Saturday, December 22, 2007

Potent Quotables: Nick and Nora Edition

Was there ever a classier onscreen couple then the dashing William Powell and the sophisticated Myrna Loy? The two acting greats starred in an amazing 14 films together, and by far their most lasting pairing was as the equally dashing and sophisticated Nick and Nora Charles in The Thin Man movies.

Throughout the six films in the series, the crime-solving, martini-drinking duo had their fare share of zingers and witty exchanges, such as these from the original Thin Man:
  • Nora: (Responding to a reporter's question as to what case Nick was working on) "A case of scotch. Pitch in and help him."
  • Nick: (When asked by a reporter if he could tell them anything about the case) "Yes, it's putting me way behind in my drinking."
  • Nick: (On the fine art of mixing drinks) "The important thing is the rhythm. Always have rhythm in your shaking. Now a Manhattan you shake to fox-trot time, a Bronx to two-step time, a dry martini you always shake to waltz time."
  • Nick: "How'd you like Grant's tomb?" Nora: "It's lovely. I'm having a copy made for you."
  • Nora: "Pretty girl." Nick: "Yes. She's a very nice type." Nora: "You got types?" Nick: "Only you, darling. Lanky brunettes with wicked jaws."
  • Nick: "Oh, it's all right, Joe. It's all right. It's my dog. And, uh, my wife." Nora: "Well you might have mentioned me first on the billing."
  • Nora: "You know, that sounds like an interesting case. Why don't you take it?" Nick: "I haven't the time. I'm much too busy seeing that you don't lose any of the money I married you for."
  • Nick: "Hey, would you mind putting that gun away? My wife doesn't care, but I'm a very timid fellow."
  • Nora: (Suffering from a hangover) "What hit me?" Nick: "The last martini."
  • And finally, my favorite Nick-and-Nora-ism -- Nick: (Referring to how his exploits were written up in the newspapers) "I'm a hero. I was shot twice in the Tribune." Nora: "I read you were shot five times in the tabloids." Nick: "It's not true. He didn't come anywhere near my tabloids."

Click here to buy The Thin Manmovies on DVD from Amazon.com.
Link via Imdb.com.

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