This classic romantic thriller features some of director Hitchcock’s favorite actors: Cary Grant as retired cat burglar, John Robie, aka “The Cat”; Grace Kelly as Frances Stevens, the ice-blonde object of Robie’s affections; and Jessie Royce Landis as Frances’ (very wealthy and not afraid to flaunt it) mother.
Cameo appearance! 🙂
The story takes place on the French Riviera. An exotic locale with a beach and rich people.
So when a string of jewel burglaries take place, Robie comes under suspicion from the local gendarmes. As a result, he spends most of the movie trying to prove his innocence (since, apparently, “innocent until proven guilty” doesn’t apply in the French Riviera).
But more than that—there’s the romance. Kelly and Grant have several scenes that notch up the sexual tension to the max. As witnessed by the fireworks display that takes place while Robie admires Frances’ décolletage (draped with expensive necklace) by moonlight. The scene, while building the romantic tension, underscores the question of whether Robie is back from retirement.
The romance is blended with great humorous bits, such as the chase scene, in which Frances’ car is followed. Plus, there’s a whole back and forth between the leads about who Robie really is. Is he the infamous Cat or is he the world’s least likely Oregonian?
I’d be remiss not to mention the supporting actors. John Williams is suitably stuffy as H.H. Hughson, the police detective. And Bridgitte Auber is mildly annoying as a pouty, jealous rival for Robie’s affections.
Of course, not to be outdone, Frances outshines Frenchy the Pouter with her bewildering number of outfits.
How on earth did she pack that getup? 🙂
If you enjoy suspenseful stories with romantic zing, this one truly fits the bill.
The comic blend of romance and suspense earns this film two thumbs up!
I Found it at the Movies 
Do you know what amazes me about Hitchcock. Even his lesser known films are far superior to the thrillers of today! Fabulous review.
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So true! And thank you so much! 🙂
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Haha! Grace Kelly indeed does have a bewildering number of outfits in this movie. My trouble with this film is that I always forget how it ends, because I only remember the romantic scenes between Kelly and Grant, along with her fabulous wardrobe.
It’s been several years since I’ve seen this, but happily I picked up the DVD at a recent Library book sale. I think I’ll put it on today and try to pay attention to the actual plot this time.
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To Catch a Thief is the perfect film for a cold wintry Sunday. I might dig out the DVD and watch it myself!
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One of the lines that sticks with me is where Grace Kelly asks Cary Grant to name trees that are indigenous to the Northwest. That always cracks me up. Cary Grant as a lumberjack from Oregon. Yeah, right! 🙂
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I love the somewhat startled/amused expression on Cary Grant’s face when she’s wearing that huge hat. 🙂
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I know! Cary Grant really could pull off that bemused act, couldn’t he? And that outfit is a hoot! 🙂
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Grace Kelly does a great job of walking with confidence, really owning that crazy getup.
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And Bridgitte Auber is mildly annoying as a pouty, jealous rival for Robie’s affections.
May I be frank? I found Grace Kelly’s character, Frances, rather annoying. Both my sister and I thought she came off as an overprivileged and arrogant brat.
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She was the typical Hitchcock blonde. All high and mighty, icy and remote. 🙂
So, yeah. I see what you mean.
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