The Thief Who Came To Dinner

Directed by Bud Yorkin, The Thief Who Came To Dinner follows Ryan O’Neal’s Webster McGee as he quits his job as a computer programmer and embarks on a career as a jewel thief – with the character’s efforts eventually assisted by a bored socialite (Jacqueline Bisset’s Laura) and hindered by a tenacious insurance investigator (Warren Oates’ Dave). Filmmaker Yorkin, working from Walter Hill’s screenplay, delivers a lackadaisical and lighthearted caper that admittedly grows more and more absorbing as it progresses, and there’s little doubt, certainly, that the picture benefits quite substantially from O’Neal’s almost unreasonably charming turn as the affable protagonist – with the actor’s top-notch efforts matched (and then some) by a roster of such first-class supporting players as Ned Beatty and Austin Pendleton. And although the picture is ultimately just a little longer than preferable, The Thief Who Came To Dinner, anchored by its fun rivalry between O’Neal and Oates’ respective characters, ultimately comes off as a solid endeavor that generally fares better than one might’ve initially anticipated – with the unexpectedly exciting climactic heist ensuring that the whole thing closes on an agreeable, engaging note.

*** out of ****