To Catch a Thief

Amid the scorching August sun, John Robie is confronted by French authorities at his villa in Vence. In a dramatic display, he leaps over the garden wall and makes a thrilling escape, evading capture once again.

Robie, known as *Le Chat*, had spent his earlier days as a skilled burglar, notorious for a series of daring jewel heists along the French Riviera. His reputation was cemented until his arrest in 1939, making him a legend among thieves.

During World War II, Robie's prison release coincides with the German occupation of France. Rather than wallowing in despair, he joins the French Resistance (the Maquis) and bravely fights the Nazis alongside former fellow prisoners.

After the war ends, an unofficial amnesty grants former Resistance fighters a chance for renewal. While many choose a life of crime again, Robie refrains and invests his past earnings to settle into a peaceful life in his new villa.

Just as Robie finds solace, a wave of jewel thefts resurfaces in the Riviera, drawing suspicions back to him. Despite his reassurances to Commissaire Oriol, his past as *Le Chat* haunts him, leading to relentless pursuit from the authorities.

In an effort to escape the increasing complications, Robie seeks out Bellini in Cannes. Here, he is persuaded to help catch the new thief, who mimics his own style, intensifying his internal conflict between a quiet life and returning to crime.

With the help of Jean-Pierre, Robie's true identity is transformed into Jack Burns, a middle-aged American businessman on vacation. As 'Burns', he soon finds himself embroiled in the world of high stakes and glamorous casinos.

At a casino, Mrs. Stevens becomes enamored with 'Burns' after mimicking his betting style. Her win of two million francs leads her on a purchasing spree that inadvertently draws scrutiny and puts Robie's plans in jeopardy.

As the string of burglaries intensifies, Paris sends senior detective Lepic to address the thefts. In the chaos, Robie encounters the oblivious Count Paul, who remains unaware of Robie's past and burgeoning troubles.

Francie Stevens grows increasingly suspicious of Robie when she believes his gang is behind her mother's prized diamond dog disappearance. Her demands push Robie to stall while he contemplates the true nature of the burglaries.

Robie, keeping a watchful eye on the Souzas' cottage, elaborates on his complex past while recounting tales of heartbreak. Meanwhile, he becomes increasingly wary of Danielle and Claude, suspecting their involvement in the thefts.

During a stakeout at the Souzas', Robie witnesses Detective Lepic mistakenly kill a thief, temporarily absolving Robie of guilt. However, this action only raises more questions about the real identity of the new thief, necessitating further investigation.

As the Sanfords prepare for a lavish party filled with jewel-clad guests, Robie gains access to the event under his alias. The atmosphere thickens as tensions rise with Lepic and Oriol, who are there to ensure safety from *Le Chat*'s return.

Under cover of night, Robie drops his disguise and prepares for the real thief's arrival. An exhilarating chase through the rooftops ensues, leading to a shared understanding of their fates as they narrowly evade the authorities.

After the stolen jewels are returned and *Le Chat* is cleared of wrongdoing, Robie confronts his feelings for Francie who is set to leave for America. Their time together comes to a bittersweet end, altering their paths forever.