrna Loy had already solidified their place as one of Hollywood’s most beloved screen duos. This third entry in the Thin Man series—the last to be based on characters created by Dashiell Hammett—builds on the rapport and sophistication that made the first two films a resounding success.

With a fresh setting, a new ensemble of suspects, and a charming addition to the Charles family in the form of their infant son, Another Thin Man offers a delightful blend of mystery, comedy, and domestic hijinks. Though some critics view it as a softer installment than its predecessors, the film remains a thoroughly enjoyable chapter in one of cinema’s most stylish detective franchises.

Plot Summary

The film finds Nick and Nora Charles no longer just solving crimes—they're now navigating parenthood. With the arrival of baby Nick Jr., the Charleses have shifted into a slightly more domestic phase of life, though their love of martinis and murder mysteries hasn’t dulled.

The story begins with the couple traveling to Long Island to visit Colonel Burr MacFay (C. Aubrey Smith), an elderly, cantankerous former business associate of Nora’s late father. MacFay believes he is under threat from Phil Church (Sheldon Leonard), a shady former employee who is seeking revenge.

When MacFay is indeed murdered, Nick is reluctantly drawn into the case—again at Nora’s cheerful prompting. The investigation leads them into a complicated web of suspects, including the ambitious daughter of MacFay’s business partner, a jealous lover, an overbearing housekeeper, a mysterious underworld figure, and others.

As always, Nick unravels the mystery with a mix of deductive reasoning and casual charm, aided (and occasionally hindered) by Nora’s curiosity and the delightful chaos of parenthood.

William Powell’s Performance

William Powell is once again masterful as Nick Charles, effortlessly balancing sleuthing with wry humour and a sense of refined detachment. In Another Thin Man, we see a slightly more grounded version of Nick—he’s now a father and dealing with the expectations of family life. Yet Powell retains all the hallmarks of the character that made him so beloved: urbane wit, bemused detachment, and razor-sharp intellect wrapped in a cocktail-swilling exterior.

Powell’s performance here reflects the passage of time in Nick's life, without sacrificing any of the charisma. There’s an added tenderness in his scenes with baby Nick Jr., and a playful exasperation in the way he juggles paternal duties with a murder investigation. Powell also continues to shine in his verbal duels, handling the film’s barrage of dialogue with effortless timing and cool precision.

Myrna Loy’s Nora: The Perfect Partner

Myrna Loy’s Nora remains as sparkling as ever, balancing elegance with effervescence. Although motherhood adds a new dynamic to her character, it never diminishes Nora’s sharp wit or adventurous spirit. She continues to be an equal partner in Nick’s investigations, often coaxing him into action and diving headfirst into danger with delightfully mischievous enthusiasm.

One of the enduring strengths of the Thin Man series is the lack of dramatic tension between Nick and Nora. Their relationship is built on genuine affection, mutual respect, and shared amusement—qualities that shine just as brightly in Another Thin Man. The duo’s interactions with their child are also charming and humorous, adding warmth and texture without tipping into sentimentality.

Supporting Cast and Characters

Another Thin Man boasts a strong supporting cast of character actors who add intrigue and eccentricity to the narrative. C. Aubrey Smith as Colonel MacFay delivers a prickly performance as the doomed millionaire. Otto Kruger brings intelligence and ambiguity to the role of Assistant District Attorney Van Slack, while Sheldon Leonard makes a memorable impression as the sinister and unhinged Phil Church.

Virginia Grey plays Lois MacFay, the colonel’s stepdaughter, caught in a web of suspicion and emotional turmoil. Her role gives the story a touch of pathos. Nat Pendleton reprises his role as the good-natured but dimwitted police lieutenant Guild, providing comic relief and a foil to Nick’s brilliance.

The film also introduces “Asta Jr.,” the offspring of Nick and Nora’s dog Asta—adding a touch of whimsy to the household chaos.

Direction, Tone, and Style

Director W.S. Van Dyke returns for a third time, maintaining the quick pace and elegant tone that define the series. The film’s dialogue sparkles with the same sharpness that marked earlier entries, thanks again to the screenplay by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. The mystery itself is more complex than the original Thin Man, with numerous suspects and shifting motives, though it can at times feel overplotted. Nonetheless, Van Dyke’s economical direction keeps the narrative moving and never lets the audience get bogged down.

Stylistically, Another Thin Man continues the Art Deco elegance and refined visuals of its predecessors. Though largely set on a Long Island estate rather than the bustling nightlife of New York or San Francisco, the film still oozes sophistication. There’s a more pronounced family-oriented atmosphere this time, but the film deftly avoids becoming domestic melodrama by focusing on the mystery and maintaining the breezy tone of its forerunners.

Themes and Subtext

While the central plot revolves around a murder, Another Thin Man subtly reflects on family, responsibility, and the passage of time. The introduction of Nick Jr. marks a new phase in the Charleses’ lives, and their adjustment to parenthood is used as a gentle counterpoint to the dangers and absurdities of the adult world around them.

The film also explores themes of loyalty and betrayal, especially among families and business partners, and as always, the world of the rich is shown to be no less corrupt—or less entertaining—than the world of gangsters and thugs.

Reception and Legacy

Another Thin Man was well-received upon release and became another box-office success for MGM. While it may lack the crisp novelty of the first film or the shadowy intensity of After the Thin Man, the third entry adds a welcome new dimension in the form of domesticity, without sacrificing the fun. The continued success of the series owed much to the chemistry between Powell and Loy, and this film demonstrated that their charm was far from wearing thin.

Today, Another Thin Man is considered a strong entry in the series—maybe not the best, but certainly not a lesser sequel. It has aged gracefully, largely because of the enduring appeal of its central couple and the sharpness of its writing.

Conclusion

Another Thin Man proves that even in domestic bliss, Nick and Nora Charles remain two of the most delightful characters in classic cinema. William Powell delivers another note-perfect performance, blending charm, cynicism, and cleverness, while Myrna Loy brings warmth, intelligence, and sly humor to Nora. The film’s deft mix of murder, marriage, and martinis makes it a worthy successor in the Thin Man series.

A stylish and satisfying third chapter in one of cinema’s most charming detective franchises, marked by character growth and continued wit.