Here we've got a complete change of atmosphere for our city-dwellers Nick and Nora: they travel to Nick's small hometown to see his parents after a long time. And since Nick knows how much his father disapproves of his excessive drinking, he's gone on a 'diet' of... apple cider! But Father also disapproves of something else: that Nick didn't become a doctor like himself, but just a 'cop'... And yet that's exactly what's made him famous in his town: the many difficult murder cases he's solved in the city. And so everybody thinks, as soon as he turns up in the sleepy hole, that he must be here 'on business'... But while he's trying to persuade everyone that he's just on holiday - he DOES get his 'business': a young man is shot right in front of the door of his parents' house! So, whether he wants to or not, he helps investigating (since the country cops are even dumber than those in the city...); and he uncovers not only a whole number of well-kept family secrets, but - with a painting that Nora buys him for his birthday and that seems strangely coveted by some people as evidence - finally a big case of industrial espionage! And as for the identity of the actual murderer: here he makes his father proud at last with his knowledge of forensic medicine...Now, it depends on the point of view: you could call the environment in this movie either unusual or unsuitable for Nick and Nora. Anyway, let's see it from the positive side: William Powell and Myrna Loy are once again in great shape and in the mood for cheeky jokes (Nickie Jr. was left at home this time, so there aren't any parents' issues), Anne Revere gives a great performance as 'Crazy Mary' and Donald Meek as the nutty art dealer and Edward Brophy (who had played 'Morelli' in the original first "Thin Man" movie) as the chatty salesman provide good fun entertainment, and the plot is really quite clever and full of surprises.Still, you can feel the atmosphere changing and drifting further away from the first 'Thin Man' movies; so, for fans of Nick and Nora (as we knew them from the 30s) this one might be a slight disappointment - but as a crime comedy on the whole it's certainly solid, well-made entertainment!

Hands down, the best mystery and BIGGEST surprise ending in the series. The jokes and repartee are first class, lots of excellent supporting roles and by keeping a tight rein on the 'Thin Man Formula' it keeps everything fresh. You've got just enough drinking jokes (Nick's on the wagon because they're visiting his folks) but the scenes when his dad thinks he's drunk make up for it. Mercifully, they left Nick, Jr. at home - family stuff hurts the chemistry of Nick and Nora more than anything. Also,there is exactly the right amount of Asta. And of course, as everyone suspects, Asta is their 'real' child.Not as many rough characters interacting with Nick in this one, but Nora herself inadvertently lapsing into criminal lingo as she tells the story about 'Stinky Davis' to her staid in-laws is even better! Also, you got the wonderful Edward Brophy, who specialized in comic gangster roles, posing as as the most improbable of 'greeting card salesmen' - his 'made up shop talk' is hilarious. And the great Anne Revere (later black-listed) acts to the hilt in a small but juicy dramatic role - you'd swear that 'Red Annie' was doing Brecht! I dare you to find one minute of Anne Revere on screen in ANY film in which she was not TOTALLY mesmerizing.Director Thorpe was not quite 'One-Shot Van Dine' the best Thin Man director but he seldom puts his foot wrong. Boring camera placements and indifferent staging if you care about that, but when your listening to Nick and Nora sparring you don't really notice.

Nick and Nora Charles go home to see his parents. Myrna Loy and William Powell were usually wonderful as the detective and his lovable wife. The script does them in in this film.Supported by the usually elderly looking Harry Davenport and his wife, veteran actress Lucile Watson add really nothing to the plot.Naturally, they have no vacation as they're soon thrown into investigating a murder that occurred at their parents' doorstep. We soon find an array of suspects to deal with. We have Crazy Mary who loves to knock people over the head with any object in her reach. The wonderful Anne Revere plays the part and says so little. She is dressed up as if she is Apple Annie from "Pocketful of Miracles" fame.Donald Meek, Edward Brophy, Leon Ames and a very young Gloria De Haven round out the fine cast.By the way, what was behind those paintings being sold? This is never fully explained and that might just be what's wrong with this picture.You'll laugh at the beginning when Nick and Nora are trying to move about in a very crowded corridor of the train. You will be reminded of the Marx Brothers in "Room Service." When a very fat man comes the opposite way, you will laugh heartily. Other than this, there is very little to smile to.

With entry 5/6 it was a more conventional series, more mature and sedate than the sophisticated romp of 10 years previous. But still good clean fun, even with the Ed Brophy in the bushes gag!Nick and Nora vacate to Nick's parents home in in quiet Hicksville, but find it suddenly bristling with murder, base intrigues and seedy bars. The plot's easier to follow than before, but that doesn't make it less entertaining: Based on the data collected whilst watching the first four films I deduced who the murderer was straight off (but not the real baddies) - but it was still wonderful to take part in the denouement. Character actors from the Falcon and Boston Blackie fill the screen, and even Donald MacBride appears as yes, a detective. Asta followed Nick closely throughout, Junior was left at school for the sake of all the viewers, however Nora was given a few out of character padding sequences. Favourite bit: At a dance Nora getting whisked into a prolonged hep jive with a sailor much to Nick's transfixed amazement.So well worth watching for those of us who are looking for olde time production-line family entertainment and not High Art.