17 Comments

Good morning. I started last night. Reading the descriptions of Nick as a Greek ex-PI suggests a physicality I don't see in William Powell, although it's hard not to see Powell as Nick. What do others think? And, I don't remember who said it, but Nick can hold his liquor. I imagine people drank more then. It's only in my lifetime that the stigma of addiction has taken hold despite Prohibition and regular church attendance. I've heard the stories of my great-grandmother knowing where to find all of the best speakeasies in town. If Google is believed, the average American drank thirteen drinks a week in the 1920s. I think Nick has them all beat. Happy Advent, all!

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I've also gone down a rabbit hole this morning, looking at the typical 1920s American breakfast. It was nothing like today, so Nick's kippers wouldn't be uncommon.

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That sounds like a delicious and fascinating rabbit hole to explore . . .

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I've seen many great productions at the Hayes Theatre, named for Helen Hayes. This post made me want to know more.

100 years ago tonight at the Little Theatre you could have seen "Pigs," which ran for nearly a year. The premise: Senior is upset with Junior's pleas to borrow $250 to buy 250 cholera-infected pigs.

My favorite notes from the Playbill:

This Theatre, with every seat occupied, can be emptied in less than three minutes. Choose NOW the Exit nearest to your seat, and in case of fire walk (do not run) to that Exit.

During the Second Intermission Iced Tea and Cocoa wil be served in the Tea Room. There will be no charges, and it is requested that no fees be given to any attendant in the Little Theatre.

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Hilarious! They should stage a revival . . .

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Enjoy your pork free cocoa, but don’t you dare give a tip to an employee! Hilarious!

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Thanks for this! I always appreciate seeing the locales that form the backdrop to stories. I've just started The Thin Man, and am already amazed by how much alcohol our Nick can put away 🤣

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It's extraordinary, isn't it? And no one ever mentions it!

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I couldn't help thinking that it's a good job this is just a readalong and not an ‘Under The Volcano’-style drinkalong…

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Very true! Two heavy drinking novels back to back was an unintentional coincidence!

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I started the audiobook last night, and alcohol is already a character.

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Eager to see if Dry January will be easier or harder after reading this!

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I’ve just finished chapter 13, and the story of Alfred G. Packer. Going back to the first paragraph on page 1, I was surprised to read about Dorothy’s ‘powder-blue sports clothes’. It seems that sportswear may have been casual attire for previous generations and not just ours.

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Take it with me to an austere hotel in New Hampshire to read over the weekend. Been saving up all of noirvember for this. To savor the perfect book in the perfect setting.

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Brilliant - what a great climax to Noirvember! And the perfect setting . . .

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I flew through 1-13. Eager for tomorrow’s discussion. Thanks for the history and pics of possible inspirational locations. This is a great out of the ordinary holiday read. Now someone go pour me a drink!

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I'm looking forward to it!

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