Nick and Nora, off to play (Stop Me Before I Vote Again)

Nick and Nora, off to play

By Michael J. Smith on Tuesday October 27, 2009 09:44 PM

An indefatigable commenter here has recently constructed a very flattering image of me as a frivolous Manhattan playboy. One feels a certain obligation to live up to a compliment. So I hereby serve notice that Nora and I are heading off to warmer climes for an impulsive three-day holiday. (Asta will be staying here in New York, with Henry the butler -- Asta can't stand air travel these days. The noise! And the people!)

I have a serious backlog of un-edited posts piled up in the inbox. Profuse and sincere apologies to the stalwarts who have sent them. But now that the dear old boat is out of the water for the winter, I feel kinda lost without something really self-indulgent to do.

Henry just crept into the study here, coughed discreetly, and intimated, without quite saying it, that Nora is waiting in the billiard room with a pitcher of Martinis.

Now if I know Nora, she's wearing a slinky silk peignoir and she's already well into the Martinis. So if you will excuse me....

Posted by Michael J. Smith on Tuesday October 27, 2009 09:44 PM | Permalink

Comments (13)

Mike Flugennock:

Dude. You're hitting me where I live, now.

I've been a huge fan of N&N for years -- in fact, I may be one of the few people who've actually read Hammett's book along with having seen the films.

I always thought they were a really cool couple -- martinis for breakfast, running with a wild crowd, and the goddamn' smoking, man; it's like they were lighting up in every other scene.

Oh, those were the days.

Posted by Mike Flugennock | October 27, 2009 11:23 PM

Posted on October 27, 2009 23:23

Jay Taber:

Residing in Hammett's old haunts, I've acquired an affinity for other San Francisco crime writers like Bill Pronzini. Simenon remains the standard, but it sure is nice to have the local tradition alive and well.

Posted by Jay Taber | October 27, 2009 11:33 PM

Posted on October 27, 2009 23:33

AlanSmithee:

I always preferred the Peter Lawford version. But still, Myrna Loy!

Posted by AlanSmithee | October 28, 2009 8:58 AM

Posted on October 28, 2009 08:58

op:

alan
we don't ever agree these days

why bill p was a giant

and myrna ..
the legs of a hippo

now the nora with pl she was better then okay

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OQmEa5OKyOI/R-8nPA2QWlI/AAAAAAAAC9g/k9cgzzBvwBs/s400/PhyllisKirkPhone.jpg