To Catch A Thief

Major Awards:

Academy Awards - Best Cinematography (1955)

Product Description:

A supposedly reformed cat burglar, out to prove himself innocent of a recent crime spree, tries to capture the thief who's terrifying the French Riviera. Cary Grant is devastatingly elegant as the reformed thief, John Robie, and charming enough to attract the attention of the lovely Frances Stevens (Grace Kelly), a wealthy and spoiled American traveling the Riviera with her widowed mother (Jessie Royce Landis). However, things do not begin on a romantic note. Robie is more interested in clearing his name than in pursuing the beautiful American, but the two will not go their separate ways so easily. When Mrs. Stevens has her jewels stolen, the snubbed Frances puts the police on Robie's trail. Now the dashing Robie will have to win the confidence and assistance of Frances if he is to ever set things right. The stars are radiant together, with an entrancing chemistry that sparkles, especially in the impromptu ad-libbed dialogue of the picnic scene. A series of elaborate set pieces combined with dramatic Riviera scenery make the film an enduring glamorous spectacle, featuring a fireworks kissing scene that is truly a classic.

Plot Synopsis:

Alfred Hitchcock directed this light, thoroughly entertaining comedy-drama in which a reformed cat burglar, to prove himself innocent, tries to capture the thief who's terrifying the French Riviera. He is assisted by a rich, young American woman, and as they track down the thief, they fall in love with one another.

The film offers many beautifully photographed scenes of the Riviera, including a now-classic fireworks sequence.

Plot Keywords:

Classic | Drama | Essential Cinema | Jewels | Recommended | Romance | Scams And Cons | Suspense | Theatrical Release | Thieves | Thriller

Production Notes:

• Hitchcock cameo: Hitchcock sits next to Cary Grant on a bus near the beginning of the film.
• The intricate car chase scene was plotted by Hitchcock's wife and frequent collaborator, Alma Reville.
• During the making of this film, which was shot on location in the Riviera, Grace Kelly met Prince Rainier of Monaco, her future husband. Ironically, the winding road she's seen driving on is the site of Kelly's later fatal car accident.

Cast and Crew: