Song of the Thin Man (1947)

80% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
74% of users liked it
(2,366 ratings)

In the sixth and final Thin Man whodunit, Nick (William Powell) and Nora Charles (Myrna Loy) look into the mysterious killing of bandleader Tommy Drake (Phillip Reed). The police quickly hone in on the owner of a gambling ship, Phil Brant (Bruce Cowling), who was about to lose Drake's band to a… More In the sixth and final Thin Man whodunit, Nick (William Powell) and Nora Charles (Myrna Loy) look into the mysterious killing of bandleader Tommy Drake (Phillip Reed). The police quickly hone in on the owner of a gambling ship, Phil Brant (Bruce Cowling), who was about to lose Drake's band to a competitor. Also among the many and varied suspects are: Phil's new wife, socialite Janet Thayar (Jayne Meadows); the band's voluptuous vocalist, Fran Page (Gloria Grahame); and the troubled clarinetist, Buddy Hollis (Don Taylor). With the assistance of jive-talking "Clinker" Krause (Keenan Wynn) and the clever terrier Asta, Nick and Nora are soon able to gather all the suspects at the reopening of the floating gaming establishment. In between the skullduggery and the usual wisecracks, Gloria Grahame performs a sultry version of Herb Magidson and Ben Oakland's "You're Not So Easy to Forget." ~ Hans J. Wollstein, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 26 min.
Directed By: Edward Buzzell
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1947 Wide
On DVD: Aug 2, 2005
Studio: MGM Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Douglas Pratt, DVDLaser
the film flows less smoothly than its predecessors
Chris Barsanti, Filmcritic.com
It wouldn't be Hollywood if they didn't wring too much out of a good idea
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Although the ending of Song of the Thin Man leaves a lot to be desired, including the compulsory confession, everything leading up to it works pretty well.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...a pleasing step above the previous film, taking us into the world of smoky jazz clubs, dark shadows, and dirty deals. (The Complete Thin Man Collection)
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The great chemistry between Powell and Loy is still there and their charm carries things a long way.
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
One of series' best.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, San Francisco Examiner
The last of a six-film series was running out of gas, but it's still good, clean fun.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Last, but not quite the least of the series.

Read all 8 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

I like the Thin Man series, but this one is more average than usual, and by now you know how Powell will solve the mystery anyway.
First L

A little bit better than the previous "The Thin Man Goes Home", "The Song of the Thin Man" centers around a group of jive-talking, hepcat jazz musicians (and thankfully, this time there's less of the dog). The focus is more on the storyline than the last… More
A little bit better than the previous "The Thin Man Goes Home", "The Song of the Thin Man" centers around a group of jive-talking, hepcat jazz musicians (and thankfully, this time there's less of the dog). The focus is more on the storyline than the last movie, and with less of a focus on comedy, but it's still awfully convoluted. An alcoholic musician is given the sack by the bandleader who turns up dead shortly thereafter. Said bandleader also had a heavy gambling debt and believed his life was in danger from the loan sharks. Nick and Nora are brought in to solve the case, and the usual tom-foolery ensues. While the film has its share of decent gags (personally, I found the swing band very amusing), it's still along way distant from the original film.
Michael G

The Batman and Robin of the Thin Man series. Powell and Loy kind of look like they don't want to be there, Nicky jr's (played by Dean Stockwell) scenes ensure the shark gets jumped and the whole jazz band gimmick spell doom for Nick and Nora. The spanking scene was really… More
The Batman and Robin of the Thin Man series. Powell and Loy kind of look like they don't want to be there, Nicky jr's (played by Dean Stockwell) scenes ensure the shark gets jumped and the whole jazz band gimmick spell doom for Nick and Nora. The spanking scene was really stupid and the story has none of the charm of the previous Thin Man movies--not to mention an ending that felt a bit rushed. Still, Song of the Thin Man isn't all bad--it's got a few funny lines and film noir vixens Gloria Grahame and Marie Windsor make appearances. If you've seen all the other Thin Man movies you may as well finish the series off, but be advised--Song of the Thin Man serves as proof that the series went on too long.

Cast

            Leon Ames as Mitchell Talbin

            Warner Anderson as Dr. Monolaw

            William Bishop as Al  Amboy

            Bruce Cowling as Phil Brant

            Bess Flowers as Jessica Thayer

            Connie Gilchrist as Bertha

            Gloria Grahame as Fran Ledue Page

            Myrna Loy as Nora Charles

            Jayne Meadows as Janet Thayer

            Ralph Morgan as David I. Thayar

            Patricia Morison as Phyllis Talbin

            Henry Nemo as The  Neem

            William Powell as Nick Charles

            Phillip Reed as Tommy Drake

            Dean Stockwell as Nick Charles Jr.

            Don Taylor as Buddy Hollis

            Marie Windsor as Helen Amboy

            Keenan Wynn as Clarence "Clinker" Krause

            George Anderson as Dunne

            Morris Ankrum as Inspector

            Asta Jr. as Asta

            Gregg Barton as Nurse

            Lennie Bremen
            
            Al Bridge as Nagle Policeman

            James Burke as Callahan

            George Chan as Young Chinese

            James Flavin as Reartion the Cop

            Earl Hodgins as Baggage Man

            Esther Howard as Counterwoman

            Donald Kerr as News Photographer

            Lyle Latell as Mugs

            Matt McHugh as Taxi Driver

            Jimmy O'Gatty as Hood

            Jeffrey Sayre as Croupier

            John Sheehan as Manager

            George Sorel as Headwaiter

            Robert E. Strickland as Musician

            Charles Sullivan as Sergeant

            Clinton Sundberg as Desk Clerk

            Henry Sylvester as Butler

            Tom Trout as Louie the Shiv

            William Roberts as Pete

            Howard Negley as Kramer

            Tom Dugan as Davis Cop

            Harry Burns as Italian

            Bill Harbach as Whitley

            Clarke Hardwicke as Bert

            Eddie Simms
            
See full cast