“The Thin Man” is one of Hollywood’s most intelligent and exciting mysteries

The skinny man (1934)

Kissing, heroes, sexual jokes, necklines – most cinephiles agree that these things were more fun before the conservative restrictions imposed by the Hays Code took over Hollywood. And while The skinny man Not overtly extreme in its pre-Code morality, the sentiments of this classic mystery comedy are loose and pure in a way that flaunts rigor and judgment across the board.

The first time we meet private investigator Nick Charles (William Powell), it is at Christmas in New York. He wanders into the hotel bar and explains to the bartender how cocktails should be shaken only to the time signatures of certain dances (Manhattan to foxtrot, etc.).

His wife, Nora (Myrna Loy), stumbles onto the dance floor, wrenched by the immeasurable strength of her wiry fox dog, Asta. If they happen to pick up a murder case between the bar and their table, so much the better. This will just be an excuse to throw another holiday party and invite every suspect – which is exactly what happens in one of the most clever, exciting and flirtatious mysteries you could ever hope to keep up with. Cinema 21, November 25.

Also play:

Fifth Avenue: Joyland (2022), November 24-26. Clinton: Kidd: The torturer’s crossing (2023), 28 November. Hollywood: Blood rage (1987), 24 November. Cassandra the cat (1963), November 25-26. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), November 25. Big night (1996), November 26. Killer clowns from outer space (1988), 26 November. Loveless (1981), 27 November. Charlie Varrick (1973), 28 November. Theater of Tomorrow (BAMCT): Best little brothel in Texas (1982), 24 November. Seriously red (2022), 24 November. 9-5 (1980), November 25. rhinestone (1984), 25 November.