To Catch A Thief: Movie Analysis

Released in 1955, To Catch a Thief was one of three films director Alfred Hitchcock produced within an eighteenth month period and was the result of a collaboration with rising screenwriter John Michael Hayes, whom he had previously worked with on Rear Window. Quickly written and produced, the film is about retired cat-burglar John Robie, who after being framed for a ring of jewel thefts in the French Riviera, seeks to find the real culprit, while evading the police and the romantic advances of Francie Stevens, the daughter of a potential, wealthy theft victim. In its dramatic structure, Hayes’ screenplay emphasizes the dual nature of the story–as Robie seeks to “catch” the real thief in spite of receiving written threats not to, he must also evade Francie–who seeks to “catch” a romantic partner in Robie and can report him to the police. During the early production of Rear Window, Hitchcock became intrigued by To Catch a Thief, a novel by David Dodge (DeRosa 90). The novel itself was inspired by a ring of jewel thefts in the French Riviera following World War II (Chandler 222) Interested in …show more content…
Hayes’ preferred ending was of a humorous scene involving Francie and Robie embracing in the former’s car as they partially dangle off a cliff. (119). However, Hitchcock’s preferred ending prevailed. On August 30 1954, a new ending was submitted. Hitchcock felt that the film should not have a “completely happy ending” for John Robie. Francie would move in with him, but so would her mother–much to the former thief’s dismay (120). Nevertheless, Hitchcock still publicly praised Hayes’ script for To Catch a Thief, a rarity for the director (105). Even though reviews of the film were mixed, Hayes earned prestige as a screenwriter and recognition from the Writer’s Guild, which nominated his script for best comedy