To Catch a Thief (1955)

A retired jewel thief sets out to prove his innocence after being suspected of returning to his former occupation.

Director:

Alfred Hitchcock

Writers:

John Michael Hayes (screenplay), David Dodge (based on the novel by)

Stars:

Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Jessie Royce Landis

Won 1 Oscar. Another 5 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Cary Grant	...	John Robie
Grace Kelly	...	Frances Stevens
Jessie Royce Landis	...	Jessie Stevens
John Williams	...	H.H. Hughson
Charles Vanel	...	Bertani
Brigitte Auber	...	Danielle Foussard
Jean Martinelli	...	Foussard
Georgette Anys	...	Germaine

Storyline

American expatriate John Robie, living in high style on the Riviera, is a retired cat burglar. He must find out who a copycat is to keep a new wave of jewel thefts from being pinned on him. High on the list of prime victims is Jessie Stevens, in Europe to help daughter Frances find a suitable husband. The Lloyds of London insurance agent is using a thief to catch a thief. Take an especially close look at scene where Robie gets Jessie's attention, dropping an expensive casino chip down the décolletage of a French roulette player.

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Plot Keywords:

based on novel | thief | burglar | french riviera | reckless driving | 

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Taglines:

For a moment he forgets he's a thief--and she forgets she's a lady!

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Genres:

Comedy | Mystery | Romance | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some action violence, mild suggestive material and smoking

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

5 August 1955 (USA)

Also Known As:

Alfred Hitchcock's To Catch a Thief

Filming Locations:

335 Route de Saint-Jeannet, St Jeannet, France

Box Office

Budget:

$2,500,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

DIRECTOR CAMEO (Sir Alfred Hitchcock): (At around nine minutes) Sitting next to John Robie (Cary Grant) on the bus.

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Goofs

After Robie leaves Danielle's boat and swims to the beach, he lies down in the sand. Since his body is all wet a lot of sand sticks to it. Yet in the next shot when he is asked to answer the phone at the beach, there is no more sand on his body.

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Quotes

John Robie: Danielle, you are just a girl. She is a woman.
Danielle Foussard: Why do you want to buy an old car if you can get a new one cheaper? It will run better and last longer.

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Crazy Credits

The opening title sequence shows the window of a travel agent, with the text of the titles superimposed. The bottom of the window is not quite horizontal because the window is seen from a slight angle to perpendicular. The text of the titles is given slight parallelogram distortion so the bottom line of text is parallel to the window-sill, and therefore it is not horizontal and parallel with the film frame.

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Connections

Referenced in 'Topaz': An Appreciation by Film Critic/Historian Leonard Maltin (2001)

User Reviews

Beautiful Scenery, Lightweight Hitchcock Movie

I gave "To Catch a Thief" an 8 out of 10. I would have given it 7 out of 10, but the incredible visuals of the French Riviera increased my rating.

This movie doesn't measure up to some of Hitchcock's other movies, "To Catch a Thief" is good light entertainment, but the story was simple and I found the ending somewhat lacking in depth compared to "Rear Window", or "Vertigo".

Cary Grant, as "The Cat", is a reformed jewel thief trying to go clean, and Grace Kelly, as an American fascinated by "The Cat", are a great romantic couple. The supporting cast members are entertaining as well.

If you are looking for a fun movie to watch, then "To Catch a Thief" will fill your appetite. However, don't expect an intense drama from this movie.