Who says there's not enough humor here? Not only is the script a clever combination of sight gags and witty lines, but WILLIAM POWELL and MYRNA LOY get an "equal opportunity" chance to solve the crime. Some of the double takes by Sam Levene as a not too bright police lieutenant are a little too obvious, but the outcome of the mystery is, in true crime fashion, not obvious at all. In other words, the murderer is the least likely suspect.
Among the fine supporting cast, Barry Nelson stands out as an ambitious reporter but Donna Reed can do little with her thankless role as his girlfriend. Asta, on the other hand, is given a lot to do and largely responsible for some of the best gags in the plot.
This is definitely one of the better Thin Man movies, even though the plot gets a little complicated if you don't follow the dots by keeping track of all the character's names. The restaurant scene where all hell breaks loose is a classic. So is the end of the merry-go-round ride where Asta has a dizzy spell.
Loy and Powell are perfect in their roles. The breakfast scene early in the film where he is forced to drink milk as an example to Nicky, Jr., is hilarious. Fans of the Thin Man films should certainly find SHADOW OF THE THIN MAN one of the most entertaining in the whole series.
Trivia note: Blonde Stella Adler does one of her rare screen roles as Claire Porter and does a nice job. She later became the famous acting coach of stars like Marlon Brando and many others.
Among the fine supporting cast, Barry Nelson stands out as an ambitious reporter but Donna Reed can do little with her thankless role as his girlfriend. Asta, on the other hand, is given a lot to do and largely responsible for some of the best gags in the plot.
This is definitely one of the better Thin Man movies, even though the plot gets a little complicated if you don't follow the dots by keeping track of all the character's names. The restaurant scene where all hell breaks loose is a classic. So is the end of the merry-go-round ride where Asta has a dizzy spell.
Loy and Powell are perfect in their roles. The breakfast scene early in the film where he is forced to drink milk as an example to Nicky, Jr., is hilarious. Fans of the Thin Man films should certainly find SHADOW OF THE THIN MAN one of the most entertaining in the whole series.
Trivia note: Blonde Stella Adler does one of her rare screen roles as Claire Porter and does a nice job. She later became the famous acting coach of stars like Marlon Brando and many others.