Its definitely not the place to start with the series, and it seems to dial up the goofiness a few notches (especially with how the movie deals with Asta, Nick's loyal Fox Terrier). In fact, the whole operation has the feel of a particularly high-end hour long police procedural series one might catch on ABC (its not bone dry and soul crushing enough for CBS, and there's not enough shame involved to qualify it for NBC). Of course, Nick's habitual drinking would probably need to land the show on premium cable or late night on FX.
But this was a movie for folks who already loved the three prior Thin Man films. By this movie, there's a Charles child, a maid and a whole lot of domesticity. Nora is barely seen knocking them back.
Anyway, someone gets murdered and Nick and Nora get involved, and wackiness ensues.
I can't help but note that this movie was released in November of 1941. Pretty tough time to be getting word of mouth out there. Myrna Loy would become heavily involved in supporting the war effort, not making another movie until the 1945 follow up to this picture.
As with all previous Thin Man films, I recommend.
Also, again, Myrna Loy.
