"I don't need anything in the world, darling, but you... and a toothbrush."

Well, Christmas is behind us and it's time for the New Year! Which means, it's time for a New Year movie. One of my favorite New Year movies (although, frankly, I'm not sure how many New Year movies there are) is After the Thin Man (1936). I recommend first watching The Thin Man (1934) in order to get a better sense of the characters, but it really isn't necessary. Nick Charles (William Powell) is an ex-police detective who gave up professional sleuthing when he married Nora (Myrna Loy). However, he just can't get gumshoeing out of his system because he always ends up with a case! In this movie, the case hits home when it involves Nora's wealthy family. This movie is hilarious as well as intriguing, and it takes place on New Year's Eve! If you like drinking, I'll suggest my brother's idea for a drinking game in which you take a swig every time they do... which is often. However, being drunk is not necessary to enjoy this movie, which has a stellar cast (including James Stewart) as well as a humorously-not-so-stellar cast (Elissa Landi, who plays Selma is ridiculously over-the-top). I highly recommend it - it's thoroughly enjoyable. Just a short trivia note, the bantering relationship of Nick and Nora was not in the original script (or the original book, The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett), but was added in based on William Powell and Myrna Loy's bantering relationship in real life! So, enjoy the humor and quick wit as you watch this delightful mix of martinis, murder, and madness!

Nick: Have you made your New Year's resolution yet?
Nora: No, any complaints or suggestions?
Nick: A few...
Nora: Which?
Nick: Complaints.
Nora: All right, shoot.
Nick: Well, you don't scold, you don't nag, and you look far too pretty in the morning.
Nora: All right, I'll remember: must scold, must nag, mustn't be too pretty in the morning.