Velvet Hands

Guido Quiller has developed the virtually indestructible Quiller glass and becomes the patent holder for its production. The success of the invention alarms powerful insurance companies, especially La Suisse Assurance in Geneva, who fear losing a lucrative revenue stream. They begin scheming to obtain the patent and wipe out the competitor in one move.

Guido announces that he will lose his fortune to his wife. Petula, the other patent holder, demands that he transfer all exclusive rights to the production of the Quiller glass. Her condition is to sell them to the Swiss insurance company and secure a princely compensation in return.

On learning that Guido is about to lose his fortune, Maggie ends their affair and leaves him. Guido runs after her handbag on a Vespa, hoping to recover it, heightening his sense of urgency and confusion. The exit leaves him more exposed to the schemes of others.

During the chase, Guido attracts Tilli and her brother Momo, two street criminals. They mistake him for a fellow thief and take him to their home after a crash that leaves him wet in a fountain. Their grandfather had earlier tried to break into a jewelry shop, an incident that helps tie Guido's fame to their family lore.

An accidental bath in their kitchen leaves Guido with laryngitis, rendering him temporarily mute. The thieves suspect that he may be a thief and escort him to their home. This physical misfortune deepens his bond with Tilli and complicates his attempts to reveal his true identity.

Guido regains consciousness and is introduced to Tilli. He develops an attraction to the pretty thief, yet a minor misunderstanding with the police makes others suspect that he has been kidnapped. After returning home and recovering his voice, he considers how to tell the truth.

Guido confides in his loyal butler Benny about his plan and fear of exposure. Benny suggests that Guido become a thief in order to maneuver within the criminal world while remaining anonymous. Using Benny's name as a cover, Guido helps to bail Tilli's grandfather out of prison and begins to prove his new talent as a thief.

Guido uses his intellect to become a skilled thief and begins to pull off audacious feats, including bailing Tilli's grandfather out of prison with Benny's help. The new image as a master thief earns him a measure of respect from Tilli. His subtle criminal life also deepens their complicated relationship as she sees his cleverness as attractive.

To win Tilli back, Guido stages a break-in at his own villa and presents her with a ring, intending to reveal his true identity. However Leo, his rival for Tilli's affection, calls the police and exposes him, causing Tilli to desert him in anger. The plan collapses as misfortune returns him to the world of crime and disguise.

The next day Guido lures Tilli to his next trap and drags her onto the plane to Geneva. In the Suisse Assurance office he demonstrates his real plan by surrendering his entire fortune to his ex wife in exchange for the divorce. Tilli witnesses the spectacle and prepares to act.

Tilli steals the money from Petula, who soon notices the loss and demands it back at gunpoint. A tense chase follows as they attempt to recover the fortune. The scene confirms that the lovers recent bond is complicated by money and power plays.

As they drive away together, Guido reveals that he has retained the real money while surrendering the dud notes produced by Momo. Tilli rejoices in the clever ruse and the couple rides off with their future secured. The plan solves their financial conflict and deflects the insurance schemes for the moment.