W.S. VAN DYKE

Bil’s rating (out of 5): BBBB

USA, 1939.  Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.  Screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, based on the original story by Dashiell Hammett.  Cinematography by William H. Daniels, Oliver T. Marsh.  Produced by Hunt Stromberg.  Music by Edward Ward.  Production Design by Cedric Gibbons.  Costume Design by Dolly Tree.  Film Editing by Fredrick Y. Smith.

Delightful entry in the series, this one concerning the mysterious death of an explosives manufacturer. Nick and Nora Charles (William Powell, Myrna Loy) show up at the manufacturer’s mansion to hear his claims that someone is out to kill him, a paranoid delusion that is proven true when he actually ends up dead in his own bed.

Our favourite detective couple chase after the prime suspect, a shady figure who insists that his prophetic dreams of death always come true, while also tending to the needs of their newborn baby boy.

Expertly written and acted, it’s a worthy chapter in the Thin Man saga, and shows off the stars’ sex appeal with great ease. Virginia Grey has a terrific supporting role as the daughter of the deceased.