When asked to pick a swoon-worthy character for the Reel Infatuation blogathon, I assumed Nick Charles would already be taken. But this year, my fellow bloggers, you were too slow on the uptake. He’s all mine. How do I love thee, Nick? Let me count the ways. You are….
- Quick with a quip.
- The perfect mixture of man and kid.
- A generous host, especially to strange characters and party crashers.
- An excellent judge of canines.
- Averse to pretensions.
- Able to explain martini mixing via dance moves.
- Smarter than everyone, but without ever taking yourself seriously,
- Easygoing and relaxed when exposed to danger or annoying relatives.
- Supportive of the weaker types around you.
- Owner of a confident swagger and sexy voice.
- Appreciative of Nora’s charms, even enough to tolerate late-night breakfast requests.
- Entertaining–on every occasion, in every place, in every decade.
Sigh. Who could be better?
Thanks to Maedez of Font and Frock and A Small Press Life and Ruth of Silver Screenings for hosting! Check out other entries here.
I agree with all points. However, the one that resonates with me the most is #7: “Smarter than everyone, but without ever taking yourself seriously.” That is a real skill.
A video store in our neighbourhood closed down last summer and, like a vulture, I swooped in to get some deals. Can you believe I was able to get FOUR of the Thin Man movies? I couldn’t believe it!
Anyway, thank you for joining the blogathon. It’s only right that Nick Charles should have been honoured in this way.
That’s marvelous!! I have a treasured box set. I can return to them over and over again. I gasped in dismay when I saw the first DVD container empty, but realized it was only empty because I’d been watching it too often and it was loose:) Thank you for hosting. Was just reading through the posts and having such fun.
And I hear his scrambled eggs are a poem.
I was so looking forward to this and you did not disappoint. Nick would blush to hear such praise, but I know he would agree with you and yet retain his nonchalant charm.
Thank you! Yes!! Of course they are:) That made me laugh out loud. I’d forgotten. Thank you.
Well, you just about covered it all! And who can argue with you? It’s so n ice to have a crush on a perfect man! Loved your post!
Thank you, Marsha!
Cary Grant has always been the gold standard for me. But in recent years, William Powell has come in a very, very close second, not only for his portrayal of Nick Charles, but his other roles as well.
They have a lot of the same qualities–especially an often impish sense of humor.:)
I’m so glad that you “chose” Nick Charles. He’s immensely crush-worthy. What’s not to love? Fantastic post! Thanks so much for joining the blogathon!
Thank you! Yes, exactly:)
What a nice post! Like the way you’ve “structured” it.
Thank you!
Nailed it! What a great character!
Thank you, Carol! He’s amazing, isn’t he?
😍😍😍😛👌
Hitchcock wanted Powell for the gigolo serial killer in Shadow of a Doubt, MGM wouldn’t allow it. Two decades later he wanted to hire Loy as Marnie’s broken down prostitute mother, Myrna refused. Only Hitchcock could look @ Nick & Nora Charles & see a murder & ex-hooker. But he was right, they’d have been great!
Wow! They’d have been amazing, especially Powell in that role. It’s really more of a callback to his silent roles, so it’s not surprising Hitchcock would have thought that.
Love your list of Nick Charles attributes. The beauty of William Powell is that this list is very much him, too. Add sweet and very generous. I’ve always thought there was a great similarity between Powell and Grant. I love them both, but Powell just absolutely fascinates me. The perfect man. Sadly, he didn’t do Shadow of a Doubt, but he did do a radio version of it. It’s a fun listen to track down.
Isn’t he wonderful? I would LOVE to hear that. I need to check it out. I know he played villains early on, and can easily imagine him being as adept at being menacing as he is at being charming and funny.
His villain roles are amazing and so fun to watch. He’s a nasty piece of work, yet there is always that little something about him that makes you not hate him. The Powell charm, I suppose.
I can’t wait to see those!! I can imagine that. The man had a ridiculous amount of charm.