The Sex Thief
- 1973 film
Riotous early 70s sex comedy in which an audacious cat burglar steals more than his female victims' jewellery. Stars David Warbeck, Diane Keen, Terence Edmond, Deirdre Costello, Gloria Walker and more.
The Sex Thief trivia
Producer Tudor Gates conceived of the film and wrote its treatment, before employing actor/writer Michael Armstrong to pen a full script. They receive a single pseudonym writer credit as 'Edward Hyde' for the work.
Michael Armstrong only agreed to write the script - with almost no budget - on the proviso he could also control casting and associate produce the film.
A large array of explicit material was later included in the film for international release, notably in the US from 1976. Diane Keen was upset by the editing of her scenes and engaged in legal action against the changes.
On its initial release The Sex Thief was issued as a double-bill, supported by Labyrinth Of Sex.
European releases kept the additional hardcore material shot for the US market, but additionally changed Warbeck and Keen's credits to 'Nigil Evans' and 'Elisabeth Aubrey'.
A scene in which Neil and Armstrong's characters get increasingly drunk in a hotel bar was improvised.
The Sex Thief was filmed in about 15 days on a budget of around £27,000.