MovieChat Forums > The Thin Man Goes Home Discussion > The part they left out

The part they left out

posted 15 years ago by Balok-2
8 replies | jump to latest

In the original novel, Nick Charles was of Greek extraction -- his father was an immigrant named Charalambides. For most of the movies, it didn't really make much difference that they finessed that whole issue, the notion that it was a first-generation ethnic detective marrying money probably being considered "unsafe" relative to the more socially acceptable (especially during the Depression) notion of a plain ordinary WASP detective marrying money. Maybe it's just me, but I find the idea that Nick Charles goes home to a set of totally white-bread standard American parents more annoying than the so-called humorous process shots of Asta.

Balok

[–] pacwarbuff 15 years ago

Since I'm such a devotee of these Thin Man movies, I view the film version of Nick's hometown being a "perfect" representation because it's such a puritanical hellhole! Seeing it in this film let me know right away just why Nick never goes back home all that much; Sycamore Springs stinks! Even Nick's childhood memory of the windmill gives him the shivers.

I also get a laugh out of the fact Nick and Nora neglect to bring Nick, Jr. to see his grandparents, but still bring Asta! I like to think that was a slap at the idiotic idea of making Nick and Nora parents. I still gag at the thought of that scene in Shadow of the Thin Man when Nick, Jr. utters the immortal line: "Nick, why don't you put the book down an wead da racing folm?" in the worst dialect of cutese I've ever heard.

Consilio et prudentia

http://hollywooddreamland.blogspot.com/

[–] The_Dying_Flutchman 14 years ago

Massive farting would have helped, but since this was the 40's no such thing could occur.

Sacred cows make delicious hamburgers.

[–] justaudrey 14 years ago

And why did little Nicky call his dad "Nick"?

[–] mikeoak840 12 years ago

I noticed that only happened where Nick & Nicky were out in the park, but at home and/or with Nora around, it was "Daddy."

[–] agera 14 years ago

"Maybe it's just me, but I find the idea that Nick Charles goes home to a set of totally white-bread standard American parents more annoying than the so-called humorous process shots of Asta."

Maybe it is just you. The detail of Nick being of Greek extraction isn't really relevant to the plot of the novel, The Thin Man, as I recall nor to any of the movies.

I think it's much funnier having Nick, with his underworld chums, excessive tippling and general unconventionality, go home to such a conventional white-bread home and community than it would be if he returned to a family of Greek immigrants--and I say this as the granddaughter of Central European immigrants.

[–] JrnlofEddieDeezenStudies 14 years ago

I agree with your take on it.

http://www.rateyourmusic.com/~JrnlofEddieDeezenStudies

[–] justaudrey 14 years ago

Yeah, I think his real roots (which they do mention in the Wikipedia page for this movie, btw) would've been interesting. However, I don't feel like it would've fit the tone of the movies to put something as "serious" as his background and assimilation. That's not really meant to be the focus here.

[–] PretoriaDZ 11 years ago

Nick Charles made up stuff on a whim. Perhaps he preferred being thought of as son of recent immigrants rather than a "proper" WASP family. He was also in denial of his heritage because of guilt that he had disappointed his father by not becoming a doctor.