The Philco Television Playhouse Run Like a Thief (1948–1956) Online

The idea of the plot in "Run Like a Thief" is good. And, the show has James Dean in a supporting role--and he's just fine. But there is some serious overacting going on and the decent story idea is a bit wasted. Not terrible but it sure could have been so much better.

Alexander is a trusted waiter who has worked at a fancy hotel for years. An old protégé of his, Robbie (Dean), comes by the place and Alexander insists on hiring him. A short time later, a rich lady loses a super-valuable bracelet and Alexander finds it...and impulsively keeps it. He wants to give it to his beloved Dell...but when he tries to give it to her, he tells her it was lost and they must give it back. Greed takes hold of her and she insists they keep it. Later, the hotel investigates with a private detective-- they insist that the item MUST have been stolen and they are determined to find it. In the process, they soon suspect Robbie. After all, he's new and the only one who knew him at all was Alexander. What's next? Well, a WHOLE LOTTA overacting by Alexander and Dell!

The only reason to watch this one is to see Dean. He's not bad but his part isn't huge...and you won't suspect any genius here but he is competent.

Make no mistake, the only draw here is James Dean in one of his many appearances in TV anthology shows of the early 1950's. "Run Like a Thief" originally aired on September 5th, 1954, and was premiered by the Turner Classic Movie channel on September 25th of this year, most likely the only time it's seen the light of day in sixty years. The story had potential, but television writing back in the day left a lot to be desired, and this is one of those many times.

The main players are hotel owner Madame Pollard (Barbara O'Neil) and her maître d' Alexander Ingles (Kurt Kasznar). Ms. Pollard unknowingly drops an expensive diamond bracelet during dinner, subsequently found by Alex. Against his better judgment, Alex shows the bauble to his wife Della (Gusti Huber), who insists on keeping it. When Ms. Pollard realizes the jewelry is missing, she involves a detective to find out if theft was involved.

Dean's character Robbie Warren used to work for Alex and was one of his best employees, however being new on the scene, he immediately becomes a suspect. In conversation with Alex, Robbie sees the bracelet in Alex's room and becomes deeply disappointed in his former mentor, deciding that he can no longer stay in his employ.

You really have to see the maître d's reaction that follows; Alex responds in horror at the prospect of Robbie leaving and nearly falls apart. His sweat streaked face fills the camera, a feat that could not have been produced without the hot glare of lighting needed to film the sequence. Alex pleads with Robbie and promises to give the bracelet back, but the story doesn't take it that far so it's really left up to the viewer's discretion how things turn out.

One of the interesting side notes to the presentation was offered by TCM host Robert Osborne, who explained how James Dean's acting style depended a lot on reacting to a given situation while he was performing. This greatly contrasted with a veteran actor like Kasznar who spent much time learning and rehearsing his lines ahead of time. The pair initially clashed until director Jeffrey Hayden stepped in and appealed to Dean's better nature, thereby forging a professional relationship that continued beyond the program.