Steven DeRosa

Beneath the Masks: Love, Identity and Class Divide in Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief

Set amid the sparkle and luxury of the French Riviera, Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief cleverly navigates the complex waters of social hierarchies and moral dilemmas. This presentation will examine how the film highlights the dichotomy between characters of varying social standings, especially as love intertwines with crime. Focusing on the relationship between John Robie and Francie Stevens, I will analyze how their love story challenges and critiques the authenticity of social stratifications. Through the changes from the source material made by screenwriter John Michael Hayes—transforming a single copy-cat burglar into a gang of thieves—Hitchcock underscores the realities faced by service workers in a world of opulent vacationers, reflecting broader societal divides.

Central to this exploration is the climactic masquerade ball, an event that gained immense popularity in 18th-century France, particularly within the court Louis XV. These masquerades were characterized by extravagance, opulence, and theatricality, becoming associated with the aristocracy as a means of escaping the rigid social class systems of the time. The masquerade, with its rich historical significance, prompts us to confront the often-hidden truths about society’s values and human connections. By juxtaposing the allure of glamour with the shadowy realities of the characters' lives, Hitchcock crafts a narrative that resonates beyond its seemingly light-hearted premise, inviting us to consider the intricate dance of appearance and reality in a stratified society.

About
HitchCon Advisory Board member. Steven’s approach to his work is rooted in the belief that every story reveals deeper truths about the human condition. His passion lies in uncovering these truths and inspiring others to see the world more reflectively. He is the author of Writing with Hitchcock: The Collaboration of Alfred Hitchcock and John Michael Hayes. Steven has appeared on-screen in the documentaries Viaggio nel Cinema in 3D: Una Storia Vintage and The Master's Touch: Hitchcock's Signature Style; and in featurettes on the 4K/UHD releases of To Catch a Thief and North by Northwest. He teaches cinema studies and screenwriting at Mercy University in Westchester County, New York, where he also coordinates their long-running International Film Festival.