Jack of Diamonds

One great line in the film. After Gabor's jewels were stolen the second time the Press showed up at the scene of the crime to interview her. One Reporter asked if she had seen the Cat Burglar. She said: "No, but that he must have seen me". Feigning surprise after looking her body up & down he said: "Why would the burglar have left?". Gabor retorted: "There isn't a straight man left in America"! They all laughed and left. Now given that this film was released in 1967 the expression 'straight' seems ahead of it's time and yet there seems no doubt as to what was implied. Was this some in-joke as surely Gabor had done much 'research' in her personal life. I'm sure the audience laughed with the Reporters yet only a few would have known what the joke really was.

This mildly entertaining German-American production has a Yankee take on the European tradition of suave jewel thieves. Perhaps influenced by the popular Italian comic books, star George Hamilton looks like Diabolik at times (though this movie was released before the film Danger: Diabolik).

Amusing cameos and supporting parts by many familiar faces and ably directed by veteran director/actor Don Taylor. Lots of nice Bavarian locations. Wolfgang Preiss, who played super-criminal Dr. Mabuse in a series of films, represents the law here. Even with some Morricone-ish music, one wishes it was more representative of the wild 60s Euro costumed criminal films like Danger: Diabolik, Kriminal and Mister X. The scene where Hamilton works on a trapeze in his mansion may have inspired the similar Lara Croft bit.

IMO, Gabor's comment essentially means don't step on my punch line ... that makes more sense given the time period and context.

As for the film overall, watching on TCM in September 2025, it plays better than it seems to have done originally. Probably because it's enough to a time capsule now to enjoy the look and Sixties Euro feel over any staleness with the cat burglar plot.

George Harrison, the actor, is fun to see given the fixation later on his tan. I believe he was 28 when this film was new and enjoyable to see as a young man.

Modern-day Canadian cat burglar, young, handsome and rich, steals precious gems from wealthy women all over the world; he's mentored by a veteran thief, both of whom become begrudging partners with a female cat burglar and her stepfather, who has concocted his own Mission: Impossible--stealing royal blood red diamonds from an impenetrable vault. Disposable caper, written by four screenwriters (Jack DeWitt, co-producer Sandy Howard, Howard Joseph and Robert L. Joseph), has tongue in cheek and brain in neutral. The tinkling background score from Peter Thomas and Bob Harris lends the proceedings some groovy charm, but lead George Hamilton (while agile) fails to lighten the load with his nondescript personality. Star cameos by robbery victims Lilli Palmer, Carroll Baker and Zsa Zsa Gabor (playing themselves) are incidental, though Gabor makes the most of her screen time with a cheeky turn. ** from ****

Jeff Hill (George Hamilton) is a master jewel thief who exudes class and sophistication. He apparently learned this from Ace (Joseph Cotten)...an older and more experienced cat burglar. So, when his old mentor suggest they work with some other crooks for a big score, Jeff goes along with it....to mixed results to say the least.

The best parts of the film are showing the various capers...particularly the big one near the end. Hamilton is also very smooth and enjoyable in the lead. The reason the film doesn't earn more than a 7 is that while good, the relationship with the lady isn't necessary and is, in fact, a distraction. Still, it's well worth seeing and is one of Hamilton's best.