THE “THIN MAN” RETURNS

Evening Star, Issue 22808, 17 November 1937, Page 8

THE “THIN MAN” RETURNS

POWELL AND LOY IN SEQUEL Every now and,then since the earliest days of silent “ flickers ” to the nearperfect sound films of the present, there has won universal acclaim some film or outstanding merit of brilliance. Almost invariably that success has paved the way for a sequel which rarely may be compared with the original. Acted with polished finesse, entertinmg, and thoroughly amusing, 1 After the Thin Man,’ which will open a season at the Empire on Friday, promises to establish a precedent in that respect. Admittedly in following ‘ The Thin Man ’ the latest Powell-Loy portrayal faces a great disadvantage, but, viewed quite dispassionately, it is reasonable to say—and it is saying a great deal—that. ‘ After the Thin Man ’ eclipses its predecessor. Linked with any film the name of William Powell is the guarantee of quality, the hallmark of good acting, a feature for which this delightful comedy-drama is notable. His irrepressible sophistry, unruffled nonchalance, and charming technique with the opposite gex provide him with the most admirable qualifications in the role of Nick Charles, detective. Once again he is teamed with the beautiful Myrna Loy, a delightful duo with the title Mr and Mrs.” Not least deserving of mention is Asta, thp lovable little whitehaired terrier, who comes perilously near to scene snatching. In this film he introduces for the first tin>e Mrs Asia and family, and his performance is happy in the extreme. That, however, is the keynote—good wholesome fun, with subtle repartee—which is noted in the first sequences and sustained, with touches intensely dramatic, until a most unexpected and satisfying denouement. It is doubtful if anyone could pick the solution to the mystery, which after all is of paramount'import from the story angle, until the climax in the closing sequences, so skilfully and enthrallingly is the film presented. ‘ After the Thin_ Man ’ will give the original film a sterling run for popularity, and it may be claimed to have an advantage in that it carries on from where * The Thin Man ’ left off and at a rapid and pleasing tempo.