NEW YORK, January 11, 2026
“After The Thin Man” Made History With a First-of-Its-Kind Oscar Nod
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The 1936 film broke ground as the first sequel nominated for Best Screenplay and also introduced a surprising cinematic first: puppy dog adultery.
- “After The Thin Man” received an Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay, a first for any sequel.
- The film is notable for what some consider the first depiction of “puppy dog adultery” in cinema.
- Director W.S. Van Dyke had a remarkably diverse pre-directing career, including stints as a gold miner and mercenary.
- The on-screen chemistry between William Powell and Myrna Loy fueled rumors of a real-life affair, which were untrue.
- A comedic bit involving a distinctive walk may have originated with William Powell decades before Monty Python.
“After The Thin Man” isn’t just a delightful continuation of the original; it’s a landmark achievement in film history,earning a Best Screenplay nomination at the Academy Awards – a first for any sequel. the film also playfully explores a rather unconventional plot point,often referred to as the first instance of “puppy dog adultery” in cinema.
From Mercenary to Master Filmmaker: The Life of W.S. Van Dyke
Behind the camera was W.S. Van Dyke, a director with a life story as colorful as his films.Before helming 91 movies over a 25-year span, Van Dyke experienced a series of adventurous occupations, working as a gold miner, lumberjack, railroad worker, and even a mercenary. He directed four actors who woudl receive oscar nominations,including William powell,Spencer Tracy,Norma Shearer,and Robert Morley.
A Killer Trio on Screen
The film stars a captivating trio: William Powell, Myrna Loy, and James Stewart. However, the real magic happened between Powell and Loy, whose on-screen chemistry was undeniable.
Rumors swirled that Powell and Loy were having an affair, fueled by thier unbelievable connection on screen. But the truth was far less scandalous: they were simply very good friends. The pair collaborated on 14 films together, with “After The Thin Man” marking their sixth pairing.
A Joke Before Its Time?
Interestingly, a comedic bit in “After The Thin Man” might predate a similar gag popularized by Monty Python. the scene involves a character with a peculiar walk instructing another to “walk this way,” prompting a mimicry of the gait. Upon researching, it appears William Powell may have originated this joke in a movie nearly 90 years ago, and it still manages to elicit a chuckle today.
“After The Thin Man” stands as a testament to the power of chemistry and clever writing, proving to be
