Some weeks ago I expressed my absolute enthusiasm for 'The Thin Man (1934),' a delightfully humorous murder mystery/comedy classic, starring the inimitable comedic marriage of William Powell and Myrna Loy as husband-and-wife detectives Nick and Nora Charles. This original film, after a solid box-office run and four Academy Award nominations, spawned a respectable five sequels, and a radio and television series. 'After the Thin Man' is the first of these sequels, released in 1936.

As the original trailer for the film proudly proclaims, 'After the Thin Man' brought back the three writers of the original hit (Dashiell Hammett, Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett),the same director (W.S. Van Dyke) and, of course, the three huge film stars in Powell, Loy and, of course, Asta the dog (the wire-haired terrier whose birth-name was Skippy). True to its promise, the film is every bit as witty, hilarious and suspenseful as its predecessor, masterfully melding Nick and Nora's playful banter with another twisted mystery of love, betrayal, blackmail and murder. And look out for a memorable supporting performance from a young James Stewart, who was yet to hit it big with the likes of Frank Capra and Alfred Hitchcock.

The sequel takes place just a day or two after where 'The Thin Man' left off, as Nick and Nora prepare to depart from the train that brought them back home to San Francisco. Like the original film, the actually murder mystery is quite a messy one, though the writers have luckily decided to tone down, just slightly, the number of interwoven threads this time around. With nothing in mind but sleeping for a month, our favourite detective couple are surprised to walk into a welcome-home party held by people they don't even know, before they are invited to Nora's Aunt Katherine's (Jessie Ralph) house for dinner. Whilst there, Nora's cousin Selma (Elissa Landi) reveals that her husband, Robert (Alan Marshal),has been missing for three days.

The filmmakers have, once again, managed to round up a terrific cast to complement the talents of its two sparkling leads. I particularly enjoyed the contribution of Jessie Ralph as Aunt Katherine, who absolutely detests Nick and addresses him as "Nich-o-larse!" Nick's obsession with alcohol also continues, though he maintains his uncanny ability to switch painlessly between a drunken stupor and completely alert sobriety. The good-natured inter-marital sledging that made the original film so enjoyable still carries a razor-sharp wit, and, in one hilarious sequence, Nick even goes as far as pretending not to recognise his wife so she can be temporarily detained in a jail cell.

'After the Thin Man' is one of those very rare occasions when a sequel is good enough to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with its predecessor. A mixture of clever writing, talented directing and an infectious chemistry between the cast members worked to ensure that the partnership between Nick and Nora Charles would be a prolonged one.

This isn't a particularly deep movie or a complex mystery film. Nope--the murders aren't really the most important aspect of the film, but are more of an excuse to allow Nick and Nora to meet a lot of kooky characters and have a lot of funny dialog. In fact, I could have easily seen this movie succeed with no mystery whatsoever--just a straight comedy. Myrna Loy and William Powell are great as the Nora and Nick Charles--particularly Powell who had a terrific knack for comedy. Plus, their dog Asta is actually given some wonderful screen time--he's both cute AND funny (unlike many other animal acts). Along for the ride is a young Jimmy Stewart--who, based on the character he plays, still hasn't established himself as an actor--it's interesting to see him playing "against type".

This film isn't the greatest film, but is a sure bet for a few laughs and is a good time to be had by the entire family.

'The Thin Man' still stands out as a brilliant film, witty, suspenseful, very well made and directed with great performances and chemistry between the two stars William Powell and Myrna Loy. It was followed five sequels 'After the Thin Man', 'Another Thin Man', 'Shadow of the Thin Man', 'The Thin Man Goes Home' and 'Song of the Thin Man'. None of them disgrace it or are bad, in fact all of them are well worth watching, while not quite equalling or surpassing it.

'After the Thin Man' is the first of them and is a contender for the best. It is on the slight side perhaps and some may find it slow. Not me though, it transfixed me from the start and never let go. There is little to fault with 'After the Thin Man', though for my tastes Dorothy McNulty (aka Penny Singleton) overdoes it and doesn't amuse as much as ought. That though is nit-picking. There is so much to like here, all of the fun, suspense and charm of 'The Thin Man' is present and everything that was so great about that film is here too with the full impact not being lost.

It's a good-looking film, especially with some of the best photography of the series. Being both elegant and moody. The sets are simple but not too simplistic and certainly not unattractive. The costumes and fashions are even more elegant than the photography, and have always been one of the consistently striking elements of the films. Loy looks absolutely fabulous here, what she wears suits her so well and the camera clearly loves it. The music is suitably jaunty while not being inappropriately so, and the film is directed at a lively pace.

Script still continues to have hilarious and witty dialogue, with a good deal of sophistication and charm. The comic banter is light and never heavy and the physical comedy is endearingly silly without going over the top or childish. The story is never hard to follow and always engages, actually found that the slightness didn't matter that much. It also continues to have some of the best suspense of the series and there are some genuine surprises, including a nice minor twist involving James Stewart in an early role and an ending that one doesn't see coming.

Powell and Loy are on top form here, especially Powell who has more to do and clearly has a great time being charming and suave. Loy is glamour personified and the easy-going and magnetic chemistry between her and Powell is what makes the film, and the whole 'The Thin Man' series for that matter, work so well, for me it is one of film's most legendary partnerships. The rest of the cast fare well and who cannot help endear to Asta?

Overall, great film and complements the first film beautifully. 9/10