FILM: To Catch a Thief (6/10)

Why did I watch it?
So this was it, my first Hitchcock film. After making a New Year's resolution to dedicate some time to The Master of Suspense, I had the opportunity to watch To Catch a Thief on a plane recently.

What's it all about?
A string of jewel thefts from wealthy holidaymakers on the French Riviera lead the police to suspect that retired American burglar and Riviera resident John 'the Cat' Robie (Cary Grant) is not as retired as thought. Whilst protesting his innocence, Robie schemes to expose the copycat thief by getting close to a wealthy mother and daughter (Grace Kelly) with valuable jewels but can he be trusted?

Should you watch it?
Frankly speaking I was more than a little disappointed with To Catch a Thief. Watching it without knowing what to expect, the film seemed more style than substance and where provided, the substance is more romantic comedy and sexual innuendo than thriller. There is no doubt that Grant and Kelly have good chemistry as they flirt with each other throughout, using the witty script to good effect. Neither is there a doubt that the film must have looked impressive upon release, full as it is of shots of the Riviera and its grand hotels. Hitchcock manages to maintain intrigue over the question of Robie's intentions until the film's finale, but it would be kind to call this true suspense.

Enjoyable though the film was from a romantic adventure point of view, perhaps To Catch a Thief was not the best Hitchcock film for me to start with.