THIEF (1981)
MORGAN'S RATING
Frank is an expert professional safecracker, specializing in high-profile diamond jobs. After having spent many years in prison, he has a very concrete picture of what he wants out of life--including a nice home, a wife, and kids. As soon as he is able to assemble the pieces of his collage, by means of his chosen profession, he intends to retire and become a model citizen. In an effort to accelerate this process, he signs on to take down a huge score for a big-time gangster. Unfortunately, Frank's obsession for his version of the American Dream allows him to overlook his natural wariness and mistrust, when making the deal for his final job. He is thus ensnared and robbed of his freedom, his independence, and, ultimately, his dream.
James Caan (Frank), Tuesday Weld (Jessie), Willie Nelson (Okla), James Belushi (Barry), Robert Prosky (Leo), Tom Signorelli (Attaglia), Dennis Farina (Carl), Nick Nickeas (Nick), W.R. Brown (Mitch), Norm Tobin (Guido), John Santucci (Urizzi), Gavin MacFadyen (Boreksco), Chuck Adamson (Ancell), Sam Cirone (Martello), Spero Anast (Bukowski),  Walter Scott (Simpson), Sam T. Louis (Large Detective in Suit), William LaValley (Joseph), Lora Staley (Paula), Hal Frank (Joe Gags), Del Close, Bruce A. Young, Joe Kapelos (Mechanics), Mike Genovese (Bartender at Green Mill), Joan Lazzerini (Attaglia's Receptionist), Beverly Somerman (Secretary with Cup), Enrico R. Cannataro (Salesman at L&A Plating), Mary Louise Wade, Donna J. Fenton (Waitresses), Michael Paul Chan (Waiter).
FACTS PRODUCTION INFORMATION
RELEASE DATE: March 27th, 1981 (USA)
BOX OFFICE RESULT: $11.4 million (USA)
- The 'house' that was blown up was actually a fake structure in front of the real house; nevertheless, when it blew up it heavily damaged the real house behind it.
- The long "sparkler" used to melt into the big jewel safe is a real tool, known as an oxy-lance.
- The screenplay for this film was adapted from the novel "The Home Invaders", written by Frank Hohimer, himself a professional thief. Hohimer was serving time in prison at the time this film was in production.
- Many real-life Chicago criminals and police officers served as advisors to director Michael Mann, and Mann cast many of them on screen, often in contradictory roles (i.e. former Chicago police officers Dennis Farina and Nick Nickeas appear as criminal henchmen, while former professional thief John Santucci appears as a police officer. 
- The burglarly tools used throughout the film (such as the hydraulic drill used in the opening sequence) were not props, but actual tools which the actors were trained to use. The tools were supplied by actual thieves who served as technical consultants on the film, principally John Santucci, who also portrays Sgt. Urizzi on screen.
- Nominated for one 1982 Razzie Award for Worst Musical Score. 		DIRECTOR: Michael Mann (Collateral).
WRITER: Michael Mann.
Based on the novel The Home Invaders by Frank Hohimer.
PRODUCERS: Jerry Bruckheimer and Ronnie Caan.
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Richard Brams.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Michael Mann.
ORIGINAL MUSIC: Tangerine Dream.
DISTRIBUTOR: MGM/UA
QUOTES
Okla: Lie to no one. If there's somebody close to you, you'll ruin it with a lie. If they're a stranger, who the fuck are they you gotta lie to them?
Joe: Look, uh, these people wanna meet you.
Frank: What?
Joe: They're stand-up guys.
Frank: If I wanna meet people, I'll go to a fuckin' country club!
Frank: You're marking time is what you are. You're backing off. You're hiding out. You're waiting for a bus that you hope never comes because you don't wanna get on it anyway because you don't wanna go anywhere. Ok?
Jessie: Do you have a license for this?
Leo: Plus, I've got a major score for you in Palm Springs in six weeks.
Frank: Did it ever occur to you, to try to work for a living? Take down your own scores?
CRITICAL COMMENTS
Frank: You talking to me or somebody else walk in this room?
"Arresting drama...inventively realized by writer-director Mann. Caan is excellent...stylishly photographed and scored." -- Leonard Maltin
Frank: You are making big profits from my work, my risk, my sweat. But that is okay, because I elected to make that deal. But now, the deal is over. I want my end, and I am out.
Leo: Why don't you join a labor union?
Frank: I am wearing it.
Mitch: Frank, don't!
Attaglia: Do it slick!
Frank: My money in 24 hours, or you will wear your ass for a hat! 
"Mann hired real life thieves to add authenticity to the film, and it shows." -- David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
"An engrossing early effort from Michael Mann." -- Dan Lybarger, Nitrate Online
"It's a shame Thief isn't better remembered by people. If you really enjoy films about robberies, this one is right up your alley. Caan is terrific, and Mann's budding talent is evident." -- Larry Carroll, Counting Down.com