Jack of Diamonds

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.

Daring cat burglar Jeff Hill (George Hamilton) steals from Zsa Zsa Gabor a second time. He often steals from movie stars. During a heist on a cruise ship, he is surprised by a female thief. His mentor Ace of Diamonds (Joseph Cotten) advices him to join him in retirement. While they are on a ski vacation, Jeff is chased down by Olga who introduces them to her mentor Nicolai. It turns out that Olga is the female thief. The foursome decides to do a big heist together.

I like the cat burglaring the most. Zsa Zsa tries to have some self-deprecating fun to start. I can do without the cops or at least, they should get a more charismatic actor to lead the cops. The rest is fine for the most part. George Hamilton is not the most well known for his acting. The heists have some light thrills especially when they are moving among the fake roof tops. This is fine.

"The Jack of Diamonds" is a most enjoyable film, for fans of Mr. Hamilton. The story is that of a retired jewel thief (Joseph Cotton) who is known as "The Ace of Diamonds." Although he has long since retired, his new protégé George Hamilton has earned the reputation of a world class Cat Bugler and is so proficient he has come to the attention of international Insurance investigator Von Schenk (Wolfgang Presiss.) The insurance organization and the police are very interested in capturing him and the other two re-known jewel thieves like the King and Queen of Diamonds, (Murice Evans and Maire Laforte) and their aid Helmut (Karl Lieffen). They plan on going after the World Series of Jewels called the Hazerhoff Collection and will need all their collective skills to obtain it as it is not only well guarded, but the insurance company is waiting for them to try. Fun is an understatement, as the combined star power makes the film as interesting as the caper itself. A good film in any sense of the word. ****

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.