‘The Thin Man’ had hefty appeal

The Complete

Thin Man Collection

Warner Home Video, $60 for set; $20 each

Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy weren’t the only great screen couple during Hollywood’s heyday. In the 1930s and ‘40s, Myrna Loy and William Powell appeared in several sparkling comedies for MGM, including “Libeled Lady,� “Love Crazy� and “Double Wedding.� But they were best known as the witty, sophisticated private detectives Nick and Nora Charles in six popular “Thin Man� mysteries made between 1934 and 1947. Although Nick and Nora seemed to imbibe enough liquor to get them a lifetime membership to the Betty Ford Clinic, they managed to solve mystery after mystery. Always at their side was their wily, precocious wirehaired fox terrier, Asta.

The first entry in the series, “The Thin Man,� was released in 1934. Adapted from Dashiell Hammett’s novel -- which was said to be based on Hammett’s relationship with playwright Lillian Hellman -- the mystery-comedy was shot in just 14 days on a low budget. It was an instant hit and garnered four Oscar nominations, including best film and best actor.

“The Thin Man,� originally released on DVD back in 2002, is included in this new set, which also features the five other “Thin Man� films. The set’s seventh disc features documentaries on Powell and Loy. The package’s release date, Tuesday, would have been Loy’s 100th birthday.

After the Thin Man

Just two years after “The Thin Man,� Powell and Loy were back as Nick and Nora in this entertaining entry. In this outing, the ne’er-do-well husband of Nora’s cousin has gone missing, threatening to cause a scandal among the upper crust of New York society. A young James Stewart is featured in a meaty supporting role as the still-smitten ex-boyfriend of Nora’s cousin.

At the film’s finale, Nora lets Nick know he’s going to be a father.

Extras: The amusing Robert Benchley short “How to Be a Detective,� the Lux Radio Theater version of “After the Thin Man� and the trailer.

*

Another Thin Man

This 1939 installment introduced toddler Nick Jr. to the family. The Charleses arrive at the secluded Long Island estate of a wealthy industrialist who believes someone is out to murder him. And when he is knocked off one night in his sleep, Nick, Nora and Asta set out to find the culprit. Sheldon Leonard, Shemp Howard and even Marjorie Main pop up in this one.

Extras: A musical short, “Love on Top,� a vintage cartoon and the trailer.

*

Shadow of the Thin Man

Though the cracks aren’t as wise and the plot lacks the sophistication of the previous “Thin Man� films, Powell and Loy still manage to turn on the charm in this 1941 thriller. This time around, they investigate a jockey’s murder and racketeering at a local racetrack.

The “Thin Man� movies always proved to be a good showcase for the studio’s up-and-coming talent, and “Shadow� features a very young Donna Reed and Barry Nelson. Noted acting teacher Stella Adler also is featured in one of her few film roles.

Extras: A short, “The Tell-Tale Heart,� adapted from the Edgar Allan Poe story and directed by Jules Dassin, a cartoon and the trailer.

*

The Thin Man Goes Home

Nick and Nora -- sans Nick Jr. -- decide to spend time in Nick’s bucolic hometown, where his father (Harry Davenport) is a well-respected doctor. Despite Nick’s success as a policeman and a shamus, his father has never forgiven him for not following in his footsteps. Nora thinks the best way for Nick to impress his father is by solving a case. But since nothing evil happens in the small town, will a case show up so Nick can mend fences?

Featured are a fresh-faced Gloria DeHaven along with veterans Lucile Watson, Leon Ames and Anne Revere.

Extras: “Why Daddy?� (a Robert Benchley short that spoofs radio game shows), a cartoon and the trailer.

*

The Song of the Thin Man

Powell was 56 and Loy 42 when they made their last appearance as the sleuthing couple in this 1947 mystery. By this time, the series was just getting by on the chemistry between the leads -- and they managed to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear of a script.

When a jazz bandleader is murdered aboard a gambling ship, Nick and Nora take time out from drinking cocktails to track down the killer. An 11-year-old Dean Stockwell plays Nick Jr. Gloria Grahame and Jayne Meadows also star.

Extras: A “Passing Parade� short called “A Really Important Person,� starring Stockwell, as well as a cartoon and the trailer.

-- Susan King