"Thief" is a simple story...a convicted con man and thief is (Seemingly) trying to go straight in order to get custody of his son from his clearly un fit ex wife. Unfortunately life on the straight on the narrow doesn't pay as well (or as fast) as life in crime and when added to the main character's attraction to gambling, well, you get the idea.Emmy Winner Richard Crenna is outstanding as Neil Wilkinson, the ex con turned insurance salesman who does truly seem to want to rescue his estranged son from the entanglements of the courts and his un fit ex. Neil however is supplementing his income with occasional home burglaries, fencing stolen jewelry for cash. Most of that income has gone into attorney fees and establishing an upscale, posh, residence more than fit to raise a child in. Neil's methods, though unorthodox, aren't entirely ultraistic. A gambling addict, seems Neil ran afoul of a big time casino boss for un paid debts, money his legit job as an insurance salesman wont cover. Cameron Mitchell does a good job in a supporting role as the sympathetic but exasperated lawyer who goes beyond the call of duty trying to help his client.While trying to figure a way out of his casino troubles Neil is busy romancing Jean Melville (Angie Dickinson), an attractive interior decorator Neil hopes to turn from un committed fling into full fledged romance/mom to his son. Dickinson isn't utilized near enough in the film given that her character is the one presence on screen that seems to bring out Neil's good side (although he is mentioned, Neil's son is never seen, nor is the backstory regarding his mother or relationship with Neil fully explored). Eventually Neil, feeling trapped with an angry mob connected casino owner not too mention a suspicious parole officer both on his back, decides to pull one last heist, a big one at an upscale house party in the wealthy part of town.Crenna is at his best when Neil is on the prowl, particularly during the final big heist, truly engaging and charismatic, he mixes just the right amounts of appropriate fear (there is significant danger involved) and arrogance (he has to be full of himself to think he can pull off such a heist). The film would have been better had Crenna been given the opportunity to explore Neil's relationship with his son further but with a running time of 90 minutes (72 minutes without commercials) there is only so much film time available. Crenna's portrayal none the less is highly entertaining, effectively straddling the line between villain and hero, is Neil an un-redeemable heel who gets what he deserves or is he actually a good guy, trapped by his past mistakes, struggling to make a better life for him & his son ? Though not as well known as Crenna's acclaimed turns in feature films like "Wait Until Dark" or "The Sand Pebbles" or some of his more recent work in the 80s & 90s (his Emmy Winning Performance in "The Rape Of Richard Beck", The Frank Janek TV movies, his feature roles in "Flamongo Kid", "Leviathan", or the Rambo series), this movie is a thoroughly enjoyable, well paced, telefilm (itself nominated for a "Best TV Movie/Mini Series" Emmy) and stands the test of time despite its age (1971). Richard Crenna's performance alone compensates for the film's few shortcomings. If you can find it it's worth a look.

This film is intelligent, moving, and in the end...well, I won't spoil that for you. It's one of Richard Crenna's very best performances, and definitely in Angie Dickinson's top 10. You get a rare and chilling insight into the life of a suburban thief. We are disturbed, but also strangely sympathetic to this lost man. See this film and you will experience a wide range of emotions. Excellent writing and direction. Note: "Thief" can be very hard to find. You may have to trade for it. Good luck. Peter Chicago, IL