4TH THIN MAN MOVIE AND STILL GOING STRONG.

I actually liked the 4th movie better than the Third. Back in California, Nick and Nora are staying at a posh hotel with a now young Nicky jr. (around 5 years old I guess) in tow.

The Charles' take a trip to the local race track only to find that a jockey has been murdered. Their old pal Lt. Abrahms (played by Sam Levine) is there investigating. Soon, a newspaper reporter is killed and another reported, played by Barry Nelson is accused.

As they are friends, Nick and Nora jump in to solve the crime. Donna Reed is also along as Nelson's girlfriend and the secretary of a crooked arena owner.

As usual, the cast includes many fine character actors. The scene in a seafood restaurant where Nick tries (in vain) to get lobster while everyone else wants Sea Bass is priceless.

Also great is a scene where Nick takes Nora to see pro wrestling and Nora really gets into the match. Not quite as strong as the first two movies, Shadow is still one of the better Thin Man movies.

Fun At The Race Track

In SHADOW OF THE THIN MAN Nick starts out to clear one of his reporter friends who has been accused of murder. The killing is actually the work of the syndicate and is connected to racetrack gambling.

William Powell and Myrna Loy return in the starring roles and they are supported by another large cast which includes Barry Nelson, Sam Levene, Donna Reed and Stella Adler. Dickie Hall appears as Nick Charles, Jr. who is now old enough to talk.

W.S. Van Dyke serves as director for the last time in the series since he died before the next entry was filmed in 1944. Van Dyke will be remembered for his direction of Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald in ROSE-MARIE and NAUGHTY MARIETTA.

Nick and Nora and Donna Reed.

Nick and Nora (William Powell and Myrna Loy) investigate after their friend, Paul Clark (Barry Nelson), is framed for murder. The familiar things that make the Thin Man series easy to like are present in this movie. Nick and Nora continue their witty and sophisticated repartee, having fun with their marriage. A running joke in the series is Nora's amused reaction to Nick's blue-collar background. Wherever they go, Nick meets old friends and associates among the cops, bookies, gamblers, and ex-cons. Nora's chutzpah keeps pace with Nick's rapier wit. Their night out at the wrestling matches is a high-point of our little story. Note her introduction to "Spider" Webb. Asta occasionally steals the spotlight, especially in the restaurant segment as the mischievious pooch causes a knockdown brawl. The cutesy Nickie, Jr. detracts from the edginess of the adult story line. This is unfortunate but not important enough to emphasize. We usually fast-forward through Nick and Nick, Jr. on the merry-go-round. In the middle of all this classic comedy, a genuine murder mystery is in progress. Sam Levene repeats his role from "After the Thin Man" of Lt. Abrams. When Nick isn't sparring with Nora, he and Abrams square off. A very young Donna Reed plays Paul's girl, Molly. Mix it in a cocktail shaker, and we have good fun. ;-)