To Catch a Thief (Special Collector's Edition) Reviews

• Cary and Grace on the French Riviera

  
  By A1G5Q9HBN0EGDV on 2005-10-18
  This travel brochure to adventure and romance is one of Alfred Hitchcock's most entertaining films. The gorgeous vistas of the French Riviera are matched perfectly by the stunning duo of Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Robert Burks' cinematography was nominated for an Academy Award and Edith Head gives Grace Kelly the look of an American princess. A fine screenplay from Michael Hayes based on a novel by David Dodge, and a light romantic score from Lyn Murray combine with all the other elements to make this a true film classic.
  
  American John Robie (Cary Grant) has been living well in a beautiful villa on the French Riviera for the past 15 years. Once the most notorious thief in France, the man known as "The Cat" has been quiet for many years. He was in prison during the war when the Germans bombed it. He chose to stay and fight with the French Resistance upon his escape, and became a legend. It led to his parole, which is rather precarious now that a string of jewel robberies mimicking his exact style are occuring on the rooftops of the rich.
  
  The French police want him for it, and his old pals are angry that he's brought them this unwanted attention after all these years. Since the only way to clear himself is to catch the thief himself, he hooks up with an insurance agent whose company is paying out the claims on all the robberies and begins a game of cat and mouse with the thief. The cheese in the trap is the delicious Grace Kelly.
  
  Francie Stevens (Kelly) and her mother, Jessie (Jesse Royce Landis), are vacationing on the Riviera. Robie, posing as a lumber tycoon from Oregon, wants to keep they and their diamonds company until the thief strikes. Francie throws off his game, however, when she learns early on who he really is and displays a wild enthusiasm for helping him steal! Robie isn't there to steal, of course, but has trouble convincing Francie of that when her mother's jewels are stolen. Coming on the heels of a romantic interlude between the two, it is especially insulting.
  
  That evening together is framed beautifully by Hitchcock, cutting back and forth between the fireworks outside on the Riviera and the fireworks going on inside. Kelly is like a playful kitten with a gleam in her eye, and Grant the older cat, who's seen her kind of kitten before and isn't sure he wants to play. There is a wonderful chemistry between the two, who seemed to be made for each other on the screen. A wild ride in her sports car along the coast that has Robie a little worried and a picnic in elegant dress are a treat to watch.
  
  Complicating matters is another sexy kitten, Danielle Foussard (Brigitte Auber). She is the daughter of one of his old pals (Jean Martinelli) and would like nothing better than to run off with Robie to South America. But she is a different kind of kitten, perhaps harder to handle than Francie. When her father is murdered and pegged as the thief, she lashes out at Robie at his funeral. By this time, Francie's wise mom has set her straight about Robie, and together they set a trap for the real thief at a posh costume ball.
  
  It will lead to an exciting and entertaining chase on the rooftops as Robie unmasks the imposter. Since he's enlisted Francie's help this time, he is forced to admit he may not be the lone wolf he thought he was. There is a terrific conclusion as everyone gets what they want, especially the viewer. Look quick for Hitch on the back seat of the bus Grant uses to evade the police! This is elegant escapist entertainment that you can't help but fall in love with. A marvelous film to get lost in on any weekend.
  
  

• Great Experience

  
  By A1L3JKXFHGJ9TS on 2003-04-12
  What a great experience it has been to watch this long-cherished Hitchcock film, on DVD format, thus watching it in full glory, Widescreen (Vistavision), with crisp, sharp images, brilliant colors, etc....after of years of watching faded, full screen prints on TV. On top of this, you get excellent bonuses: excellent documentaries, comments, still galleries,... What more can I say? Paramount is doing its best with their classics!...

  Top performances by the very attractive two leads' (Kelly and Grant)....in fact Kelly never looked so ravishing and gorgeous than here, only perhaps in "The Swan" (1956)....being one the most sensual, elegant and beautiful women of all time....a Real Goddess-come-to-earth.....How can someone so perfect did ever exist!And besides talented!Grant his usual man-of-the-world, excellent timing, top actor and comedian.

  Great support by the wonderful character actor John Williams and by everybody's favorite sophisticated mother: Jessie Royce Landis (although here she plays a woman of humble origins who became rich because of Oil being found in her Oklahoma Ranch-anyway she looks and behaves like a Queen) and by French grand actor Charles Vanel.

  And what about those great landscapes of the South of France (Cannes, Monaco, Côte D'Azûr,...), breathtaking!!

  Vintage Hollywood Classic.
  
  

• Yes, It's Better Now!

  
  By A3CE57YNGVWBQN on 2007-05-18
  After reading the gushing, swooning review from the DVD critic in last Tuesday's NY Times, I immediately ordered the "Special Collector's Edition" of TO CATCH A THIEF from Amazon. When it arrived, I compared it to my original Paramount "Widescreen Edition" from 2002. Well, the critic was right--there's simply no comparison. This new version has a 2.0 Dolby Surround soundtrack (in addition to the original mono version) and a cleaned-up, enhanced, crystal-clear picture, start to finish. It looks like they took the drab, blurry, faded old stock and actually washed it, removing years of dirt and grime and smoke and hair and whatever else was there, not to mention a computerized removal of virtually all scratches and glitches. The result is astounding.
  
  As for the color, see for yourself. Pay close attention to the first car chase down the mountain, the meeting in the flower market, and the costume ball near the end. Not to mention the many night scenes on rooftops, where everything is now much more visible than before. And Grant and Kelly? Well, the two most beautiful people who ever lived look even more beautiful. Wait till you see the famous fireworks scene now!
  
  I don't have to tell you that this film is wonderful, no matter which version you have. But I can guarantee you that this newly restored version makes it seem better than ever. If you're as nuts about Hitchcock as I am, it really is worth the upgrade. Enjoy!
  
  

• Nice Restoration

  
  By A1432B6NTQWED6 on 2007-05-10
  Is there a difference in this latest version of this DVD release? Or is it simply a marketing "repackage"? There is a difference!
  
  In my opinion, the DVD transfer of this "Special Collector's Edition" is far superior to the original DVD release. In a side-by-side comparison, I was amazed to see the job that was performed on this restoration. While, the original DVD contains plenty of dirt, scratches, conversion-related distortion/noise, etc., the Special Collector's Edition looks nearly pristine.
  
  There are plenty of scenes in the movie where I experienced, how can I describe it, the illusion of depth and/or three-dimensional effect.
  
  This version will certainly replace my original copy.
  
  

• Hitchcockian Cinema At Its Most Elegant

  
  By A1J03J0HZ7KU5T on 2002-12-28
  Alfred Hitchcock once dismissed "To Catch a Thief" as a lightweight diversion, yet it remains an important work in several respects. Hitchcock made the picture in 1954 during one of his most prolific periods. The filmmaker's energy is evident in the vividness of the Riviera cinematography (by Oscar winner Robert Burks) and imaginative use of the newly developed VistaVision process. Cary Grant and Grace Kelly deliver stunningly cool performances -- the carnal nature of their characters' romance (as well as the unmentioned difference in age) adds to the overall lasciviousness. The film also should be credited for its underlining theme of "sex as larceny," a recurring motif in later Hitchcock works such as "Psycho" and "Marnie." Though not terribly suspenseful, "To Catch a Thief" ranks among Hitchcock's most elegant achievements.
  
  
• Great Movie-awful print
  By A3E5JL4ET8HESQ on 2004-08-06
  If you love To Catch A Theif, don't buy this DVD. It's one of my all time favorite films. But the image quality on this print is terrible. Either the studio spent no money on restoration, or the print they had to work with was so far gone due to age, that good image quality is hopeless. Get the VHS. It looks great.
  
  
• Cheaply manufactured DVD is a rip-off !
  By A96OA1PDH8UBA on 2002-11-10
  For filmlovers, there is only one important issue when it comes to discussing a first time DVD reissue of a cinema classic: does it fullfill their hope of seeing the movie with markedly superior visual and audio characteristics. The answer in this case, sadly, is NO! This DVD issue of "To Catch a Thief" has NOT been restored, and is in no better than the washed out VHS version.
  This is particularly regretable here, as this lightweight but irresitibly sweet and charming Hitchcock romp (which was awarded an Academy Award for best cinephotography,) relies heavily for its appeal on breathtaking visuals; ie., the spectacular aerial shots of the famous coastline of the French Riviera, the fire-works scene, the opulent costume ball, etc..
  My one star rating then is for the poor quality of the DVD, not of course for this much-loved film, which represents the highest possible level of light entertainment.
  
  
• A Long Wait for Disappointment
  By AFOLCMB78KUFP on 2002-11-13
  I had been waiting a long time for the DVD release of this classic romantic mystery. What I had been most anticipating was viewing the delicious technicolor cinematography which garnered an Academy Award for Robert Burks. What a disappointment! The picture quality is grainy and the colors are somewhat washed out. This I could see on the late, late movie on my local T.V. station. So, if you just want to enjoy the story and the entertaining performances by Grant and Kelly, go ahead and buy it. However, if you were looking forward to the beautiful visuals, save your money.
  
  
• Worth buying ... but could still use a facelift!!
  By A2FNARP2MO4J5 on 2003-01-03
  After reading some of the customer reviews here on Amazon.com, I almost didn't purchase this DVD. "To Catch A Thief" is one of my favorite Hitchcock movies of all time (yes, I know it's not "Vertigo", "Rear Window" or "North By Northwest" -- but "To Catch A Thief" wasn't supposed to be serious, it was simply Hitch & some friends having fun!), and I already owned the video. So when I read that the DVD was little improved from the admittedly poor video, I opted not to buy it. Then my video went south, and I was forced to a DVD purchase.

  Imagine my happy surprise when the colors leaped off the screen at me, when the crispness of the pictures knocked my socks off!! Wow!! Whoever wrote that this DVD is "washed out" probably needs a new TV. Granted, I'd love to see this movie digitally remastered -- and soon!! -- but until that happens this DVD is a far better version of this movie than any I've ever seen. I am unfortunately too young to have seen the original in the theatres, but I'd have to guess that this DVD comes pretty close. I'm frankly thrilled with it!!

  Cary Grant is wonderful, Grace Kelly is divine, the supporting cast (especially John Williams and Jessie Royce Landis) get their chops in, and a good time is had by one and all. And even beyond the stunning visuals, the scintillating dialogue and clever wordplay are easily worth the price of the movie! Don't look for Hitch's usual suspense or intrigue here; there's relatively little of those to be had. Rather, think of "To Catch A Thief" more as a very stylish romantic comedy, filmed in the inimitable Hitchcock fashion.

  My vote is four stars -- a very worthy effort, and a happy new purchase, but still a movie that could stand a serious remastering!! If that ever happens, I'll buy that DVD, too!! (That's a hint.)
  
  

• Fireworks!
  By ABQUT8TJ6NHU on 2000-06-18
  What was the greatest kiss ever committed to the silver screen? For me it comes from the Alfred Hitchcock thriller, To Catch a Thief. Grace Kelly tempts Cary Grant, a reformed jewel thief by the name of John Robie, with her diamond necklace, to a backdrop of fireworks over the French Riviera. Finally, having had just about enough of her tomfoolery, he says, "You know as well as I do, this necklace is imitation." To which, the stunning Kelly responds, "Well I'm not..."

  That is movie magic and so is this wonderful, light-hearted and thrilling romp across the south of France as everyone goes in search of the identity of a new jewel thief reeking havoc throughout hotels on the French Riviera.

  Lush cinematography, beautiful costumes, breathtaking vistas, and delightful performances by Kelly, Grant, and Jessie Royce Landis make this an extremely enjoyable film outing.
  
  

• The Sunny Side of Hitchcock
  By A39IY0JU5JI69G on 2007-04-21
  This movie is pure entertainment. Hitchcock loved Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, food and the south of France, and it all shows here. They must have had a wonderful time making this terrific film and we are lucky to have this record of it.
  
  Grace Kelly must have been about 25, pristinely lovely as a white gardenia in full bloom. She's more than just a beautiful blond though and brings something of charm and intelligence of the mature woman she is on the verge of becoming. (Too bad she married that playboy prince and ruined it all...but that's another story.) Cary Grant, ultra tan as was the fashion at that time, is still very handsome and, at 50, is almost mesmerizingly charming. The chemistry between the two, despite the age difference, is terrific. At first Grant holds back, being a gentleman, but Kelly pursues and at the end, she catches her thief.
  
  To me this is more of a love story than a mystery and I didn't care in the least who the real cat burglar was...but maybe that's cuz I am a woman.
  
  The censorship of the 50's was much more strict than in our times, which, I think, heightened the charm of the romance. Alone together in her hotel room, with Kelly looking like a goddess from the moon in her white chiffon dress, one wonders how Grant can keep his cool for as long as he does. When they finally kiss (!) we are treated to shots of fireworks through the balcony window. It may sound corny but it is tremendously effective and very sweet. Bring back Romance!
  
  The visuals are splendid--there's plenty of beauty to fill up every screen, whether it's shots of the blue blue sea, French chefs in mile-high hats or a flower market filled with pink and red blooms. The costumes are lavish. In the opening credits, a travel poster brags, "If you love life, you'll love France!" I think that pretty much sums up this picture.
  
  
• A Classic Hitchcock Masterpiece
  By A2GHBIIGL5KYZG on 2000-04-25
  What a fantastic movie! Very suspenseful and beginning-to-end thrill and excitement throughout. Stars 2 of the world's most famous actors for the silver screen; the legendary Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. I honestly think this is Princess Grace's best film, and never was she more beautiful and stunning. They both should have won Oscar's for this movie. Now, this film met all of Hitchcock's usual standards, and, in my opinion, was just as good as the other 1959 Masterpiece, North By Northwest, which you will absolutely LOVE if you loved this one. Trust me, this movie is well worth buying on tape; however, it does air on T.V. often, so catch it then. I Love Grace Kelly!
  
  
• A fine addition to your Hitch collection
  By on 2002-12-28
  Hitchcock never made a movie in CinemaScope, in spite of the ignorance of others who have commented here about this DVD. To Catch a Thief does not have an aspect ratio of 2.35 to 1, as another 'well-informed' reviewer commented.

  The transfer is fine. Though the source material could have been better chosen. The featurettes are the typical celebration of the movie type. Nothing too controversial is revealed, nor is it expected. A running commentary like the one on the Sunset Boulevard DVD would have been nice.
  
  

• Princess exits 'Gracefully'
  By AAUAOPPH3PBB2 on 2006-04-06
  This is the third and final of Hitchcock's romantic suspense entities featuring the pulchritudinous Grace Kelly and the ever so suave and urbane Cary Grant. It has a perfect mix of suspense and romance along with the buena vista of Monaco. A fine addition to anyones collection.
  
  
• A Beautiful Romantic Bubble
  By ACIBQ6BQ6AWEV on 2002-02-17
  There is much to like about Hitchcock's TO CATCH A THIEF: Cary Grant and Grace Kelly at the height of their appeal, a witty script that offers Jessie Royce Landis one of the funniest roles ever seen in any Hitchcock film, and excellent cinematography designed to show off the beauties of Monte Carlo--all packaged in a lightweight tale that is two parts romance, two parts travelogue, one part comedy, and just enough classic Hitchcock suspense to keep this lighter-than-air confection from flying apart.

  The well known story concerns a string of jewel robberies along the Riviera which lead local officials to suspect that a famous and long retired cat burglar (Grant) is once more on the prowl--but rather than hope the authorities will find the real culprit Grant elects to protect himself by unmasking the thief for himself. In the process he encounters an icy beauty (Kelly) who takes considerable pleasure in tantalizing him with her charms, her jewels, and her knowledge of his criminal past, and her mother (Landis), who is perhaps the best of the "clever matrons" to appear in any Hitchcock film. As the police close in, the three of them devise a plot to expose the thief and clear Grant, with whom Kelly has now fallen in love.

  Unlike most Hitchcock's most famous films, TO CATCH A THIEF offers nothing dark to trouble our thoughts, and it is perhaps best regarded as a romantic fantasia, the director's vacation from his more typical material. While it will never compete with the more famous VERTIGO and REAR WINDOW of the same period, it is extremely well done and quite a bit of fun to watch. Viewers seeking a pleasant film with a romantic touch will enjoy it a great deal.
  
  

• Languid but beautiful romantic thriller
  By ABN5K7K1TM1QA on 2003-09-01
  This is probably Hitchcock's most beautiful movie. Grace Kelly is well (but of course decorously) displayed in delicate and perfectly fitted summer dresses and evening gowns (designed by Edith Head) that show off her exquisite arms and shoulders while accentuating her elegant neck and jaw line--and, as she turns for the camera, the graceful line of her back. Opposite her is one of Hollywood's most dashing leading men, the incomparable Cary Grant.

  The cinematography by long-time Hitchcock collaborator Robert Burks was shot on location in the French Riviera. The style is daylight clear and sparkling, bright as the dream of a princess to be, always focused without a hint of darkness anywhere. Even the scenes shot at night on the rooftops seem to glow. The houses on the hills overlooking Princess Grace's future home and the narrow cobble stone roads with the low-lying stone walls suggest a refined and elegant lifestyle to come. Even though she drives too fast, one is not worried that she might crash...

  Cary Grant is John Robie who fought with the French resistence during WWII and then became a jewel thief, dubbed "The Cat" for his ability to slink quietly in the night over roof tops and to steal into the bedrooms of the rich and take their jewels without waking them. As the movie opens he is retired from his life of crime and living comfortably in a villa in the hills above Nice. The complications begin immediately as the police arrive at his villa to question him about some recent cat-like jewel robberies. Robie is innocent of course (we are led to believe) and to prove his innocence he is motivated to find the real thief.

  Grace Kelly plays Frances Stevens, the slightly naughty nouveau riche daughter of the widow of a Texas-style oil millionaire. She is used to having men fall all over themselves trying to court her, but Robie seems uninterested, and this excites her fancy and she goes after him. It is interesting to note that by this time Cary Grant (51 when the film was released) had become such a heart throb that directors liked to have the women (who were always noticeably younger; Kelly was 26) chase after him. Audrey Hepburn does as much in Charade (1963). One notes that here, as in Charade, the women kiss Cary Grant first, not the other way around. Here it is nicely done as the previously demure Frances takes a surprising initiative at the door of her hotel suite.

  The story itself is rather bland and predictable, reminding me of a James Bond flick from, say, the sixties as though toned down for an audience of old maids. Notable in supporting roles are Brigitte Auber as the athletic Danielle Foussard, John Williams as the British insurance agent, and Jessie Royce Landis as Frances Stevens' mother. Hitch makes his de rigueur appearance as a passenger on the mini-bus that Robie takes to get away from the gendarmes early in the film.

  See this for Grace Kelly whose cool and playful demeanor and statuesque beauty form the heart of this somewhat languid romantic thriller.
  
  

• Hitchcock taking it easy - and doing it well
  By A2CW9IQAPFEYLM on 2006-01-01
  
  Cary Grant is The Cat, a one-time burglar on the French Riviera who's now gone straight, but is suspected in a recent rash of burglaries. He decides the only way to clear his name is to catch the thief himself. Along the way he meets Grace Kelly, and a romance blossoms.
  
  Hitchcock goes more for sophisticated fun than suspense here, and succeeds quite well. Grant is eloquent and droll, and Kelly is livelier than usual - and quite lovely to look at, too. Basically a piece of fluff for Hitch, but done very well. The photography along the Riviera is beautiful.
  
  
• The film deserves a full 5-star restoration!
  By A2G93D8SM1R08G on 2007-02-16
  I've been watching Hitchcock's films in chronological order, and had just seen the wonderfully and carefully restored Rear Window from the Alfred Hitchcock Masterpiece Collection. As they showed the difference between what they started with and the final product, it was truly significant.
  This version of To Catch a Thief is similar to the unrestored version of Rear Window, and this film with so many stunning on-location views and vistas of the Riviera and its elegant hotels and chateaus -- which contributed to its color staff winning an Oscar -- deserves the full restoration treatment.
  
  
• An entertaining comedy/thriller...
  By A2TV6SBCWT7P8S on 2002-07-20
  Although not one of Hitchcock's best films, To Catch is Thief is still a very entertaining comedy/thriller. I really enjoyed watching it (and have actually seen it several times). Its features include a clever plot, great acting, several comic moments, and wonderful chemistry between Cary Grant and Grace Kelly.

  Essentially, To Catch a Thief is about a retired "cat burglar" (Cary Grant, charming as ever) who must clear his name after being accused of committing several more robberies. As he sets out to prove his innocence by catching the real thief, he comes across several intriguing characters - including a cool, sexy young American (Grace Kelly), her mother, and a beautiful French girl. To say any more would be to give too much away...

  So, even though, as I said earlier, this is not one of Hitchcock's best (compare it with North by Northwest, for instance), it is still a very enjoyable and exciting film, greatly because of the wonderful performances and nice scenery. I don't know how else to recommend this - get it and enjoy!
  
  

• Hitchcock, Cary, and Grace...A Perfect Combination!
  By A31I3HXMD5H1EL on 2002-11-06
  There is so much to like about Alfred Hitchcock's 'To Catch a Thief' that a special DVD edition is a cause for celebration! First, the very premise of Cary Grant as a retired cat burglar enjoying life on the Rivera until a copycat criminal thrusts him back into service (and the oh-so willing arms of Grace Kelly) was so irresistable that it lured Grant, who had retired from film, back to the screen (a very fortunate decision, as he went on to make 'North by Northwest', 'Operation Petticoat', 'Charade', and other memorable films). Second, it reteamed Hitchcock with not only his favorite actor, but also with Kelly, his favorite actress, and the archetype for all the other blonde actresses in his other great films of the 50s and 60s. Third, it was a light-hearted romp, full of beautiful scenery, bawdy double-entendres (At a picnic: "Do you want a leg or a breast?" "You make the choice."), and a plot as light as a French souffle, which was a welcome change for Hitch, after a series of much darker films.

  Some of the supporting cast were French, which required some less than successful redubbing of dialogue, but great comic turns were provided by British character actor John Williams, and the redoubtable Jessie Royce Landis, who was so delightful as Kelly's mother that Hitchcock cast her as Cary Grant's mother in 'North by Northwest'! A bit of trivia: Brigitte Auber, who plays the busty, hormonally-charged French girl Kelly icily refers to as a 'child', was, in fact, nearly a year older than her!

  Among the extras this very special DVD offers are a 'making-of' featurette, a Remembrance, featuring recollections of Hitchcock's daughter and granddaughter, an instructive look at how the story came to the screen, and a great piece about Hitchcock's favorite costume designer, Edith Head. You definitely get your money's worth!

  If you want to lose yourself in a wonderful light romantic adventure, they don't come much better than this! Indulge yourself!
  
  

• Much less than it could, should have been.
  By on 2002-12-25
  The movie is an evergreen; Hitchcock with less twist and more romance.

  The DVD, that's something else. Sound quality is so - so; but the pix, that's worse. Not shown in the theatrical 2.35:1 Cinemascope format, such is never more evident than in the Hitchcock trademark scene ! The one early in the film on the bus when the camera pans left-to-right from the lady with the bird in the cage, past Cary Grant/John Roby to one-half (!) of Hitch sitting next to Roby. The pan'n-scan 4:3 version at least gets all of Hitchcock's dead pan on the screen.

  With so many lesser works getting better technical treatment, it is disappointing that the publisher didn't make a better effort; guess they cried all the way to the bank !
  
  

• So-so Hitchcock jewel caper
  By A39AWL2FKWDFK6 on 2004-02-06
  As a connoisseur of Hitchcock's work, To Catch a Thief was merely adequate. Lacking any real suspense, the movie was held together by the excellent cinematography offered by the picturesque French Rivera locale.

  Cary Grant was at his suave and debonair best as John Robie, a retired cat burgular who is suspected when a rash of jewel thefts plagues the swanky Riviera. Realizing, he must apprehend the actual thief, whose m.o. parallels his own, he plots a scheme.

  Grace Kelly, whose acting ability does not rival her beauty, plays a perfectly typecasted role for her. As a spoiled, bored, rich socialite Frances Stevens, she and her wealthy but earthy mother, played exceptionally well by Jessie Royce Landis are vacationing. The elder Mrs. Stevens has a valuable collection of jewelery that Grant theorizes would make excellent bait.

  Hitchcocks creates a predictable plot, with the usual love affair. There is however, little in the way of mystery or tension or even chemistry between Kelly and Grant to make this flick anything more than mediocre. Edith Head provides a high point with her fantastic wardrobes created for the costume ball scene.
  
  

• Beautiful, lightweight Hitchcock with great bonus features
  By A2OZBJ58CML9OS on 2004-09-05
  To Catch a Thief, though widely regarded as one of Alfred Hitchcock's minor works, benefits from extensive location shooting in the south of France, and of course, the luminous quality of its two leads. It's a worthwhile romantic thriller with plenty of light moments, and certainly one of the most colorful films of his career.
  
  But the real attraction to die-hard Hitchcock fans is a brief but fascinating featurette, narrated by the director's daughter and granddaughter, which (much like the movie itself) shows a lighter side of Hitchcock. Home movies of Hitch playing with his kids, horsing around on sets, etc. provide a unique glimpse into his family life. There is also a very well-done documentary on the film itself, and another short featurette on frequent Hitchcock wardrobe designer Edith Head.
  
  No Hitchcock fan should be without this well-done DVD.
  
  
• Light and Fluffy
  By A3PA0W1VUDU4J7 on 2005-05-03
  Read all my reviews at www.midnitcafe.blogspot.com
  
  Alfred Hitchcock's 1955 film To Catch a Thief is a light, fluffly picture that differs in content over much of the suspense masters other pictures. Cary Grant stars as a former thief, and patriot of the French Resistence, who is currently suspected of a new series of crimes. Grace Kelly plays the beautiful daughter of a rich American woman who is high on the list of possible victims of the new cat burglar.
  
  The plot is all cotten candy. Shot in the French Riviera, Hitchcock allows his camera to take all of the beauty in. There are simply lovely traveling shots of the location. Hitchcock follows cars driving the streets in high crane shots, simmers through the sea on a boat ride, and stops to take in the view with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly at a picnic overlooking a stunning valley.
  
  Cary Grant is playing Cary Grant at this point, but that's perfectly fine since their are few actors I enjoy more. Grace Kelly is simply gorgeous. Hitchcocks camera is as admiring as a new suitor. Their interply is fun, witty and sensuous. A famous scene between them intercuts their developing romance with fireworks and is pure sizzle.
  
  If you are looking to write a thesis on the genius of suspense then you should look elsewhere. But for a beautifully shot, light hearted romance for a Saturday night it would be difficult to find a better picture.
  
  
• What a catch
  By A1D2C0WDCSHUWZ on 2007-02-01
  Alfred Hitchcock made two kinds of movies: bone-chilling thrillers that looked into the dark side of human nature, and witty adventure stories.
  
  "To Catch A Thief" is a sterling example of the latter kind of movie -- a chic, sleek, golden-tinted caper, full of witty dialogue and solid acting from legendary actors. Despite the taut action scenes, Hitchcock makes it feel almost like a cinematic vacation.
  
  Paul Robie (Cary Grant) was "The Cat," the most notorious jewel thief in Europe, before he retired. But now impossible heists -- made in Robie's style -- are popping up all over Cannes, and he's the immediate suspect. Narrowly escaping the police, he enlists a friend to help him clear his name by capturing this new Cat.
  
  To do that, he masquerades as an American tourist, and gets to know pretty oil heiress Frances Stevens (Grace Kelly) and her mother. But when the Stevens jewels are stolen, Frances brings the cops down on Robie -- and now he is more desperate than ever to find the Cat, because he suspects it's an old friend...
  
  Hitchcock was in fine form with "To Catch a Thief," especially since he had two great actors in the mix. Granted this isn't one of his more insightful or suspenseful movies, but it captures a sense of sly wit and fun instead.
  
  If "To Catch A Thief" has a problem, it's that astute viewers will be able to guess who the Cat is after about a half hour, maximum. But fortunately viewers can be distracted by Hitchcock's knack for razor-sharp dialogue ("What do you say?" "My only comment would be highly censorable") and double entendres (during an intimate lunch, Francie asks, "You want a leg or a breast?").
  
  It's also gorgeous to behold -- he entire movie is bathed in the golden Riviera sun, with lots of swimming, fast car chases, elaborate costume balls, and ornate hotels. But Hitchcock winds it up with a genuinely tense rooftop chase, complete with wrestling and gunshots.
  
  Grant is a bit grizzled (and VERY overtanned) here, but still dapper and charming enough for Robie, a thief with principles and a taste for the good life. Kelly is also quite good as an heiress who is less prim than she appears; John Williams and Jessie Royce Landis have fun supporting roles as a "veddy veddy English" insurance man and a shrewd rich woman.
  
  "To Catch A Thief" is a warm, sumptuous piece of classic film, with great dialogue and even better acting. Fun, stylish little mystery
  
  
• Catch This Film
  By A13H2JJ3GEMJN1 on 2001-08-23
  In "To Catch A Thief", Cary Grant plays a reformed jewel thief living on the French Riviera. He naturally becomes the prime suspect when a fresh string of jewel thefts occurs. In order to prove his innocence, he must catch the real thief. Enter Jesse Royce Landis and Grace Kelly as a wealthy and bejewelled widow and her irresistable daughter. Kelly uses her feminine wiles to snare an ambivalent Grant while he waits for the real thief to make the inevitable attempt on her mother's jewels. Grant is superb as the handsome and charming John Robie, and Kelly also shines as the smart and alluring Frances.

  In addition to breathtaking scenery, this movie has all the usual characteristics you expect from Alfred Hitchcock: a fine cast, clever and sophisticated story, and outstanding production work. Still, it has been referred to as one of Hitchcock's "lighter" films. And, in a sense, that's true. Certainly a tale about a jewel thief doesn't have quite the intensity of a man possibly murdering his wife in the apartment across from yours, or of accidentally becoming involved with an international spy ring. Moreover, "To Catch A Thief" is partly a romantic comedy, as exemplified by Grant dropping a ten thousand franc chit down the front of a woman's gown, then asking her to return his money, in order to attract attention to himself when he is trying to make the acquaintance of Kelly and her wealthy mother in the casino at Monte Carlo. Romantic comedies aren't noted for their depth or suspense. But don't let that fool you. There are some tense moments before this movie is over. "Lighter" doesn't necessarily mean less enjoyable.

  Though "To Catch A Thief" isn't quite the thriller that some of Hitchcock's other great films are, it is an excellent flick in it's own right. Grant and Kelly are great together, the story moves smoothly from light moments to suspense, and the location footage from the French Riviera is gorgeous. Put it all together and you have a very entertaining and satisfying movie. Give it a look.
  
  

• Flavorful Fluff
  By A3UJHEAUR0F0UF on 2002-11-20
  I've been waiting for this movie to be released on DVD since the format was introduced. Yes, it would have been great if Paramount had restored this candy. But the colors ARE nevertheless nice and rich, Grant is full of panache and Grace Kelly is simply scrumptious. In the words of Joe E Brown in "Some Like it Hot"---YOWZA! The supporting cast is great, but to me the real stars are the post-war beauty that was the Riviera, and the gallic life style--however romanticized it may be. I suspect this is a DVD release that would benefit from a 16:9, HDTV screening. A major advantage of seeing it on DVD is the obvious crispness and detail of both the foreground and, when it was convenient to Hitchcock, the backgrounds as well. Interior scenes benefit from the detail as the richness of the Rivera hotel and restaurant locations can be savored. Come to think of it, this may be one of Mr. Hitchcock's most sensual movies, emphasizing the tactile: you see the patient fondling of the jewels, the enjoyment of the food ("..it's a quiche lorraine...")and wine and, by implication, the treat represented by the lovely Miss Kelly ("...have you ever had a better offer?...One that guarantees satisfaction?") It may well be, as many viwers have said, that this is a "lighter" Hitchcock. It is by no means less enjoyable. Grab it (and devour it with a quiche and a glass of crisp white wine. A muscadet). Sixth star, anyone?
  
  
• Classic bit of froth in need of a make over
  By AQP1VPK16SVWM on 2002-11-22
  To Catch a Thief is the closest Hitch got to making froth in the later part of his career. It's not as suspenseful as North by Northwest, lacks the emotional power of both Rear Window and the artistry of Vertigo. Nevertheless, it's an essential, if minor, Hitchcock classic. The stunning photography by the late great Robert Burke isn't very well represented on this DVD. The colors are still muted (comparable to previous video and laserdisc editions). It's not hard to see why this won an Academy Award for best cinematography but it is difficult to appreciate it the way it was meant to be.

  Cary Grant and Grace Kelly give marvelous, witty performances and capture the light touch of screenwriter John Michael Hayes. Sadly, Hayes is no longer around to give us his thoughts (much as he did on the Rear Window DVD). His script is a great deal of fun and Hitch's usual targets are skewered well.

  The direction is nimble and the film fairly well paced. Really, this is a romantic thriller with the emphasis on romantic. The chases sequences are well designed and shot. They became the template for many other lesser directors (including the overwrought films of acolyte Brian DePalma).

  A pity that this isn't one of Hitch's more serious works otherwise it would merit a facelift and much needed make over to improve the picture quality. Hopefully someone will get around to it before the negative becomes even worse off.
  
  

• Wonderfully clever and entertaining!!!
  By A1DZKOOMMJM1MI on 2003-07-06
  TO CATCH A THIEF, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, is a lush and entertaining comedy/thriller concerning a jewel thief on the French Riviera. The film�s title was based upon an ancient proverb: �Set a thief to catch a thief,� with double meanings regarding a double chase. The hero, John Robie, a falsely-accused former cat burglar, has to find and catch the �real� cat burglar before he is caught himself, while the heroine, Frances Stevens, is on a quest to �catch� him--first as a burglar and then as a husband. Each wishes �To Catch a Thief.�

  Unlike most of Hitchcock�s work, this thriller is very low-key and based around a small mystery. As time passes, the audience realizes there is more afoot to this game than at first meets the eye. Does Frances have more malicious intent in trailing Robie�s every move, or is her quest purely husband-oriented? The robberies are all in his particular style; could our hero be lying? When an investigation winds up in murder, and Robie is blamed by Francis for the theft of her priceless family jewels, Robie must defy death and attempt to grasp some sense of the truth, before he loses everything. At times, you are not quite
  certain who everyone truly is. They are playing two-sides of a chess game; much like NOTORIOUS. Can you trust them or do they have something sinister up their sleeves?

  Spread throughout the dialogue are sensationally clever double entendres that although made in a light manner, still overshadow a deeper meaning. They come fast and furious throughout most of the film. It�s all done in a knowing, cheeky fashion, which was rendered to placate the overzealous Production Code Administration as much as it was to remind the audience that, in the end, this is all in good fun.

  One of the few good points about the old Hollywood Production Code was the creative dialogue it caused writers to come up with in order to get their points across; which is also why the fireworks/kiss scene is still effective. It�s a wonder the dialogue passed through the censors without a murmur. Obviously, filmmakers were now doing everything in their power to subvert the code--albeit in a friendly, comedic manner. I believe if this film had been played more seriously and didn�t have such a light and comictone, most of the dialogue would not have passed through the code. Lucky for us, it did.
  
  

• Scenery and Edith Head but no suspense
  By AH1M9A3JTV7C3 on 2004-02-02
  You could be forgiven if you thought you were watching a well filmed travel tourist marketing film on the beauty of Cannes, and in VISTA VISION, or a tribute to Edith Head with the emphasis on costumes, which is part of Hitchcock's game in the film about appearances, masks, lies, etc. The dialogue is reasonably witty, and yes, Mr Grant and Ms Kelly, look "good" in that lacquered, phoney, fifties Hollywood style. There's no question that the film, rich in colour, crystal clear, and glossy is well made. But beneath the gloss, it's a gossamer thin story with little suspense.
  
  

• North By Northwest
• Charade
• Rear Window (Collector's Edition)
• Dial M for Murder
• An Affair To Remember (50th Anniversary Edition)