The lawyer was the one person I trusted!! (Of course!) I knew that Clyde was not the one sending letters, and I assumed no one in the family actually saw him. But I don’t think I predicted he was dead all along… Incest, cannibalism, murder, mayhem, unprovoked bar pummeling, animalistic lady attacks, erections… this book was GREAT! Merry Christmas! 🤣
I was sure it was Gilbert. I didn't know how or why, but I was sure. Also, because of Hammett's engaging writing style and Nick's colorful naration, I'd sometimes find myself thinking, "Wait, whose murder are we trying to solve again"?
Also -- Nick said one of my favorite lines again! In our first week, I marked "How about a drop of something to cut the phlegm?" In fact, I memorized it, ready to wait however long for the right moment to use it. And now Nick said it again this week!
I saw something earlier this week with somebody expressing surprise that there were mystery writers who didn't work out the plot beforehand, they just see where it takes them. I'm not sure if many (any?) do that, but if you were to tell me that it was Hammet's approach, I wouldn't be surprised.
It did get me wondering about Nora. She seems to be there to allow Nick to impart information (Tell me, Nick...) but ends up being possibly the most relatable character, definitely able to hold her own against Nick.
I'm not sure whether I've seen the film or read the book before, but I wasn't surprised by the outcome. I think maybe Hammet drops enough hints that Wynant might not be around - everybody seems to be seeing him bar Nick and Nora. If Nick might be able to help him, it does seem odd that Wynant hadn't got to him
But Mimi, Dorthy and Gilbert - what a family! It's impressive how Hammet makes them believable. Let's face it, you wouldn't voluntarily spend time with them, would you?
In many ways, this feels more a novel about the Jazz Age than a murder mystery. With drugs and alcohol, dodgy policing and elements of corruption, it really gives you a sense of time and place. (I don't know about you, but I was definitely reading this in black and white, so to speak.)
A long time fan of the movie, I didn’t actually read Thin Man until November. There were a few differences in plotting between the two, likely due to the necessity of keeping William Powell and Myrna Loy on screen. Hammett took a genre that was dark and driven and gave it wings. The juxtaposition of of the wealthy to the street criminals, the casual affairs both within and instead of marriage, the witty banter between Nick and Nora that remained in the script written by Hammett showed how creating a great film version of a novel can be handled. In some ways, the dinner party denouement of the film was more captivating than the book scene. Hammett did write the treatises for the next two films and they are available to read, quite detailed in continuing on with the high/low mix of people and the unexpected villain. It’s a shame Hammett’s devotion to drinking won out over his creative drive, as he might have moved on to yet more ground breaking crime novels as can be seen from the arc of his work. Nick seemed to suffer few ill consequences of over-imbibing unlike some of the other characters. Was this Hammett deliberately blinding himself to his own predilections in this area? Still The Thin Man film will remain a favourite of mine, a classic that matches the source novel.
I just did some research on the backstory of the screenplay. I didn't know until now that the credited writers are a married couple! Others no doubt had a hand in the script -- including Hammett in significant ways, I would think -- but I love knowing the key to creating Nick and Nora's banter was to hand it over to a husband and wife!
That’s amazing! How brilliant! I’ve just looked them up too – Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich – they sound like an impressive couple. Thanks for sharing!
I think that Nora was my stand-in and she redeemed this book by calling out the confusing story and the ridiculous set of characters. I am finding that I’ll put up with a story that frustrates me if there is someone within that world that sees it too.
Contrasting this Agatha Christie makes me want to rewatch Murder by Death :)
I really enjoyed the book so thank you Henry for suggesting we read it. The denouement was not what I expected. Not at all!! Never imagined the thin man was dead, no way.
I thought the erection comment was so funny, I actually laughed out loud!
The two Nick and Nora, what wonderful characters they are.
On a final note, I don’t feel so guilty now about drinking!!
I could never suspend my disbelief once I realised the age gap between Nora and Nick and how young Nora would have been when they first met. I felt it was lazy of the author not to provide even a hint of the backstory and I came to see Nora as his idealised version of a wife - someone who waited on you hand and foot, never made any demands on you, acted as a social secretary and totally accepts your alcoholism. The only bits I found ‘authentic’ was the letter to Gilbert from his ‘father’ seeing how the author seems to have had little to no contact with his own daughters and where Gilbert was asked why he’d done it (can’t remember what the ‘it’ was now) and he said he wanted to be looked-up to and admired. The whole book made sense after this revelation. For me, all the book was about Nick being admired especially for his choice of wife. I think Hammett’s fear was that people saw his relationship with Lillian, the way Quinn and Dorothy was betrayed. An old drunk making a fool of himself over a young girl. I think the author’s ego got the better of him in this story. It’s not a book I’ll be reading again.
Thank you for these reactions Rosalind - really helpful to hear. I did find I could enjoy the hard-boiled style, the wisecracks, the prohibition locations, the atmosphere. I agree their age difference is uncomfortable – but for me the relationship does feel respectful and I love how funny they are with each other. I absolutely agree – Gilbert's letter is very poignant.
How old is Nick supposed to be, and how long have they been married? I know Nora’s 26, figured Nick to be about a decade older, and the marriage to have happened just a few years earlier — but missed any specific markers if there were any.
I watched all the movies last Christmas, but had never read the book. Thank you for the motivation to read it, really enjoyed it and your commentary. Picking the movie up from the library today to watch again. Looking forward to joining you for Anna Karenina in a couple weeks. I'm currently finishing up War and Peace with Simon over at Footnotes and Tangents.
““So am I. Tell me something, Nick. Tell me the truth: when you were wrestling with Mimi, didn’t you get excited?” “Oh, a little.” She laughed and got up from the floor. “If you aren’t a disgusting old lecher,” she said. “Look, it’s daylight.””
A real blast this book. I can understand Hammett heading to films - for obvious reasons many ‘great’ writers have done it and will continue to do so. Wishing all a happy Christmas. Thanks Henry - looking forward to Anna Karenina in the new year.
I didn't think I'd be saying this, but I kept waiting for the erection. I'd read that the original publishers were uneasy about erection and incest. Well, we got the incest, but the Vintage Crime edition leaves out the erection. Thanks for solving that unexpected mystery!
I’m late to the discussion, sorry, but I enjoyed your video review. I agree that everything about The Thin Man, novel and movies (which I adore) is frantic and messy, do the reader/viewer feels breathless trying to keep up. I re-read my 1989 Vintage Crime paperback, and the line from Nora at the end of chapter 25 reads: “Tell me something, Nick. tell me the truth: when you were wrestling with Mimi, didn’t you get excited?” “Oh, a little.”
Hammett's descriptions of his characters are a major source of enjoyment. Except for a few beautiful women, his characters are unattractive in memorable ways. I thought, Thank God I'm not in this book. I can only imagine--
"He had the arms and legs of a thin man with the neck and midsection of a fat one. His chest was shaped like a spoon, only facing the wrong way round. He was obsessed with my wife and spoke to her with the confidence of a guy who still had enough hair to cover his head."
A great read. Thanks for all the background. Completely didn't guess the denouement! My edition (old and free) has the erection remark, which definitely came as a bit of a surprise... What also surprised me was Nick's refusing a drink -- "policemen's liquor" must be rank indeed... Yes, the real-life messiness of the ending is very effective, and the cast of disturbingly dysfunctional characters definitely sets it apart from the 1930s crime stories I'm familiar with. Overall, a very cool slide into Christmas! Happy holidays, everyone!
The lawyer was the one person I trusted!! (Of course!) I knew that Clyde was not the one sending letters, and I assumed no one in the family actually saw him. But I don’t think I predicted he was dead all along… Incest, cannibalism, murder, mayhem, unprovoked bar pummeling, animalistic lady attacks, erections… this book was GREAT! Merry Christmas! 🤣
And....chicken livers and whiskey for breakfast!
Ha ha! Merry Christmas indeed. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I was sure it was Gilbert. I didn't know how or why, but I was sure. Also, because of Hammett's engaging writing style and Nick's colorful naration, I'd sometimes find myself thinking, "Wait, whose murder are we trying to solve again"?
As was I!
And round-the-clock drinking!
Oh gosh yes! It turns my stomach even THINKING about it!! Someone drink a glass of water please!!
Sorry but a glass of water is only for throwing in someone's face
Also -- Nick said one of my favorite lines again! In our first week, I marked "How about a drop of something to cut the phlegm?" In fact, I memorized it, ready to wait however long for the right moment to use it. And now Nick said it again this week!
It's great, isn't it!
I saw something earlier this week with somebody expressing surprise that there were mystery writers who didn't work out the plot beforehand, they just see where it takes them. I'm not sure if many (any?) do that, but if you were to tell me that it was Hammet's approach, I wouldn't be surprised.
It did get me wondering about Nora. She seems to be there to allow Nick to impart information (Tell me, Nick...) but ends up being possibly the most relatable character, definitely able to hold her own against Nick.
I'm not sure whether I've seen the film or read the book before, but I wasn't surprised by the outcome. I think maybe Hammet drops enough hints that Wynant might not be around - everybody seems to be seeing him bar Nick and Nora. If Nick might be able to help him, it does seem odd that Wynant hadn't got to him
But Mimi, Dorthy and Gilbert - what a family! It's impressive how Hammet makes them believable. Let's face it, you wouldn't voluntarily spend time with them, would you?
In many ways, this feels more a novel about the Jazz Age than a murder mystery. With drugs and alcohol, dodgy policing and elements of corruption, it really gives you a sense of time and place. (I don't know about you, but I was definitely reading this in black and white, so to speak.)
I love that phrase ‘reading in black and white’ - yes! It’s a proper noir . . .
A long time fan of the movie, I didn’t actually read Thin Man until November. There were a few differences in plotting between the two, likely due to the necessity of keeping William Powell and Myrna Loy on screen. Hammett took a genre that was dark and driven and gave it wings. The juxtaposition of of the wealthy to the street criminals, the casual affairs both within and instead of marriage, the witty banter between Nick and Nora that remained in the script written by Hammett showed how creating a great film version of a novel can be handled. In some ways, the dinner party denouement of the film was more captivating than the book scene. Hammett did write the treatises for the next two films and they are available to read, quite detailed in continuing on with the high/low mix of people and the unexpected villain. It’s a shame Hammett’s devotion to drinking won out over his creative drive, as he might have moved on to yet more ground breaking crime novels as can be seen from the arc of his work. Nick seemed to suffer few ill consequences of over-imbibing unlike some of the other characters. Was this Hammett deliberately blinding himself to his own predilections in this area? Still The Thin Man film will remain a favourite of mine, a classic that matches the source novel.
I just did some research on the backstory of the screenplay. I didn't know until now that the credited writers are a married couple! Others no doubt had a hand in the script -- including Hammett in significant ways, I would think -- but I love knowing the key to creating Nick and Nora's banter was to hand it over to a husband and wife!
That’s amazing! How brilliant! I’ve just looked them up too – Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich – they sound like an impressive couple. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Pamela - a wonderful comparison. I appreciate it.
I think that Nora was my stand-in and she redeemed this book by calling out the confusing story and the ridiculous set of characters. I am finding that I’ll put up with a story that frustrates me if there is someone within that world that sees it too.
Contrasting this Agatha Christie makes me want to rewatch Murder by Death :)
I really enjoyed the book so thank you Henry for suggesting we read it. The denouement was not what I expected. Not at all!! Never imagined the thin man was dead, no way.
I thought the erection comment was so funny, I actually laughed out loud!
The two Nick and Nora, what wonderful characters they are.
On a final note, I don’t feel so guilty now about drinking!!
Happy Christmas everyone 🪅
Thank you Rosalind – Merry Christmas to you too!
I could never suspend my disbelief once I realised the age gap between Nora and Nick and how young Nora would have been when they first met. I felt it was lazy of the author not to provide even a hint of the backstory and I came to see Nora as his idealised version of a wife - someone who waited on you hand and foot, never made any demands on you, acted as a social secretary and totally accepts your alcoholism. The only bits I found ‘authentic’ was the letter to Gilbert from his ‘father’ seeing how the author seems to have had little to no contact with his own daughters and where Gilbert was asked why he’d done it (can’t remember what the ‘it’ was now) and he said he wanted to be looked-up to and admired. The whole book made sense after this revelation. For me, all the book was about Nick being admired especially for his choice of wife. I think Hammett’s fear was that people saw his relationship with Lillian, the way Quinn and Dorothy was betrayed. An old drunk making a fool of himself over a young girl. I think the author’s ego got the better of him in this story. It’s not a book I’ll be reading again.
Thank you for these reactions Rosalind - really helpful to hear. I did find I could enjoy the hard-boiled style, the wisecracks, the prohibition locations, the atmosphere. I agree their age difference is uncomfortable – but for me the relationship does feel respectful and I love how funny they are with each other. I absolutely agree – Gilbert's letter is very poignant.
How old is Nick supposed to be, and how long have they been married? I know Nora’s 26, figured Nick to be about a decade older, and the marriage to have happened just a few years earlier — but missed any specific markers if there were any.
I agree that Nora does seem unrealistically compliant and nonchalant about Nick's drinking and "lechery".
I watched all the movies last Christmas, but had never read the book. Thank you for the motivation to read it, really enjoyed it and your commentary. Picking the movie up from the library today to watch again. Looking forward to joining you for Anna Karenina in a couple weeks. I'm currently finishing up War and Peace with Simon over at Footnotes and Tangents.
Fantastic! Thanks for reading - and great to have you on board for Anna Karenina!
““So am I. Tell me something, Nick. Tell me the truth: when you were wrestling with Mimi, didn’t you get excited?” “Oh, a little.” She laughed and got up from the floor. “If you aren’t a disgusting old lecher,” she said. “Look, it’s daylight.””
— The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett
https://a.co/az9ujM3
My kindle edition is
Vintage Crime/Black Lizard
Vintage Books
A Division of Penguin Random House
I had my copy in the car to take back to the library today and I had to go out and check. Mine is the Vintage Crime/ Black Lizard "excited" also
That was mine too! “Excited” - I inferred it was sexual but it’s funny that they were afraid of the word erection!
A real blast this book. I can understand Hammett heading to films - for obvious reasons many ‘great’ writers have done it and will continue to do so. Wishing all a happy Christmas. Thanks Henry - looking forward to Anna Karenina in the new year.
Thanks Royston! Happy Christmas to you too – and see you next year!
Loved this one - thank you!
I'm so glad! Thanks Sam.
A great romp through days the color of whiskey.
I didn't think I'd be saying this, but I kept waiting for the erection. I'd read that the original publishers were uneasy about erection and incest. Well, we got the incest, but the Vintage Crime edition leaves out the erection. Thanks for solving that unexpected mystery!
Ha! How interesting! Maybe it's cut out of all editions now . . .
I’m late to the discussion, sorry, but I enjoyed your video review. I agree that everything about The Thin Man, novel and movies (which I adore) is frantic and messy, do the reader/viewer feels breathless trying to keep up. I re-read my 1989 Vintage Crime paperback, and the line from Nora at the end of chapter 25 reads: “Tell me something, Nick. tell me the truth: when you were wrestling with Mimi, didn’t you get excited?” “Oh, a little.”
Hammett's descriptions of his characters are a major source of enjoyment. Except for a few beautiful women, his characters are unattractive in memorable ways. I thought, Thank God I'm not in this book. I can only imagine--
"He had the arms and legs of a thin man with the neck and midsection of a fat one. His chest was shaped like a spoon, only facing the wrong way round. He was obsessed with my wife and spoke to her with the confidence of a guy who still had enough hair to cover his head."
A great read. Thanks for all the background. Completely didn't guess the denouement! My edition (old and free) has the erection remark, which definitely came as a bit of a surprise... What also surprised me was Nick's refusing a drink -- "policemen's liquor" must be rank indeed... Yes, the real-life messiness of the ending is very effective, and the cast of disturbingly dysfunctional characters definitely sets it apart from the 1930s crime stories I'm familiar with. Overall, a very cool slide into Christmas! Happy holidays, everyone!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Happy Christmas and see you next year I hope.