Cast
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William Powell
as Nick Charles
Myrna Loy
as Nora Charles
Virginia Grey
as Lois MacFay
Otto Kruger
as Van Slack
C. Aubrey Smith
as Burr MacFay
Ruth Hussey
as Dorothy Waters
Nat Pendleton
as John Guild
Patric Knowles
as Dudley Horn
Tom Neal
as Freddie Coleman
Phyllis Gordon
as Isabella Bellam
Sheldon Leonard
as Phil Church
Don Costello
as "Diamond Back" Vogel
Harry Bellaver
as "Creeps" Binder
William A. Poulsen
as Nickie Charles
Muriel Hutchison
as Culverton "Smitty" Smith
Crew
Director
- W.S. Van Dyke
Writer
- Frances Goodrich
- Albert Hackett
- Anita Loos
Producer
- Hunt Stromberg
Reviews
talisencrw
There's no drop in quality in this excellent third installment in the finest comedy or mystery series of all time. William Powell and Myrna Loy are simply magical together, and they're matched with a fine supporting cast, excellent script and some of the very underrated director Woody Van Dyke's best work.
Jan 11, 2016
Thematic Analysis
Another Thin Man represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Mystery/Crime cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director W.S. Van Dyke brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1939, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Another Thin Man took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.1 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 49 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1939, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Another Thin Man shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Roman Holiday, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Another Thin Man offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like M and Strangers on a Train explore similar territory, Another Thin Man stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 17, 1939
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Budget: $1,107,000
- Revenue: $2,223,000
