# The Thin Man

> 1934 film

**Wikidata**: [Q1198497](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1198497)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thin_Man_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-thin-man

## Summary
The Thin Man is a 1934 American comedy-mystery film produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It is the first in a series of films featuring the characters Nick and Nora Charles, played by William Powell and Myrna Loy.

## Key Facts
- Released in 1934, with publication dates of January 1, 1934 and May 25, 1934
- Produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, an American film and television distribution company founded in 1924
- Classified as a comedy film, drama film, crime film, and mystery film
- Selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry
- Named to the National Board of Review's Top Ten Films list
- Followed by the 1936 sequel "After the Thin Man," directed by W. S. Van Dyke
- Stars Myrna Loy, an American actress (1905–1993) who was a citizen of the United States

## FAQs
**What genre is The Thin Man?**
The Thin Man is classified as a comedy film, drama film, crime film, and mystery film. It combines elements of humor with crime-solving and mystery elements.

**What is the significance of The Thin Man being in the National Film Registry?**
Being selected for the National Film Registry means The Thin Man has been deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the United States Library of Congress and is preserved for future generations.

**Who produced The Thin Man?**
The Thin Man was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), a major American film and television production and distribution company founded in 1924.

**Is The Thin Man part of a series?**
Yes, The Thin Man is the first film in a series featuring the characters Nick and Nora Charles. It was followed by "After the Thin Man" in 1936.

## Why It Matters
The Thin Man is significant as a pioneering example of the comedy-mystery genre, successfully blending sophisticated humor with crime-solving elements. Its portrayal of the witty, sophisticated married couple Nick and Nora Charles set a template for future detective duos in film and television. The film's critical and commercial success led to a series of sequels and influenced the development of the "screwball comedy" genre. Its preservation in the National Film Registry underscores its lasting cultural and historical importance in American cinema.

## Notable For
- Pioneering the comedy-mystery genre
- Introducing the popular characters Nick and Nora Charles
- Starring the iconic pairing of William Powell and Myrna Loy
- Being selected for preservation in the National Film Registry
- Receiving recognition from the National Board of Review as a Top Ten Film
- Launching a successful film series

## Body
### Production and Release
The Thin Man was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), one of the most prominent Hollywood studios of the era. Founded in 1924, MGM was known for its high-quality productions and star-studded casts. The film was released in 1934, with publication dates of January 1 and May 25, indicating a possible premiere followed by wider release.

### Genre and Style
The Thin Man defies easy categorization, blending elements of multiple genres. It is primarily classified as a comedy film, but also incorporates elements of drama, crime, and mystery. This unique combination of genres was innovative for its time and contributed to the film's lasting appeal. The movie's sophisticated humor and clever dialogue, combined with its intriguing mystery plot, set a new standard for the comedy-mystery genre.

### Cast and Characters
The film stars William Powell as Nick Charles and Myrna Loy as Nora Charles. This pairing proved so popular that it led to a series of sequels. Myrna Loy, born in 1905 and passing in 1993, was an American actress who became one of the biggest box-office draws of her time. Her portrayal of Nora Charles, a wealthy and witty socialite who actively participates in her husband's detective work, was groundbreaking for its time.

### Critical Reception and Legacy
The Thin Man was well-received by critics and audiences alike. It was named to the National Board of Review's Top Ten Films list, a significant honor that highlighted its quality and impact. The film's success led to a series of sequels, beginning with "After the Thin Man" in 1936, also directed by W. S. Van Dyke.

### Cultural Impact and Preservation
The Thin Man's cultural significance is underscored by its inclusion in the United States National Film Registry. This registry, established in 1988, selects films deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" for preservation in the Library of Congress. The film's selection for this registry ensures that it will be preserved for future generations, recognizing its enduring importance in American cinema.

### Influence on Cinema
The Thin Man's innovative blend of comedy and mystery influenced the development of both genres. Its portrayal of a sophisticated, witty married couple working together to solve crimes set a template for future detective duos in film and television. The film's success also contributed to the popularity of the "screwball comedy" genre, which combined fast-paced dialogue, farcical situations, and romantic elements.

### Connections to Other Entities
As a product of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, The Thin Man is connected to one of the most influential studios in Hollywood history. Its classification as a comedy, drama, crime, and mystery film links it to these broader genres in cinema. The film's setting in the United States connects it to the country's rich cinematic tradition. Its star, Myrna Loy, is linked to a long and distinguished career in American film. The film's inclusion in the National Film Registry and recognition by the National Board of Review connects it to important institutions in film preservation and criticism.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0025878/)
2. [Source](http://www.cinematografo.it/cinedatabase/film/l-uomo-ombra/2429/)
3. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=46408.html)
4. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0025878/fullcredits)
5. The Movie Database
6. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
7. The Thin Man. Rotten Tomatoes
8. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0025878/releaseinfo)
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. Kinopoisk
11. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/the-thin-man/)
12. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
13. Online-Filmdatenbank
14. mymovies.it
15. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/3A19-B141-9FD0-E5F0-0B49-1)
16. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/81332)
17. Trakt.tv
18. FilmVandaag.nl