Review of To Catch a Thief (1955) by Jonathan B — 01 Jan 2011

Ok lemme set this straight. This film is a 70%'er. Yep, not 80%, but Grace Kelly's face gives it an extra 10% watch-ability. Plus Cary Grant is one stylish dude here. Oh yeah and Brigitte Auber is down right cute as hell.

Now for a Hitchcock film, this is mediocre. We all know he's capable of better. It was lacking a bit of polish and completely lacking in any of Hitchcock's trademark suspense. Some of the editing was meh. No amazing shots really, I can't think of one that stood out, whereas I can pull a few out for North by Northwest, Vertigo, and Rear Window. No scenes really stood out either, the chase scene through the winding mountain roads was nice but not amazing.

But, it was really nice to look at. Grace Kelly lights up the screen and the French Riveria in the 1950's just adds to that glamor and beauty. The cars were...well...beautiful too. I mean it just looked exotic and warm and amazing. Very escapist,um..because I'm not filthy rich and a cat burglar and couldn't possibly live in the south of France in the 1950's.

Cary Grant was great as...um...Cary Grant. He's the ultimate guy, he's funny, sharp witted, rude, can say the wrong things but be rewarded handsomely for it. He's also a survivor, not a super bad ass but just does enough to survive. And did I mention he can wear an ascot and not look like a tool?

Overall, it's definitely worth your time, TCAT won't change the world, but will let you escape it for a good while.