Coming closer to his dream of leading a normal life, a professional safecracker agrees to do a job for the Mafia, who has other plans for him.
Director:
Michael Mann
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The "American Gods" star loves a TV drama, and can't wait for a horror hit, but the movie he's really pumped for is Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.
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Title: Thief (1981)
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2 wins & 6 nominations.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| James Caan | ... | Frank | |
| Tuesday Weld | ... | Jessie | |
| Willie Nelson | ... | Okla | |
| Jim Belushi | ... | Barry (as James Belushi) | |
| Robert Prosky | ... | Leo | |
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Tom Signorelli | ... | Attaglia |
| Dennis Farina | ... | Carl | |
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Nick Nickeas | ... | Nick |
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W.R. Brown | ... | Mitch (as W.R. [Bill] Brown) |
|
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Norm Tobin | ... | Guido |
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John Santucci | ... | Urizzi |
|
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Gavin MacFadyen | ... | Boreksco |
|
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Chuck Adamson | ... | Ancell |
|
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Sam Cirone | ... | Martello |
|
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Spero Anast | ... | Bukowski |
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
Storyline
Frank is an expert professional safecracker, specializing in high-profile diamond jobs. After having spent many years in prison, he has a very concrete picture of what he wants out of life--including a nice home, a wife, and kids. As soon as he is able to assemble the pieces of this collage, by means of his chosen profession, he intends to retire and become a model citizen. In an effort to accelerate this process, he signs on to take down a huge score for a big-time gangster. Unfortunately, Frank's obsession for his version of the American Dream allows him to overlook his natural wariness and mistrust, when making the deal for his final job. He is thus ensnared and robbed of his freedom, his independence, and, ultimately, his dream. Written by Tad Dibbern <DIBBERN_D@a1.mscf.upenn.edu>
Taglines:
Tonight, his take home pay is $410,000...tax free.Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
27 March 1981 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Thief See more »Filming Locations:
Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, 4802 N Broadway Street, Chicago, Illinois, USA See more »Edit
Box Office
Budget:
$5,500,000 (estimated)Gross USA:
$11,492,915Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Dolby StereoColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
Edit
Barry: I'm talking to somebody's somebody. I will know in about 25 minutes.
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
The still of Frank holding a gun on Attaglia as he attempts to recover his money in an early scene was used for one of the movie's posters. See more »Goofs
When Frank arrives outside with Barry at the L & A Plating company, it is overcast. When Frank arrives in Attaglia's office only a minute later, the weather outside is completely different. See more »Quotes
Frank: He down our merch? Is it gone? Does he carry the cash on him, what?Barry: I'm talking to somebody's somebody. I will know in about 25 minutes.
See more »
Alternate Versions
The Criterion Collection's Blu-Ray and DVD edition of Thief is a sort of hybrid between the theatrical version and the director's cut. The early scene from the director's cut with Willie Dixon has been added back in, but the rest of the film is the theatrical version, with the slow motion shots untouched. See more »Frequently Asked Questions
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Frank (James Caan) is a professional thief, who enjoys doing high profile jobs. He also owns an restaurant and sales cars for a living. He's tired of his other life as a thief. He hopes to settle down by having a wife, a family and a house. When he's been contacted by a mysterious business man (Robert Prosky). Which this man is the local crime boss of Chicago, who wants him to do a big score for him by robbing Diamonds. Once he succeed from his job, which Frank was hoping to be last job. But the mob boss turns on his back and treating his life by working for him until he dies. If Frank doesn't work for his boss, he will kill his wife (Tuesday Weld), his best friend (James Belushi) and destroy his entire life.
Written and Directed by Michael Mann (Ali, Heat, The Keep) made an stylish character drama is that extremely well directed and acted by the cast. Caan's performances makes this fascinating film works. It's certainly one of his best roles to date. The supporting cast are excellent as well, including Willie Nelson in a small role. This film was a box office disappointment, when it was first released. Now it's a cult classic... largely because of Mann's visual style, the performance, excellent cinematography by Donald E. Thorin (Midnight Run, Mischief, Tango & Cash) and Tangerine Dream's electronic score (Firestarter, Risky Business, Socerer). Look for some familiar faces as extras and bit-parts. Based on a novel by "The Home Invaders" by Frank Hohimer. Big time Hollywood Producer:Jerry Bruckheimer (Beverly Hills Cop, Black Hawk Down, The Rock) is one of the producers of this picture. This is a underrated movie worth seeing. (****/*****).