Cast and Crew: W. S. Van Dyke (Director); Dashiell Hammett (Original novel); Maureen O’Sullivan; Nat Pendleton; Caesar Romero; Edward Brophy

What It’s About: Nick Charles (William Powell) left the New York private detective business to marry heiress Nora (Myrna Loy) and move to California.  When Nick and Nora return to New York during the Christmas season, it isn’t long before they are embroiled in a murder mystery that leaves them busy through New Year’s Day.

Why Watch It Today?:  The Thin Man is the perfect New Year’s Day film.  Powell and Loy’s chemistry is amazing (so much so that they went on to make four Thin Man sequels) and Nick and Nora are one of the classic film couples.  They are also two of film’s all-time drinking champions, and manage to solve crimes (with style and class) while alternating between being half in the bag and managing dreadful hangovers.  You’ve just made it through the holiday season, and they ‘re making it through the holiday season-while solving a murder, no less.  If you’re hung over, they’re hung over too and if you’re not hung over (or if you’re up to it), why not mix up a couple of classic cocktails (make mine a gin gimlet, up, with a twist of lime please) and join in the fun?  If that’s not enough reason for you, The Thin Man earned four Oscar nominations-Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Picture.

Where to Get It:  iTunes, Netflix, most public libraries, Buy The Thin Man at Amazon.com

The Trailer: