To Catch a Thief was "strong on sight and performance values" though it had "some plot weaknesses and is not as smooth in the unfolding as one might expect from an upper 'A' presentation." "Harrison's Reports" wrote, "Alfred Hitchcock has not endowed the action with as much suspense as one might expect in a picture produced and directed by him; nevertheless, its story of a one-time jewel robber who sets out to establish his innocence by catching a thief who was using his technique is tight and swiftly-paced, and constantly offers dramatic and comical developments." Richard L. Coe of "The Washington Post" called it
Thief (film) that we wanted more." Thief (film) Thief is a 1981 American neo-noir crime film written, produced and directed by Michael Mann in his feature film debut. It is based on the 1975 novel "The Home Invaders: Confessions of a Cat Burglar" by "Frank Hohimer" (the pen name of real-life jewel thief John Seybold). The film stars James Caan the titular thief, a professional safecracker trying to escape his life of crime, and Tuesday Weld as his girlfriend. The supporting cast includes Willie Nelson, James Belushi, Dennis Farina, and Robert Prosky. The original musical score was composed and performed by Tangerine