Why do they have to be alcoholics?

Exactly, this is definitely one of those movies where the history surrounding it is very important to really "getting" the movie.

Height of the Depression, the very recent repeal of Prohibition, the autobiographical aspects with Hammett, the escapist angle with watching the rich enjoy themselves...

It's a great time capsule of a film.

This one may have been extreme, but many of the screwball comedies of the time also involve excessive imbibing of alcohol - much like 'Dallas' in the 80's.

Also, keep in mind that these people always had chauffeurs.

Yes, and they're smokers, too. That's considered disgusting nowadays, so you better find another movie to watch... maybe something by Disney.

I disagree that they were alcoholics. They were drinkers, sure, but not necessarily alcoholics.

I didn't see where alcohol adversely affected their lives. Other than a hangover or two, alcohol didn't keep them from functioning normally.

Nick drinks only cider in The Thin Man Goes Home. :)

We do see ill effects on Nora as she has a massive hangover after her 6 martinis. I can't imagine myself drinking 6 martinis in an evening. Much less a petite woman. Would probably feel like 8 or 9 to me! I doubt I'd be able to get out of bed the next day.

It was the 1930s when movies were supposed to be glamorous. Back then most people didn't know what a cocktail was. It was a way for people to forget for a time the hardships of the Depression.

Where are the flying cars? I want my flying car!

Not to mention that in the film's time frame, it's the holidays -- Christmas Eve to a couple of days before New Years -- and they're on vacation. Lots of people drink more than usual on vacation and during the holidays.

If it makes you feel better, I'm absolutely certain Nick and Nora sign up for gym memberships when the get back to San Francisco. He drops out after four days, but she sticks with it, takes up Pilates and a step class or two, and they live happily ever after.

And yet... people drank all the time. Way into the 1960s.

It dates back to the 18th and 19th century when water was contaminated with all sorts of diseases. People, even children drank alcoholic beverages all day, because they were safer. Wine for the richer, beeer for the poorer. (light beer (2% vol. for women and children). Breakfast for the whole family consisted of "beer soup", which was bread cooked in light beer and then strained into bowls.


Now to the 1950s and 60s:

When you invited guests, the first thing was offering them (strong) drinks. Whisky for the gents, "girlie drinks" (sweet cocktails like "Manhattan") for the girls.

When the husband came home from work in the afternoon, the first thing his wife offered him was for example, a (few) martini. She usually had a pitcher of them already prepared. Then another drink before dinner, some wine to go with the dinner, and then an evening with several (strong) drinks.

When you met with your business partners, you drank. (A meeting of half an hour was called a "four-martini meeting" back then.)


And yet, many of them lived to an age of 80, 90 or more. (My grandmother was a heavy smoker until she quit at 75 and always a good drinker. She lived merrily up to 93.) Do we lead a better life nowadays?

I would say however that Nick is a bit excessive even for 1934 standards...

but if it detracted you from the story, I recommend Ritalin. (apparently, turning school children into drug addicts nowadays is something completely different and acceptable)




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Hmmm?