To Catch a Thief Movie Cast: A Look Back at the Classic Film and Its Inspiration'

The phrase 'It takes a thief to catch a thief' has been used in various forms of media, including the classic Alfred Hitchcock film 'To Catch a Thief' and the popular TV series 'It Takes a Thief.' The latter, which aired from 1968 to 1970, starred Robert Wagner as Alexander Mundy, a sophisticated thief who works for the U.S. government's SIA (Secret Intelligence Agency) to finance his life as a polished playboy and sophisticate.

The TV series was inspired by the 1955 film 'To Catch a Thief,' directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Cary Grant as a cat burglar who steals jewelry in France. The movie's title, like the TV series', is derived from the English proverb 'Set a thief to catch a thief' (or 'It takes a thief to catch a thief'). This phrase suggests that it may be necessary to use someone with similar skills and expertise to catch a thief, rather than relying on traditional law enforcement methods.

In the TV series, Alexander Mundy is portrayed as a charming and resourceful thief who uses his skills for good, working for the government to steal valuable information or objects. The show's pilot episode, 'A Thief is a Thief is a Thief,' was written by Kibbee and directed by Leslie Stevens, and it sets the tone for the series' blend of action, adventure, and humor.

The TV series also starred Malachi Throne as Noah Bain, Mundy's boss at SIA, who uses the catchphrase 'Oh, look, Al, I'm not asking you to spy' in the main opening titles. Throughout its three-season run, 'It Takes a Thief' featured many memorable episodes, including 'The Big Fall,' 'A Nice Touch,' and 'To Steal a Battleship.'

In his autobiography 'Pieces of My Heart,' Robert Wagner revealed that he consulted with Cary Grant on how to play Alexander Mundy, drawing inspiration from the iconic actor's performance in 'To Catch a Thief.' The TV series was among the last of the 1960s spy television genre, although Mission: Impossible continued for several more years.

Overall, 'It Takes a Thief' is a classic TV series that combines action, adventure, and humor with its unique premise and memorable characters. Its inspiration from the iconic film 'To Catch a Thief' adds another layer of depth to its appeal, making it a must-watch for fans of both series.

To catch a thief movie cast