Thief (Exclusive Series) (Special James Caan Edition)

Initial release date: March 27, 1981

Studios: United Artists/MGM

Tagline: Cheat him ... and he'll BLOW YOU AWAY

Tonight, his take home pay is $410,000 ... tax free

Plot: A highly skilled jewel thief, Frank, longs to leave his dangerous trade and settle down with his girlfriend, Jessie. Eager to make one last big score in order to begin living a legitimate life, Frank reluctantly associates with Leo, a powerful gangster. Unfortunately for Frank, Leo wants to keep him in his employ, resulting in a tense showdown when he finally tries to give up his criminal activities once and for all.

Cast

James Caan - Frank

Tuesday Weld - Jessie

Willie Nelson - Okla

Jim Belushi - Barry

Robert Prosky - Leo

Tom Signorelli - Attaglia

Dennis Farina - Carl

Nick Nickeas - Nick

W.R. Brown - Urizzi

Gavin MacFadyen - Boreksco

Chuck Adamson - Ancell

Sam Cirone - Martello

Spero Anast - Bukowski

Walter Scott - Detective D. Simpson

Writer/director: Michael Mann (Public Enemies; Miami Vice; Collateral; Heat)

Rated R (123 minutes)

The 1981 crime classic 'Thief' is definitely worth a watch! I never even knew this film existed until I was browsing through the Tubi app. Now, before I get way ahead of myself, if you haven't checked out the Tubi app before, you definitely should. There is alot of really good older movies on there, as well as some recent ones. Great collection!

Anyway, back to 'Thief.' James Caan portrays Frank, a legit businessman who also moonlights as a professional thief. The film goes through the now familiar plot - the thief decides to leave it all behind, but gets involved with a crime syndicate for one last score. Most crime films do this plot over and over, but it's how the film delivers it that makes the difference. And, they did an amazing job with this heist film.

This crime caper flick delivers a lot of tense moments and incredible performances (especially Caan). He stated in an interview years back that his performance in the diner scene is one of his best and I simply have to agree. You have to see the film to see for yourself.

The gritty drama also features the acting debuts of Jim Belushi and Robert Prosky. Now, the name of Robert Prosky probably doesn't sound familiar. But, when you see his face, you know you have seen him in other things. Well, a few of those include 'The Great Outdoors,' 'Last Action Hero,' 'Mrs. Doubtfire' and the list goes on.

The heist scenes are really awesome and the heist sub-genre has always been very hit and miss. Well, this 1981 feature isn't a miss at all. And, just when you think you know how everything will wrap up, the rug is pulled out from under you. It may not be the ending you would think would happen when you watch the film, but it works out so well.

'Thief' is available on the Tubi app for another week or so. It can also be found on the Vudu rental online service and other rental online platforms as well.

Here are some interesting tidbits for 'Thief':

• A late starter, Robert Prosky was already fifty years old when he appeared in this, his film debut.

• After 'The Godfather,' this is James Caan's favorite film. He has stated that his monologue in the diner is the scene of which he is most proud in his career.

• In the hospital scene, Caan decided to stare coldly at J. Jay Saunders, who played the doctor. This really frightened Saunders, and his reaction in the scene is genuine.

• The vault that Frank breaks into in the opening scene was a real vault, purchased for $10,000 specifically so that Caan could break into it, using the real tools and techniques supplied by John Santucci.

• Jeff Bridges was Michael Mann's choice to play Frank, but was rejected due to the fact he was young, and wasn't experienced enough to play a hardened criminal.

• The screenplay for this film was adapted from the novel 'The Home Invaders,' written by Frank Hohimer, a professional thief. Hohimer was serving time in prison at the time this film was in production.

• 'Thief' marked the feature film debut of Michael Mann, as director, screenwriter and executive producer, after five years in TV drama.

• Mann made his directorial debut with the TV movie 'The Jericho Mile.' This was partly shot in Folsom Prison. Mann says that influenced the writing of this film.

• Caan's emotional several minute monologue with Weld in a coffee shop is often cited as the film's high point, and Caan has long considered the scene his favorite of his career.

• Originally titled 'Violent Streets,' the film debuted at the 34th Cannes Film Festival. It went on to open in US theaters on March 27, 1981, earning a modest $4.3 million. While not a financial success in its initial release, the film has become a reference point in Mann's career, especially with the release of his crime epic, 'Heat,' with which this movie has many similarities.

https://youtu.be/EHgAEcVzh1o