I'm putting my Netflix account to good use by renting some of the old Hollywood classics. Right now I'm making my way through the Hitchcock library, with this week's selection being "To Catch A Thief".

The first thing that strikes you is how beautiful the film is. The VistaVision process produced extremely vivid colors, which Hitchcock used to good effect with extraordinary visuals of southern France and pretty wonderful clothes.

Clothes you say? Yeah, I know its weird but everyone is so fabulously dressed--men and women. This was Grace Kelly's last film before she married Prince Rainier and ended her film career, and I kept thinking what a shame it was. She was an extraordinary beauty and her allure was magnified by the costuming of Edith Head. Whose Edith Head? Well, you probably have no reason to know unless your in film school, are over eighty or you watched "The Incredibles". You remember the short little woman with the glasses and the bangs? That was the animated version of Edith Head.

Then of course there is the physical beauty of the stars. Its a little odd though to consider that Grant was 51 when he filmed the movie, and Grace Kelly was 26--young enough to be his daughter. Nevertheless, he looks damn good (and very tanned). Kelly is as usual, breathtakingly beautiful.

1953 Sunbeam Alpine. Click to enlarge-->

Even the cars look good. Classic designs from the hey-day of French carosserie.

The it all goes to hell.

It was a very popular film in its day, but unlike some of Hitchcock's other work, I don't think this one stands the test of time. The dialogue is lousy with innuendos, but rather than titillate, they seem trite and childish. The plot is predictable, which for a film that is supposed to be suspenseful, is a bit problematic. I knew who the cat burglar was going to be ten minutes into the film. Then there is the problem of casting Cary Grant as a former cat burglar--an awfully posh guy to be skittering along roofs and balconies.

Rent it for the scenery, but catch up on your Facebook page while you watch it.