The Thief (1952)

A chance accident causes a nuclear physicist selling top secret material to the Russians to fall under FBI scrutiny and go on the run.

Director:

Russell Rouse

Writers:

Clarence Greene (written for the screen by), Russell Rouse (written for the screen by)

Stars:

Ray Milland, Martin Gabel, Harry Bronson

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 5 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Ray Milland	...	Allan Fields
Martin Gabel	...	Mr. Bleek (as Martin Gable)
Harry Bronson	...	Harris
Rita Vale	...	Miss Philips
Rex O'Malley	...	Beal
Rita Gam	...	The Girl
John McKutcheon	...	Dr. Linstrum
Joe Conlin	...	Walters

Storyline

Interesting, but sometimes slow film about a nuclear physicist working in Washington DC who also spies for some unnamed foreign country. It does have a rather funny, patriotic/propagandist ending. It's most interesting aspect is that it is filmed entirely without dialogue.

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Plot Keywords:

physicist | spy | fbi | washington d.c. | telephone | 

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Taglines:

The Motion Picture Unusual - Beyond All Words!

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Genres:

Crime | Film-Noir | Drama

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 October 1952 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hirsiz

Filming Locations:

Central Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Harry Popkin Productions, Fran Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The Thief is one of the few films with synchronized sound to be made completely without spoken dialog.

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Goofs

Martin Gabel's name is misspelled as "Martin Gable" in the closing credits.

User Reviews

Interesting gimmick film.

THE THIEF (1952) has a fascinating footnote in film history. It is one of the few films with sync sound to be made completely without spoken dialog. It's plot concerns Dr. Allen Fields (Ray Milland) who is selling Government secrets to a foriegn power. He travels from Washington DC to Manhattan to deliver top secret documents. He doesn't know he is being followed by FBI Agents. There is innovative use of sound effects (The Washington DC ambiance is very different from the NYC ambiance) There are three human sounds in the film- two blood-curdling screams, and in a powerful finale scene, acted brillantly by Milland, a guilt ridden cry of anquish. The film did poor box office, as is the case with most gimmick films. These films fascinate cine-philes, but don't do a thing for Mr. and Mrs. Moviegoer. It's poor box office makes this well made thriller hard to catch. It is a shame.