Jack of Diamonds

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.

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.

George Hamilton, (Jeff Hill) learn his craft of becoming a master thief from Joseph Cotton, (Ace of Diamonds) and takes on some very risky assignments, especially the one that sexy Marie LaForet, (Olga) suggests he undertake. Jeff Hill even has a special place in his home to practice his climbing up and down the walls and sideways in order to practice his going through windows for precious gems. Jeff also has a very concealed room in his basement in order to cut up his diamonds in order to ship them to dealers undetected by jewelers. It is nice to see Joe Cotton in this film, he sort of played a very low key role and seemed like he was not too happy with this role. I almost forgot that Gabor was in this picture and made some remarks about a guy being Straight and not gay, it looks like this film was ahead of its time in raising this subject. Typical Cat Burglar film, something like " To Catch a Thief" with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly.

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.