Movie Review: To Catch a Thief (1955)

To Catch a Thief (1955) directed by Alfred Hitchcock

John Robie (Cary Grant) tries to live a peaceful life in the south of France but his past catches up with him. He was a famous jewel thief known as "The Cat" but turned himself around during World War II. He and a bunch of other criminals escaped from a bombed jail and joined the French Resistance. His other comrades also live in the French Riviera, but they have to work for a living while Robie enjoys life in an isolated villa. His peace is gone when someone starts robbing rich women using his modus operandi. He claims innocence though the police are pretty sure he's guilty. His comrades are also very suspicious and don't want him messing up their parole agreement with the government. Robie decides to go after the thief himself, trying to anticipate the next target. Robie gets a list of valuables from an insurance man (John Williams) who is reluctant to help. Top on the list is a mother and daughter, the Stevens (Jessie Royce Landis and Grace Kelly). Robie charms his way into their lives. Things get more complicated quickly as romance blooms with the daughter (because what male in his right mind could resist Grace Kelly?).

Hitchcock is at the top of his form here. The movie is glamorous and entertaining, with alluring locations and beautiful people all over the place. The script is full of wonderful banter between all the characters but especially the romantic cat-and-mouse chase between Grant and Kelly. The comedy well suits the lighter plot. Several characters say that the people being robbed have insurance and can afford to lose their jewels (the mom is also fairly detached from her baubles), so the jeopardy is squarely on Robie who will wind up in jail if the cops get him or in the ground if his old resistance pals get him. The story provides some suspense and dramatic depth when needed, keeping it from turning into fluffy nonsense. The movie is both crowd-pleasing and well-crafted.

Highly recommended.