The Thief Who Came to Dinner Poster

The Thief Who Came to Dinner 1973

★ 6.917 votes104 min📅 1973-03-01

"Webster and Laura took everything they wanted ... each other ... and a diamond worth $6.000.000."

In *The Thief Who Came to Dinner* (1973), a seemingly ordinary computer programmer by day transforms into a daring diamond thief by night, setting off an unexpected chain of events.

Director: Bud Yorkin

Cast

Ryan O'Neal
Ryan O'Neal
Webster McGee
Jacqueline Bisset
Jacqueline Bisset
Laura Keaton
Warren Oates
Warren Oates
Dave Reilly
Jill Clayburgh
Jill Clayburgh
Jackie Johnson
Charles Cioffi
Charles Cioffi
Gene Henderling
Ned Beatty
Ned Beatty
Deams
Austin Pendleton
Austin Pendleton
Zukovsky
Gregory Sierra
Gregory Sierra
Dynamite Hector
Michael Murphy
Michael Murphy
Ted
John Hillerman
John Hillerman
Edmund Lasker

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *The Thief Who Came to Dinner* (1973) about?

*The Thief Who Came to Dinner* follows a computer programmer who abandons his mundane job to pursue a life of crime as a diamond thief. As he pulls off increasingly bold heists, an insurance investigator closes in, while his partnership with a charismatic accomplice complicates both his plans and his loyalties.

Who directed *The Thief Who Came to Dinner*?

The film was directed by Bud Yorkin, known for his work in blending comedy with sharp social commentary.

Who stars in *The Thief Who Came to Dinner*?

The movie features Ryan O'Neal, Jacqueline Bisset, Warren Oates, Jill Clayburgh, and Charles Cioffi.

Is *The Thief Who Came to Dinner* (1973) worth watching?

With its breezy tone and solid performances, *The Thief Who Came to Dinner* is a fun, if lightweight, watch for fans of 70s comedies. While not a cinematic landmark, its clever script and O'Neal's charm make it a pleasant time capsule of the era.

How long is *The Thief Who Came to Dinner*?

The film runs for 104 minutes.

About The Thief Who Came to Dinner (1973) — A Slick 70s Heist Comedy with Ryan O'Neal

In *The Thief Who Came to Dinner* (1973), a seemingly ordinary computer programmer by day transforms into a daring diamond thief by night, setting off an unexpected chain of events. Directed by Bud Yorkin, the film blends lighthearted romance and clever comedy as the protagonist's heist ambitions collide with his growing bond to an equally cunning accomplice. With Warren Oates as the relentless insurance investigator hot on his trail, Ryan O'Neal shines as the unlikely rogue, while Jacqueline Bisset brings charm and wit to her role as his partner in crime. Set against the backdrop of 1970s urban sophistication, the story explores themes of ambition, risk, and the thrill of crossing moral lines.

The chemistry between O'Neal and Bisset crackles as their partnership evolves from calculated strategy to something far more personal, all while navigating the high stakes of a multi-million-dollar jewel heist. Yorkin's direction keeps the tone breezy yet suspenseful, balancing wit with the quiet tension of a man living a double life. It's a playful yet stylish romp that captures the era's penchant for clever antiheroes and glamorous escapades.