Meurtre en musique

It may be mediocre, small-time fare, but it's also an excellent example of studio filmmaking from the 40s. In the last of the Thin Man movies, Nick (William Powell) and Nora (Myrna Loy) solve a murder (again), this time concerning a jazz bandleader (I think; the plot was kind of confusing). The dialogue isn't as sharp as in the other movies, and Dean Stockwell as Nick Jr. is cloying (although he was far worse in Anchors Aweigh). Keenan Wynn is fun as a jazz "insider" who "jams"; the outdated language in this movie is unbelievable. This is also wholesale propaganda: all the jazz players in the movie are either drunk or unpleasant, or both, thereby reinforcing the wholesome American family. As Janet, Jayne Meadows looks EXACTLY like Donna on Twin Peaks. Intentional or not? Compelling enough reason to watch this movie (the other reason is a bizarre sequence in which William Powell remembers his son growing up while his memories are projected onto the boy's butt).

While I enjoyed this final THIN MAN movie, I've gotta admit that it was far less enjoyable than the first few entries in this series. Maybe the actors were getting tired or the writers had writer's block--but the movie just lacked the most important factor for a THIN MAN movie--FUN! Yes, some of the wonderful banter between Nick and Nora was present (particularly when Nora talks "jive"), but only here and there--not nearly as often or as hilarious as in previous films. And, unfortunately, the plot also is pretty convoluted (though I must admit that plot is NOT the primary reason people watched the films--it was the characters). Also, their son, played by Dean Stockwell, was never developed as a character and, Frankly, Nick and Nora seemed like TERRIBLE parents. Oh well, despite all these complaints, it still is a pretty good film--slightly better than average but that's really about all.

Good mystery comedy movie that was certainly carried by the lead stars.The production was average and the script was not as good as the previous THIN MAN films.Still delivers the basics of the genre though so if you are a fan of the THIN MAN films or a big fan of comedy mysteries or a big fan of the lead stars here,you will like this movie......

I completely disagree with some prior posters who thought this the worst in the series. First of all, it's one of the best mysteries with any number of possible candidates. Secondly, it has a really strong supporting cast led by K. Wynn who is terrific in the role of jazz inside man. Jayne Meadows and Ralph Morgan are also strong supporting actors. Third, it really showcases jazz, perhaps inadvertently and in a negative way however (as out of touch, out of the mainstream with a different language etc.), and has some great numbers (including the theme song, "You're Not so Easy to Forget" which I think the director was using as a nod to this being the last in the series of Thin Man movies and to William Powell. The director obviously makes his disapproving commentary on jazz in a subtle way: by focusing the camera on the bust of Beethoven just after a jazz scene! But he does integrate the music well into the plot since much of the plot takes place on a gambling boat.

The denouement of the mystery is also probably influential on other mystery/criminal series to follow (like Perry Mason) in that the entire cast of suspects is collected together, as in an Agatha Christie or a Rex Stout story. Fourth, the script is very, very witty and you have to pay close attention to the words (like the reference to Somerset Maugham with the "it couldn't be his razor", a reference to Maugham's, The Razor's Edge. Or how about the time William Powell is "eying" a ladies earrings but his sight is a bit focused elsewhere and Nora reminds him something like, "earrings are higher than that"! But I did think we saw too much of Dean Stockwell and the film would have better off with him in a reduced role (sorry to his fan club, but I'm no fan). I thought I saw the Wizard of Oz in this movie and it turns out that it is his (almost lookalike) brother! Lastly, Asta has a big and important role in this movie, fittingly so, since it is the last in the series. In short, great acting, great script, and great harmony between Powell (who really could act, especially in comedy) and M. Loy. Superb.

While it probably doesn't offer as much as most of the earlier movies in the series, "Song Of the Thin Man" is nevertheless a pleasant finale to the classic series. It has the usual blend of wit, oddly assorted characters, and mystery, with a solid supporting cast led by Keenan Wynn.

The story uses the now-familiar setup of Nick getting drawn into a mystery against his will. This time, it uses the jazz scene as the backdrop, and while the setting is not always used to its potential, it does allow Wynn some good moments that he makes use of. Wynn usually plays off of Powell and Loy rather well. Most of the rest of the cast does well when they get the chance, and Don Taylor works as a more serious, troubled character who is important to the story.

You can tell that they were running out of truly new ideas for the series, yet in another sense the series got an impressive amount of mileage from the format. This last movie may offer little that is new, but it is enjoyable as light entertainment.