Über den Dächern von Nizza

Es ist nicht der traditionelle Hitchcock und er hat mich nicht besonders unterhalten. Das Einzige, was meine Aufmerksamkeit halten konnte, waren die französischen Realien und die Anmut von Grace Kelly. (23.08.2024)

Für mich der bisher schwächste Hitchcock-Film, dem es an Spannung fehlt (vielleicht bin ich auch nur von seinem Spitznamen "Meister der Spannung" infiziert) und der eine eher verworrene Handlung mit einem gewissen Aha-Effekt am Ende der Geschichte hat (zumindest kam es mir so vor). Die Nachtszenen, in denen die "Katzen" auf den Dächern herumlaufen, sind wahrscheinlich die besten Aufnahmen des ganzen Films, zusammen mit dem Maskenball. Ansonsten wüsste ich nicht, was ich an diesem (für mich) mittelmäßigen Film besonders hervorheben würde. Er hat einfach nicht die Qualität von Vertigo, Psycho oder Das Fenster zum Hof. (08.02.2013)

Cinematically, To Catch a Thief is classic Hitchcock—a real visual treat. The film is a feast for the eyes, not just because of the stunning French Riviera setting, but also thanks to the brilliant camera work, especially during the car scenes and the breathtaking landscape shots. Cary Grant is excellent as always, but Grace Kelly feels a bit too melodramatic. The plot itself doesn’t really pick up much steam over its 106 minutes, and the suspense seems to take a backseat—a bit unusual for Hitchcock. Still, it’s an enjoyable experience overall, and you’d never guess this film was made in 1955. (13.04.2021)

I have mixed feelings about this movie. Cary Grant was great as usual, and Grace Kelly was (just) a feast for the eyes, but honestly, I expected more from a director of Hitchcock's caliber. At certain moments, both the plot and the performances seemed contrived, and I couldn't help but compare it to Operation Petticoat (1959), which I saw yesterday and liked much better. Here, I felt as if the creators couldn't quite decide if they wanted to make a comedy, a romance, or a thriller. The resulting mix has a bit of everything but not enough of anything. I expect more humor in a comedy and more tension in a thriller, and the romantic storyline was simplified in a way that made it unconvincing. I partially enjoyed watching the film and had a good time, but on the other hand, I was quite disappointed with how it was handled, so, as I said - I have mixed feelings about this movie. / "What do you say?" "My only comment would be highly censurable." / Lesson learned: "Oh, Mother will love it up here." How fitting:-) 2*+ (19.01.2023)

With its setting, amount of (predominantly black) humour, ambiguous dialogue and the nature of the crime (involving jewels, not the taking of a life), To Catch a Thief is a lighter affair in which crucial themes of Hitchcock’s work – food, sex and money – are cleverly combined. The film’s boldest action scene, a car chase, is a brilliant illustration of what can be achieved with a rear projection and well-timed cuts. Because this is essentially a film that is not action oriented and not very thrilling, more attention is focused on the acting than on the directing. Cary Grant is the embodiment of elegance. When he is accompanied by Grace Kelly, one of those actresses about whom one can speak only in admiring interjections, the impression of perfection is almost flawless. It's a shame that he will play James Bond and she a Bond girl only in my dreams. 75% (26.08.2011)