It Takes a Thief (1968)
The classic ABC spy-adventure series starring Robert Wagner as a charming cat burglar turned reluctant government agent.
It Takes a Thief - Series Information
- Original Title: It Takes a Thief
- First Air Year: 1968
- Last Air Year: 1970
- Created by: Roland Kibbee
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (50 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 66
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 9, 1968 (United States - NR), January 9, 1968 (United Kingdom - 12), January 9, 1968 (Brazil - 10)
- Networks: ABC
- Alternative Titles: Ça prend un voleur (CA)
- Production Countries: United States of America
It Takes a Thief - Plot
Convicted cat burglar Alexander Mundy gets an offer he can't refuse from the United States government: If he puts his formidable thieving skills to work for them, he'll be released from prison. Alexander's dad, Alister, sometimes comes out of retirement as a thief to help his son on special jobs.
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It Takes a Thief - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Roland Kibbee
Main Cast
- Robert Wagner
- Malachi Throne
- Edward Binns
- Fred Astaire
- Marco López
- Al Bain
- George Murdock
- Sharon Acker
- Susan Saint James
- Michael Forest
Writers
- Roland Kibbee
- Mort Zarcoff
- Leslie Stevens
- Burt Styler
It Takes a Thief - FAQs
Where can you stream It Takes a Thief?
It Takes a Thief is available to stream on select platforms in the United States. You can check JustWatch for a full, up-to-date list of streaming services, rental options, and purchase links available in your region, as availability may vary over time.
Did Fred Astaire really appear in It Takes a Thief?
Yes, the legendary Fred Astaire played Alister Mundy, Alexander's father and a retired master thief, in It Takes a Thief. His recurring role brought considerable star power to the series and gave Astaire a rare opportunity to showcase his charm in a dramatic television context.
What is It Takes a Thief about?
It Takes a Thief follows Alexander Mundy, a suave convicted cat burglar who is recruited by the U.S. government to use his skills as a spy in exchange for his freedom. His retired thief father, Alister, occasionally comes out of retirement to assist on particularly tricky missions.
Who are the main actors in It Takes a Thief?
Robert Wagner stars as Alexander Mundy, with Malachi Throne as Noah Bain and Edward Binns as Wallie Powers. Fred Astaire appears in a recurring role as Alister Mundy, Alexander's father. The ensemble also includes Sharon Acker, Susan Saint James, and George Murdock.
Is It Takes a Thief based on a true story?
No, It Takes a Thief is not based on a true story. It is an original fictional spy-adventure series created by Roland Kibbee for ABC. The premise of a reformed thief working as a government agent is a creative invention, though it reflects the era's fascination with stylish espionage entertainment.
How many seasons and episodes does It Takes a Thief have?
It Takes a Thief ran for three seasons on ABC, producing a total of 66 episodes. Season 1 contained 16 episodes, Season 2 expanded to 26 episodes, and Season 3 comprised 24 episodes. The series also includes one special episode catalogued separately.
When did It Takes a Thief first air on television?
It Takes a Thief premiered on January 9, 1968, on the ABC network in the United States. The series ran until 1970, spanning three seasons and establishing itself as one of the more stylish and entertaining spy-adventure programs of the late 1960s television landscape.
What are shows similar to It Takes a Thief?
Fans of It Takes a Thief may enjoy The Night Manager, Lupin, Person of Interest, and 21 Jump Street, all of which share themes of undercover work, clever protagonists, and high-stakes intrigue. She Spies and Allegiance also offer similar blends of espionage and character-driven storytelling.
More About It Takes a Thief
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