Expert: Jim Kason - 12/11/2008

Question
Last year, I saw an old black and white movie that was very similar to the Thin Man series. I can?t remember the name of the film or the actors. I think it took place in New York, the man lived in a plush apartment and I think he had a butler. Some sort of message was delivered to him or someone gave it to him, I think he placed it under some papers on this desk. He got a call on the phone from a man pretending to be someone else and wanted him to meet him. While he was out, the man that made the phone call broke in his apartment looking for the papers but did not find them. Of course, someone was murdered, not sure who it was and the mystery began. At some point the man?s ex-wife showed up at his apartment with a lot of luggage and with the intent of staying for awhile. The two of them were on good terms and still in love. She became involved in the mystery just like Nora Charles in the Thin Man series. At the end of the move, they got back together.

I know this is a long shot, but does this sound familiar to anyone?

Can anyone suggest any other classic movies that were similar to the Thin Man series?

Thanks for any help

Answer
Hi Ralph.

Other than the "Thin Man"series,...the only other films  I can think of are :
The husband and wife team of the late 30's,..... "Joel and Garda Sloan".  They were a husband/wife team,..but strangely enough, every time they appeared on the screen,...were portrayed by different actors !
MGM did a few of the films.  The ones I could find were:
  "Fast Company" - 1938  with Melvyn Douglas and Florence Rice
  "Fast and Furious" - 1939 with Franchot Tone and Ann Sothern
  "Fast and Loose" - 1939 with Robert Montgomery and Rosiland Russell

There was also a film called "There's Always A Woman" - 1938, with Melvyn Douglas and
Joan Blondell.   And one called "Mr. and Mrs. North" - 1942, with Gracie Allen and William Post, Jr.

I doubt that these may be the film that you're thinking of,...but, who knows?

Perhaps one of the other experts may be able to help youout.

Sincerely,

Jik K