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The Thief Who Came to Dinner
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Wikipedia article
'The Thief Who Came to Dinner' is a 1973 American comedy film directed by Bud Yorkin. Based on the novel by Terrence Lore Smith, the film stars Ryan O'Neal and Jacqueline Bisset, with Charles Cioffi, Warren Oates, and in an early appearance, Jill Clayburgh.
Plot
Webster McGee is a computer programmer who abruptly quits his job and adopts a life of crime as a jewel thief in Houston, Texas.
For his first job he robs rich businessman Henderling, stealing from him not only money but also files with information that could destroy Henderling's career. McGee uses these files to blackmail Henderling. Instead of money, he asks for introduction into high society aiming to find a way to rob other rich houses.
McGee soon meets Laura at a society function hosted by Henderling. She falls in love with McGee and then helps him to burglarize several friends of Henderling.
Texas Mutual Insurance investigator Dave Reilly is intent on identifying McGee as the jewel thief, but in the course of investigation Reilly and McGee develop a sort of friendship. Reilly must decide whether to be loyal to his job or his new friend.
Cast
Production
In November 1970 it was announced Yorkin and Lear's Tandem Productions had bought the rights to the novel and would make it in association with Warner Bros."MOVIE CALL SHEET: Duvall to Play Jesse James" Martin, Betty. 'Los Angeles Times' 28 Nov 1970: a6. Yorkin later said the wanted to make the film as a tribute to "that great Cary Grant escape period.""Bud Yorkin, wonder boy: No. 1 and trying harder" Sauer, Georgia. 'Chicago Tribune' 25 Mar 1973: f19.
Oliver Hailey wrote the first draft of the script. The novel was published in March 1971 and the 'New York Times' said "there is something engaging about all this nonsense"."Criminals At Large" by NEWGATE CALLENDAR. 'New York Times' 21 Mar 1971: BR26.
Walter Hill was hired to write a number of subsequent drafts, and received sole credit."Hard Riding", Greco, Mike, 'Film Comment' 16.3 (May/Jun 1980): 13-19,80.
The casting of Warren Oates and Ryan O'Neal was announced in December 1971.!"McQueen -- The Man Who Got Away" By A. H. WEILER. 'New York Times' 26 Dec 1971: D15. Charlotte Rampling was originally announced as the female lead."Lee Grant Directs: Who's Directing? A Lady Named Lee Grant" By A. H. WEILER. 'New York Times' 23 Jan 1972: D11. Rampling fell pregnant and was replaced by Jacqueline Bisset."Candice to Track Chaplin in U. S." Haber, Joyce. 'Los Angeles Times' 8 Mar 1972: f11.
Filming took place on location in Houston."Everything is 'multi': Rich Houston: city gushing with oilmen Movie fan's travel guide" Jim; Shirley; Higgins, Rose. 'Chicago Tribune' 18 Mar 1973: c5. Locations included the Johnson Space Center, the Astrodome, the Museum of Fine Arts, Rice University, the Mecom Fountain, Jones Hall, the Alley Theatre, River Oaks, Buffalo Bayou, West University Place, Montrose, Fourth Ward, the Bob Lanier Public Works Building, the El Paso Energy Building, St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, the former Houston Independent School District (HISD) headquarters, the former Trail Drive-In, and an area by the Houston Ship Channel.
During filming, Yorkin and Lear had the number one, two and four show in the country ('All in the Family', 'Sanford and Son' and 'Maude'). "I don't think it's the greatest picture in the world but it is very entertaining", said Yorkin.
Bisset later admitted her role in the film was "undeveloped" and said she had some qualms about the morality of the movie. "I think stealing is dishonest. But it's only a movie." However she enjoyed shooting in Houston saying "I thought it would be ghastly. But the people were so terribly nice to us. Their houses were just unreal.""Movies: The decisive, decorative, diplomatic Miss Bisset" Kramer, Carol. 'Chicago Tribune' 11 Mar 1973: e6.
Reception
Walter Hill later said "Warren Oates was very good in the movie better than the movie was. They cut a lot of things of his out of the movie they shouldn't have."
The 'Los Angeles Times' wrote that the film was "as amusing to watch as it is disturbing to think about afterwards" and that O'Neal and Bisset made "a terrific team.""Crook Aims High in 'The Thief'" Thomas, Kevin. 'Los Angeles Times' 7 Mar 1973: f10.
O'Neal later listed the film as among those he said he should not have done."MOVIES: Ryan revives--what happened to this guy, anyway?" Siskel, Gene. 'Chicago Tribune' 30 Sep 1984: l5.
References
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