Dashiell Hammett

Writing

Dashiell Hammett

Born May 27, 1894 · Saint Mary's County, Maryland, USA

Died January 10, 1961 · aged 66

Samuel Dashiell Hammett (May 27, 1894 – January 10, 1961) was an American writer of hard-boiled detective novels and short stories. He was also a screenwriter and political activist. Among the enduring characters he created are Sam Spade (The Maltese Falcon), Nick and Nora Charles (The Thin Man), the Continental Op (Red Harvest and The Dain Curse) and the comic strip character Secret Agent X-9. H…

Known For

The Maltese FalconThe Maltese Falcon · 1941
The Maltese Falcon
7.71941
MovieMysteryCrime
A private detective takes on a case that involves him with three eccentric criminals, a beautiful liar, and their quest for a priceless statuette.
The Thin ManThe Thin Man · 1934
The Thin Man
7.51934
MovieComedyMystery
Former detective Nick Charles has retired from police work, preferring a life of cocktails, parties, and relaxation with his wealthy wife, Nora. Their holiday is interrupted when the daughter of Nick’s former client asks for help finding her missing father, eccentric inventor Clyde Wynant. When Wynant’s body is discovered, Nick is drawn back into the investigation, with Nora eagerly joining him. As the couple questions Wynant’s family, friends, and business associates, a tangled web of greed, deception, and murder begins to unravel. Directed by W. S. Van Dyke and adapted from Dashiell Hammett’s novel, The Thin Man combines witty dialogue, sophisticated comedy, romance, and classic mystery. William Powell and Myrna Loy are perfectly matched as Nick and Nora Charles, whose playful banter and effortless chemistry made them one of Hollywood’s most beloved screen couples. This stylish 1934 mystery remains a landmark of classic American cinema.
No Good DeedNo Good Deed · 2002
No Good Deed
5.42002
MovieActionCrime
While doing a friend a favor and searching for a runaway teenager, a police detective stumbles upon a bizarre band of criminals about to pull off a bank robbery.
The Glass KeyThe Glass Key · 1942
The Glass Key
6.71942
MovieCrimeMystery
A crooked politician finds himself being accused of murder by a gangster from whom he refused help during a re-election campaign.
Watch on the RhineWatch on the Rhine · 1943
Watch on the Rhine
6.91943
MovieDramaThriller
On the eve of World War II, the German Kurt Müller, his American-born wife Sara, and their three children, having lived in Europe for years, visit Sara's wealthy mother near Washington, DC. Kurt secretly works for the anti-Nazi resistance. A visiting Romanian count, becoming aware of this, seeks to blackmail him.
After the Thin ManAfter the Thin Man · 1936
After the Thin Man
7.31936
MovieComedyMystery
Nick and Nora Charles are back—and this time, their holiday takes a deadly turn! After returning to San Francisco, the sophisticated couple is drawn into the disappearance of Nora’s cousin’s husband. When he is found murdered, suspicion falls on the troubled family, and Nick reluctantly resumes his detective work. With Nora eagerly at his side, the pair follows a trail of jealousy, blackmail, secret relationships, and long-buried family scandals. William Powell and Myrna Loy sparkle as Hollywood’s most charming married sleuths, trading witty banter while unraveling a dangerous mystery. Directed by W. S. Van Dyke and written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, After the Thin Man delivers everything audiences love about the series: romance, comedy, suspense, elegant settings, and the irresistible return of Asta, Nick and Nora’s mischievous wire-haired terrier. This stylish 1936 sequel is a delightful blend of mystery and sophisticated fun.
Secret Agent X-9Secret Agent X-9 · 1945
Secret Agent X-9
6.21945
MovieAction
American, Chinese and Australian agents join forces to stop the Nazis from obtaining the formula for synthetic fuel.
Song of the Thin ManSong of the Thin Man · 1947
Song of the Thin Man
6.71947
MovieComedyCrime
Nick and Nora Charles are back in action—and this time, the music is murder! While attending a glamorous jazz cruise on New York’s East River, the sophisticated couple witnesses the fatal shooting of a wealthy patron. When suspicion falls on a young bandleader and his musicians, Nick and Nora step in to clear their friends and uncover the real killer. Their investigation leads through a lively world of jazz clubs, radio personalities, high society, and backstage rivalries, where almost everyone has a secret and the next clue may be hidden in the music. William Powell and Myrna Loy return as Hollywood’s favorite married sleuths, combining sparkling banter, romance, and comic sophistication with a spirited mystery. Directed by Edward Buzzell, Song of the Thin Man features lively musical performances, colorful characters, and the familiar comic appeal of Asta. This stylish 1947 finale delivers one last tuneful adventure for Nick and Nora Charles.

Filmography

Sort
The Thin ManThe Thin Man · 1934
The Thin Man
7.51934
MovieComedyMystery
Former detective Nick Charles has retired from police work, preferring a life of cocktails, parties, and relaxation with his wealthy wife, Nora. Their holiday is interrupted when the daughter of Nick’s former client asks for help finding her missing father, eccentric inventor Clyde Wynant. When Wynant’s body is discovered, Nick is drawn back into the investigation, with Nora eagerly joining him. As the couple questions Wynant’s family, friends, and business associates, a tangled web of greed, deception, and murder begins to unravel. Directed by W. S. Van Dyke and adapted from Dashiell Hammett’s novel, The Thin Man combines witty dialogue, sophisticated comedy, romance, and classic mystery. William Powell and Myrna Loy are perfectly matched as Nick and Nora Charles, whose playful banter and effortless chemistry made them one of Hollywood’s most beloved screen couples. This stylish 1934 mystery remains a landmark of classic American cinema.

Novel

After the Thin ManAfter the Thin Man · 1936
After the Thin Man
7.31936
MovieComedyMystery
Nick and Nora Charles are back—and this time, their holiday takes a deadly turn! After returning to San Francisco, the sophisticated couple is drawn into the disappearance of Nora’s cousin’s husband. When he is found murdered, suspicion falls on the troubled family, and Nick reluctantly resumes his detective work. With Nora eagerly at his side, the pair follows a trail of jealousy, blackmail, secret relationships, and long-buried family scandals. William Powell and Myrna Loy sparkle as Hollywood’s most charming married sleuths, trading witty banter while unraveling a dangerous mystery. Directed by W. S. Van Dyke and written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, After the Thin Man delivers everything audiences love about the series: romance, comedy, suspense, elegant settings, and the irresistible return of Asta, Nick and Nora’s mischievous wire-haired terrier. This stylish 1936 sequel is a delightful blend of mystery and sophisticated fun.

Story

Song of the Thin ManSong of the Thin Man · 1947
Song of the Thin Man
6.71947
MovieComedyCrime
Nick and Nora Charles are back in action—and this time, the music is murder! While attending a glamorous jazz cruise on New York’s East River, the sophisticated couple witnesses the fatal shooting of a wealthy patron. When suspicion falls on a young bandleader and his musicians, Nick and Nora step in to clear their friends and uncover the real killer. Their investigation leads through a lively world of jazz clubs, radio personalities, high society, and backstage rivalries, where almost everyone has a secret and the next clue may be hidden in the music. William Powell and Myrna Loy return as Hollywood’s favorite married sleuths, combining sparkling banter, romance, and comic sophistication with a spirited mystery. Directed by Edward Buzzell, Song of the Thin Man features lively musical performances, colorful characters, and the familiar comic appeal of Asta. This stylish 1947 finale delivers one last tuneful adventure for Nick and Nora Charles.

Characters

Shadow of the Thin ManShadow of the Thin Man · 1941
Shadow of the Thin Man
7.01941
MovieComedyCrime
Nick and Nora Charles are back at the racetrack—and murder is running a close second! While attending a major horse race with their young son, Nick Jr., the sophisticated couple witnesses a shocking murder from the crowded grandstand. What first appears to be an isolated killing soon leads to a maze of corruption, blackmail, gambling scandals, and criminal intrigue. As Nick investigates, he encounters suspicious bookmakers, dishonest officials, rival gangsters, and a mysterious killer determined to stay ahead of the law. Nora, as always, is never far from the action, bringing her quick wit and fearless curiosity to the case. William Powell and Myrna Loy return in top form as Hollywood’s favorite married detectives, with Asta adding his usual comic charm. Directed by W. S. Van Dyke, Shadow of the Thin Man is a stylish 1941 mystery-comedy packed with suspense, romance, sparkling dialogue, and the irresistible Nick-and-Nora chemistry that made the series a classic.

Characters

The Thin Man Goes HomeThe Thin Man Goes Home · 1944
The Thin Man Goes Home
7.11944
MovieComedyMystery
Nick and Nora Charles are going home—but trouble is waiting at the front door! Hoping for a peaceful visit with Nick’s parents in the small town of Sycamore Springs, the sophisticated couple soon finds themselves surrounded by old rivalries, family tensions, and a mysterious murder. Nick’s father, a respected retired doctor, would much rather see his son give up detective work, but a suspicious shooting quickly draws Nick back into action. As Nick and Nora investigate, they uncover jealousy, deception, hidden motives, and a dangerous secret involving the town’s prominent citizens. William Powell and Myrna Loy bring their trademark sparkle, wit, and effortless chemistry to the roles of Nick and Nora Charles, while Asta adds more canine comedy. Directed by Richard Thorpe, The Thin Man Goes Home is a charming 1945 mystery-comedy filled with family friction, small-town intrigue, romance, and the playful banter that has made Nick and Nora one of cinema’s most beloved couples.

Characters

Another Thin ManAnother Thin Man · 1939
Another Thin Man
7.11939
MovieComedyMystery
Nick and Nora Charles are back—and this time, they have a baby, a wealthy new client, and another murder to solve! Retired detective Nick is enjoying family life with Nora and their young son, Nick Jr., when eccentric industrialist Colonel MacFay asks for protection after receiving threatening messages. When MacFay is found dead at his isolated estate, Nick and Nora spring into action, questioning a houseful of suspicious guests and uncovering greed, blackmail, family secrets, and a dangerous inheritance plot. With their trademark wit and sophistication, the glamorous couple balances parenthood, parties, and peril as they race to expose the killer. William Powell and Myrna Loy return as Hollywood’s favorite married sleuths, joined by the lovable wire-haired terrier Asta. Directed by W. S. Van Dyke, Another Thin Man is a stylish and entertaining 1939 mystery-comedy filled with sparkling banter, romance, suspense, and classic Nick-and-Nora charm.

Story

Let Sleeping Guns LieLet Sleeping Guns Lie · 2005
Let Sleeping Guns Lie
2005
MovieMysteryCrime
Johnny Barrett, a misguided and lonely soul, devotes his time to reading crime fiction novels in the hope that one day he might become one of the characters he reads about. While reading his favorite Mickey Spillane book, he falls asleep and dreams of a helpless girl in dire need of a hero. In his dream, he becomes the mighty John Baretta who looks danger in the eye and laughs. When he wakes, he finds a note in his book that says, "Remember me. They're gonna die. See me. Help me." Johnny sets out on a quest to find the dire maiden in his dream and save her from a criminal's grip. The story juxtaposes Johnny's actual blunder of an adventure with what he envisions in his mind to be this great caper that will prove he can be the stoic hero of the books he reads. Let's just hope Johnny can live up to the hype of his own mental status.

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