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The Thin Man poster

The Thin Man (1934)

“A laugh tops every thrilling moment!”

7.5/10 · 554 votes 1h 31m nr ComedyCrimeMystery

#2 of 2 films from 1934 #317 of 2885 in comedy

Directed by W.S. Van Dyke · Written by Dashiell Hammett, Albert Hackett, Frances Goodrich

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Former detective Nick Charles has retired from police work, preferring a life of cocktails, parties, and relaxation with his wealthy wife, Nora. Their holiday is interrupted when the daughter of Nick’s former client asks for help finding her missing father, eccentric inventor Clyde Wynant. When Wynant’s body is discovered, Nick is drawn back into the investigation, with Nora eagerly joining him. As the couple questions Wynant’s family, friends, and business associates, a tangled web of greed, deception, and murder begins to unravel. Directed by W. S. Van Dyke and adapted from Dashiell Hammett’s novel, The Thin Man combines witty dialogue, sophisticated comedy, romance, and classic mystery. William Powell and Myrna Loy are perfectly matched as Nick and Nora Charles, whose playful banter and effortless chemistry made them one of Hollywood’s most beloved screen couples. This stylish 1934 mystery remains a landmark of classic American cinema.

Cast

William Powellas Nick Charles
Myrna Loyas Nora Charles
Maureen O'Sullivanas Dorothy Wynant
Nat Pendletonas Inspector Guild
Minna Gombellas Mimi Wynant
Henry Wadsworthas Tommy
Porter Hallas Herbert MacCaulay
William Henryas Gilbert Wynant
Edward Ellisas Clyde Wynant
Edward Brophyas Joe Morelli
Cyril Thorntonas Tanner
Cesar Romeroas Chris Jorgenson
Harold Huberas Arthur Nunheim
Natalie Moorheadas Julia Wolf

Facts

Release dateMay 25, 1934
Runtime91 min (1h 31m) — about the same as the 1934 average of 98 min
GenresComedy, Crime, Mystery
LanguageEN
Budget$226,408
Box office$1,423,000 (6.3× budget)
IMDbtt0025878

If you liked The Thin Man

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Questions

How long is The Thin Man?
The Thin Man runs 91 minutes (1h 31m).
Is The Thin Man worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.5/10 across 554 votes, which places it #2 of 2 films released in 1934 in this index (top 50%) and #317 among 2885 comedy titles.
Who directed The Thin Man?
The Thin Man was directed by W.S. Van Dyke.
Who stars in The Thin Man?
William Powell as Nick Charles; Myrna Loy as Nora Charles; Maureen O'Sullivan as Dorothy Wynant; Nat Pendleton as Inspector Guild; Minna Gombell as Mimi Wynant; Henry Wadsworth as Tommy.
What is The Thin Man rated?
It carries a nr certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Thin Man?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/140971.

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Best of 1934Best comedyComedy of the 1930sBest crimeCrime of the 1930sBest mysteryMystery of the 1930sAll lists
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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.