Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio)

Host: Mean Streets Podcasts
Episode: BONUS - More from Nick and Nora
Original Broadcast: Lux Radio Theatre presents "After the Thin Man" (June 17, 1940)
Release Date: February 20, 2026

Episode Overview

This special bonus episode of Stars on Suspense celebrates the iconic Hollywood duo, Nick and Nora Charles, as played by William Powell and Myrna Loy. The host introduces the radio adaptation of After the Thin Man, following up on earlier coverage of the original Thin Man film and its radio dramatizations. This adaptation, taken from a 1940 broadcast of Lux Radio Theatre and introduced by Cecil B. DeMille, continues the witty, suspenseful adventures of the married detective team as they investigate a new murder mystery shortly after ringing in the New Year in San Francisco.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. Introduction & Context (00:09–04:50)

• The host sets the stage: After the Thin Man is the sequel to The Thin Man, noteworthy for its rare radio re-adaptation and beloved stars reprising their roles.
• Cecil B. DeMille welcomes listeners and emphasizes the universal appeal of detective fiction, then presents Powell and Loy as Nick and Nora.
  • Quote (Cecil B. DeMille, 03:59):

    "When Edgar Allan Poe popularized the detective story, he found the great common denominator of American entertainment."

2. Nick & Nora Return Home (04:51–09:31)

• Nick and Nora’s arrival in San Francisco is met with a flurry of reporters. Nick insists he is retired from detection, with playful banter between him and Nora.
  • Notable quote (Nick, 05:25):

    "No, gentlemen, I've retired. Now on, I'm just going to take care of my wife's money so I'll have something in my old age."

• Colorful interactions with former criminal acquaintances underscore the couple’s charm and the thin line between criminals and friends in their world.
• Returning home, their house is overtaken by a New Year’s Eve party thrown by strangers.
  • Nora, playfully reflecting (07:01):

    "Oh, Nick, you do know the nicest people."

3. The Case Begins: Family Trouble (09:32–14:20)

• A phone call from Nora’s cousin Selma introduces the central mystery: Selma’s husband Robert has disappeared, and Selma is desperate for help.
  • Selma (10:05):

    "Nora, you've got to come. I'm in terrible trouble..."

• Reluctantly, Nick is drawn into a new case, pressured by Nora's family and Nora herself, though he protests he's "retired."
  • Nick (13:47):

    "I'm not thinking at all. What are you getting me into? There are lots of detectives in this town. Men who need the job."

• Dialogue reveals the deep familial and emotional tensions—possible infidelity, missing money, and hints of blackmail.

4. Nightclub Clues & More Suspects (15:23–23:30)

• Investigating, Nick and Nora visit the Lychee Club, where Selma suspects Robert was seen with another woman, Polly, the club’s singer.
• Nick and Nora encounter a network of shady characters—Dancer, Polly, and Polly’s supposed "brother" Phil.
• Robert is found drinking with Polly; a plot to extort $25,000 to make Robert leave emerges.
• Intrigue deepens with secret meetings and violent threats among them, exposing layers of deception.

5. Murder Strikes – Selma the Suspect (26:01–31:15)

• Robert is found shot dead outside Selma's home. Police quickly suspect Selma, as she was seen with a gun at the scene.
  • Selma (26:48):

    "I tried to stop him. He pushed me away...While he was letting himself out, I went to the library table. There was a gun there..."

• Dramatic police questioning follows, sweeping up Nick, Nora, Selma, and Selma’s old flame David Graham.
• Nora herself is mistaken for a suspect and briefly jailed; Nick dryly observes the chaos.
  • Nick (29:47):

    "Well, hello. Fine way to start the new year, getting thrown in the can."

6. Layers of Deceit, New Murder & Sleepless Detectives (33:33–36:58)

• Even as Selma is jailed, Nick maintains his belief in her innocence.
• Nick and Nora receive a mysterious note, suggesting Polly’s "brother" Phil is her husband, and a key clue in the murder.
• Phil is soon found dead, strangled, deepening the web of crimes and suspects.
• Nick and Nora’s witty nighttime conversation underlines their chemistry amidst danger.
  • Nora (34:38):

    "I don't think I'd kill you if you ran off with another woman."

  • Nick:

    "Thank you, darling. ... Nora, don't be morbid. Go to sleep."

7. Detective Work & Dangerous Discoveries (37:22–41:37)

• The couple investigates Polly’s apartment and makes a critical discovery: a hole in the ceiling, revealing a peephole from the apartment above.
• Pursuing a shadowy figure in the basement, they discover another body—janitor Pedro Dominguez, shot dead.

8. The Truth Revealed: Murder in the Family (44:39–55:07)

• Nick gathers all key suspects in the apartment for a classic reveal.
• Detailing evidence and psychological manipulations, Nick exposes David Graham as the murderer; his motive is revenge over Selma’s choice to marry Robert.
  • Nick (52:23):

    "We've been wrong. This wasn't a killing for money. It was a murder of hatred, revenge."

• David confesses and nearly commits another murder before being stopped.
  • David (53:58):

    "That is the truth. I've hated you, Selma and Robert ever since you threw me over for him..."

9. Resolution and Wit (55:15–56:58)

• Nick and Nora finally have a moment alone. Nora reveals, with characteristic humor, she’s been knitting a baby sock:
  • Nick (55:47):

    "Hey, that looks like...is that a baby's sock?"

  • Nora:

    "And you call yourself a detective?"

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nick’s Retired, For Now (05:25)

  "Now on, I'm just going to take care of my wife's money so I'll have something in my old age." – Nick Charles

• Classic Nick-Nora Banter (07:01)

  "Oh, Nick, you do know the nicest people." – Nora Charles

• Humor in Danger (34:38)

  "I don't think I'd kill you if you ran off with another woman." – Nora
  "Thank you, darling." – Nick

• Nick Pivots the Case (52:23)

  "We've been wrong. This wasn't a killing for money. It was a murder of hatred, revenge." – Nick

• Pregnancy Reveal (55:47)

  "Hey, that looks like...is that a baby's sock?" – Nick
  "And you call yourself a detective?" – Nora

Key Timestamps for Critical Segments

• 00:09–04:50 – Host & DeMille introductions, context for the sequel
• 04:51–09:31 – Nick & Nora return, introduce colorful characters, begin New Year’s celebration
• 09:32–14:20 – Selma’s call for help, case launched
• 15:23–23:30 – Investigation at Lychee Club, introduction of Polly, Dancer, and Phil
• 26:01–31:15 – Robert’s murder, Selma’s interrogation, Nick and Nora arrested
• 33:33–36:58 – Nighttime reflection, note reveals Phil’s secret, discovery of Phil’s body
• 37:22–41:37 – Search of Polly’s apartment, finding another murder victim
• 44:39–55:07 – Gathering of suspects, Nick exposes David Graham, case resolution
• 55:15–56:58 – Romantic denouement, Nora’s surprise knitting

Episode Tone & Atmosphere

• Witty, urbane banter between Nick and Nora provides levity amid the intricate mystery.
• Tense, noir atmosphere as suspicions shift from one character to another, with classic detective story twists.
• Old Hollywood glamour remains tangible through voice acting and adaptation style.

Conclusion

This luxurious, cleverly layered episode delivers everything fans expect from Nick and Nora Charles: sparkling repartee, a labyrinthine mystery, deceit among the upper-crust, and a satisfying, emotionally resonant solution. The chemistry of Powell and Loy grounds the suspense and humor, reaffirming their place as old time radio's most beloved detective couple.

For next week: The host teases coverage of From Here to Eternity. For now, listeners are encouraged to enjoy the masterclass in detective storytelling and radio drama that is After the Thin Man.