A Reel Retro Review: TO CATCH A THIEF (1955)

Reel Speak’s Retro Reviews will randomly review a classic film from the TCM library every week, with the intention of introducing some overlooked and perhaps forgotten screen gems from the past to those of us who may be unfamiliar or unawares of their existence. 

 

When the name of Alfred Hitchcock is mentioned, most of us relate the legendary filmmaker to his classic hits such as VERTIGO (1958), NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959), and PSYCHO (1960). One of his often-overlooked works is his 1955 romantic thriller, TO CATCH A THIEF. 

 

Retired jewel thief John “The Cat” Robie (Cary Grant), is suspected of being behind a new string of burglaries in the French Rivera. Robie sets out to clear his name by catching the new thief, and follows the trail to a rich widow and her daughter Frances (Grace Kelly). 

 

Directed by Hitchcock and based on the 1952 novel of the same name, TO CATCH A THIEF has a sprinkle of the eventual GODFATHER line, just when I’m out, they pull me back in. Robie is living in a quiet retirement when the suspect him of being behind the new crime wave of high-priced diamond and jewelry thefts, and to clear his name he has to go back into his old underworld dealings to track down the thief. There is a lot of second-guessing going on, as for most of the film we are not quite sure if Robie is really behind the thievery or not. Mixed in with the mystery is the budding love affair between Robie and Frances. Although the two seem to fall for each other way too quickly, the on-screen couple gives the film some heart, and offers Robie a glimpse of what his life can really be like in the legitimate world. 

 

While Hitchcock is weaving a love story and mystery, he is also presenting a beautiful looking film. Shot on location, everything looks stunning and Hitch takes full advantage of every lake, mountainside, and villa. The “master of suspense” delivers in generating thrills, with plenty of hide-and-seek moments that work very well even by today’s standards. Hitch also gets fine performances out of his cast, with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly lighting up the screen. 

 

TO CATCH A THIEF ends on a high note, and although the overall experience doesn’t bring the high-level of scares and tension like VERTIGO or PSYCHO, by the time the credits roll there is no feeling of time wasted. The identity of the person behind the robberies is telegraphed early for anyone who is paying attention, but that doesn’t take away from another solid entry in the filmography of a legend. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: See it 

 

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Reel Facts: TO CATCH A THIEF would be nominated for three Oscars, with Robert Burks winning for Best Cinematography. This would be the last of Hitchcock’s three films with Grace Kelly, and his second-to-last with Carey Grant, who would be the lead in NORTH BY NORTHWEST in 1959.