IMDb >
The Thief Who Came to Dinner (1973)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsThe Thief Who Came to Dinner (1973) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 3 | slideshow) |
Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
1 March 1973 (USA) moreTagline:
Webster and Laura took everything they wanted ... each other ... and a diamond worth $6.000.000.Plot Keywords:
moreUser Comments:
Nihilistic antihero sets table for clever and sophisticated caper movie moreCast
(Complete credited cast)| Ryan O'Neal | ... | Webster | |
| Jacqueline Bisset | ... | Laura | |
| Warren Oates | ... | Dave | |
| Jill Clayburgh | ... | Jackie | |
| Charles Cioffi | ... | Henderling | |
| Ned Beatty | ... | Deams | |
| Austin Pendleton | ... | Zukovsky | |
| Gregory Sierra | ... | Dynamite | |
| Michael Murphy | ... | Ted | |
| John Hillerman | ... | Lasker | |
| Alan Oppenheimer | ... | Insurance Man | |
| Margaret Fairchild | ... | Mrs. Donner | |
| Jack Manning | ... | Tom Preston | |
| Richard O'Brien | ... | Sergeant Del Conte | |
| George Morfogen | ... | Rivera |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
104 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 moreSound Mix:
StereoCertification:
Iceland:L | Finland:K-12 | Spain:13 | Sweden:11 | USA:PG | Australia:PG | Netherlands:12Filming Locations:
Houston, Texas, USAFAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Thief Who Came to Dinner (1973)Recommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Raffles | Entrapment | Rough Cut | Out of Sight | To Catch a Thief |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| IMDb Comedy section | IMDb USA section | Add this title to MyMovies |




Webster McGee (superbly realized by Ryan O'Neal) is bored into stupor by his career and life, so much so that his wife (Jill Clayburgh, sparkling in a minor but memorable appearance) left him, and he has come to agree with her for doing so. He also has decided that what all work, all financial endeavors, and all life comes down to is -- thievery. He decides to be true to himself and his newfound convictions and to become "an honest thief." To set his plan into action, he must find and control an unwilling accomplice (terrific performance by Charles Cioffi), and find two cohorts to dispose of the merchandise (hilariously sanctimonious Ned Beatty and street-not-so-wise Gregory Sierra) for profit. That's the premise, and Yorkin adds some incongruous bits along the way for spice and fun. He seduces and is seduced by Jacqueline Bisset, and meets a man who is almost his match in insurance investigator Dave Riley (Warren Oates -- a multifaceted and brilliant performance).
Austin Pendelton has an off-the-wall role for comic relief that's perhaps a bit too silly for the otherwise sophisticated quasi-European anti-establishment satirical tone taken by the rest of the movie's tone. But, you have to allow Bud Yorkin one of these, don't you? There's also a fun car chase (sequence perhaps directed by co-writer and later action-director Walter Hill??), and one more ironic twist. The second half of the movie is dominated by the engaging cat-and-mouse game between McGee and Riley.
I have now watched this movie three times and find it more enjoyable each time. The imagery in the first-third slows the pace a bit, but stick with it, and I think you will be well rewarded.