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.
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.