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Film Title: To Catch A Thief

 Best for ages: 12 and up.

Movie Website: Click Here

Year Released: 1955

Rated: Not Rated (US)

SYNOPSIS

   John Robie (Cary Grant) is a retired jewel thief who was once known as "The Cat".  When he is accused of stealing, he flees his home and is on the run from the police. While on the run he shows up at a high class vacationing spot where Frances Stevens (Grace Kelly) a heiress whom is on vacation with her mother at the high class French hotel. The two become attracted to one another, but Robie is there under an alias. Frances however knows who he is, but does not turn him in as she finds herself enjoying the adventure. But when jewelry goes missing from the hotel Robie becomes a target, even though his days as a thief are long over. To prove he's innocent, Robie begins to investigate on his own in an attempt to find the real jewel thief. All the while Frances and him are falling for one another, but Robie must try to clear his name and prove to the police and others that he is not the one behind the heist.

THE REVIEW

    I have not seen this film since my days in college. I was shown "To Catch A Thief" in one of my film study classes and would always catch it on AMC every now and again. Its one of those Hitchcock thrillers that does not really give you a scare like most of his later work did, but its a thrilling adventure that can relate to that of the many crime thrillers of today.

   Alfred Hitchcock is one of my favorite directors, in fact I often tell people I have never seen Hitchcock film that I didn't enjoy. While Rear Window happens to be my favorite film of all time, (and my favorite Hitchcock film as well). To Catch a Thief is one of his better films from the 1950's right behind his hits North by Northwest, Vertigo and of course Rear Window.  The thing to look at are the stars of the film and the performances. At the time  you couldn't of had a better actor and actress on screen together. Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Putting the two of them together almost guaranteed you had a hit on your hands. However the movie was really only a moderate hit at the time. It cost about three and half million to make and only grossed just under nine million.

   Everything about this film is top notch.  Its directed and produced very well and even garnished an Oscar for best Cinematography and was nominated for best art direction and costume design.  Hitchcock always had an eye for not only getting his hands on a good script, but for also having a keen eye for the camera and creating art though the lense. The acting is top notch and to this day, even though I didn't grow up during the era in which these actors were at their prime, but from watching their work I look at both Cray Grant and Grace Kelly as tow of the best performing stars to ever grace the screen. I also think that Grace Kelly is probably the most beautiful actress of all time. it's a shame that we never got to see her perform in her latter years due to her marriage and her untimely death. To Catch a Thief is a showcase of filmmaking at its best.

   The New Centennial Collection  two disc DVD of To Catch a Thief has many special features. the first disc includes the movie and a commentary track with Dr. Drew Casper a Hitchcock film historian. Disc 2 includes a bunch of featurettes such as A night with the Hitchcocks, Unacceptable Under the Code: Film Censorship in America, Writing and Casting To Catch A Thief, The Making of To Catch A Thief, Behind the Gates: Cary Grant and Grace Kelly, Alfred Hitchcock and To Catch A Thief: An Appreciation, Edith Head: The Paramount Years, If You Love To Catch A Thief, You’ll Love this Interactive Travelogue, Original Theatrical Trailer, Photo Galleries and more.

   Overall, To Catch a Thief is a must watch film.  If your a fan of Alfred Hitchcock's films this is one you need to see and add to your collection. If you haven't seen it before, your missing out on a real treat. I know that for some adults this film might be a bit before their time, but it's one of those films that can be enjoyed alone or as a couple. It has all the thrills and action for the men while gracing women with some lovely acting and beautiful scenery  and costumes. It's a masterpiece of a film from one of the true masters of cinema. I think this film is best suitable for viewers ages twelve and up, although, unless their really into studying film, I don't think many teenagers are going to want to watch this one.

Why is this film Not Rated?

   To catch a Thief is not rated because it was made in 1955, when the MPAA did not rate movies. But should they have done so today, I think it would of been either rated PG or PG-13. You be the judge, but below are some of the things in which are included and not included in the movie.

Violence:

Fighting: YES

Killing: YES

Guns: YES

Gun Fights: NO

People/Animals being shot (shot at) (by gun ,arrow or other projectile weapons): YES

Stabbing/Strangling: YES

Bombings: NO

Women harmed/killed: NOT REALLY (But they are put in dire situations)

Children harmed/killed: NO

Domestic Violence: YES (But there is a scene where a small argument ensues and a women's arm is grabbed hard by a man. A women is also slapped in the face by a man.)

Animated Violence: (Cartoon Violence similar to Looney Toons) NO

Graphic Content:

Sex: NO (Non-Graphic)

Nudity: NO

Partial Nudity (Underwear/bra/bikini): YES (There are swin suits, but think 1950's)

Revealing Clothes (Cleavage/low cut shorts/pants): YES

Blood: NO

Shootings: Yes

Gore: NO

Sickness: NO

Death: YES

People Dying: NO

Drowning: NO

Suicide: NO

Police Brutality: YES

Corruption: YES

Drug Use: NO

Alcohol Use: YES

Smoking: YES

Greed: YES

Gambling: YES

Language:

Insults (Jerk, Idiots etc..) YES

Cursing: NO (Very Mild)

Crude Language: NO

Sexual Innuendos: YES

Sexual Insults: NO

Sexual Come-ons: YES

Adult Conversations: YES

BUY THIS MOVIE.