Movies You Might Have Missed Mondays

This past week, Johnny Depp announced that he plans to remake the 1934 Oscar-nominated hit, The Thin Man, taking on the role of Nick Charles, originally played by William Powell, himself.
See, this is the why I love watching classic movies.
Yes, we all know Johnny is awesome. Even if most of his movies and/or characters freak you out, at least everyone can admit he hit a homerun with Captain Jack Sparrow. So any time he’s making a movie, people pay attention.
But it’s particularly exciting and note-worthy that he plans to remake this movie because this movie is fantastic.
The Thin Man is the first in a series of murder-mystery movies featuring the whimsical and talented ex-detective, Nick Charles, and his sidekick wife, Nora. They’re out of the business, enjoying a high-society life, but are roped into detecting for an old friend… and also because they just can’t help themselves.
The story lines are intriguing yet light-hearted, require some brains to figure out, but include comic relief keeping it fun and enjoyable for everyone.
It’s impossible to promote this classic without understanding the brilliance that is William Powell.
At first glance, he’s average. Not especially handsome. Not what a leading man would look like today. Even from his generation of stars - Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Gary Cooper – he seems to take a back seat.
But if you watch one of his movies, like The Thin Man, you’re sold.
He’s likable. Charming. He’s deliciously sarcastic. He’s hysterical. He’s a pro, a real actor, a class act, a man’s man. His wit and whimsy win over any crowd.
Since I’ve seen The Thin Man and have appreciated Mr. Powell’s abilities as an actor, I can appreciate and look forward to Johnny taking on the same role. Yes, he’ll recreate and alter Nick Charles according to his unique take on the character, but I believe he’ll also reintroduce us to the genius that was William Powell and Hollywood itself.
I also need to mention William Powell’s costar in these Nick and Nora sleuths – Myrna Loy. She’s a perfect fit with her ladylike ease and well-timed quirky remarks.
I hope you’ll take the chance to see the original Thin Man sometime between now and when Johnny releases his version. Then, when you see his, you’ll appreciate and enjoy it all the more.
Hey, another William Powell film worth watching is 1936’s My Man Godfrey, for which he received a second of three Oscar nominations. He plays butler to spoiled socialite, delightfully acted by Carole Lombard (fyi - Clark Gable’s wife, until her early death in a plane crash).
And Myrna has her share of great flicks too, one of which I’d never have watched based on title alone – Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House. It also stars Cary Grant, one of my favorites who will be featured later on here on Dry Ground’s Movies You Might Have Missed Mondays.
Thanks for starting your week out with me! Be blessed, my friends!
(photos by photobucket.com)