Shadow of the Thin Man (1941)

Director: WS Van Dyke
Starring: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Barry Nelson

Synopsis:
Back in San Francisco, Nick gets roped into the case of a murdered jockey tied to a gambling ring.

Impressions:
The fourth outing of Nick and Nora Charles is decent enough as mystery flicks from the era, but it falls short of the original and even the previous film. There are some chuckles to be had, but the humor isn't nearly as good. There's this one scene with Nick and Nick Jr. on a merry-go-round with some of the most obnoxious children ever put to celluloid. Also, some of the minor characters have fairly stiff performances. Powell and Loy continue to be a charming onscreen couple, though. For the genre and the time, it's certainly watchable, but it's a step down. Fans will probably still want to watch it, but its a take it or leave it deal.

Rating:
50/50