A few things I would like to add to my comments below. Wagner came up to me and offered the drinks as we were finishing "When Sunny Gets Blue." He said he loved the tune. Proof that this guy is deep, what song did he then request? Something dumb? Nope. Ready jazz players? Harold Arlen's "A Sleepin' Bee." NO ONE HAD EVER ASKED ME FOR THAT! The guy has ears for great chord changes. Natalie asked for "Here's That Rainy Day." Some in the entertainment industry are shallow----not the Wagners.
I am a 52 year old jazz musician. When I was around 21, Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood came into the Balboa Bay Club (Newport Beach CA) private restaurant to dine. Their boat was parked in a nearby slip. The only available table was right in front of my vibraphone (it was a trio, me, bass, and guitar), I cannot tell you how nice they were to us. Bob (that's how he introduced himself) bought us drinks and their knowledge of jazz was incredible. Total class. She was both kind and lovely.
One of the BEST TV Theme songs EVER!!! I used to run into the living room, as a little kid, just to hear the theme song,when my dad was watching this show. Brings back great memories. Robert Wagner is a class act.
If I had the chance to program an oldies radio station that played music from the 50s to 80s, I'd make certain that classic TV themes like "It Takes a Thief" are a part of that programming. These theme songs were not only shows that defined their time, but the music was just plain cool. Long live Alexander Mundy & Robert Wagner!!
Wagner made sure that he pulled up and recruited many of the old time class actors that he knew and worked with when he got into the business. He made sure with his director that they got guest appearances. He paid his dues and he will always be a class act.
When I was a child, the great "RJ" - Robert Wagner was my favorite actor. "Thief" is the greatest action drama series of all time after "The Fugitive" and just ahead of "The Rockford Files" and "Mannix".
Oh, my siblings and dad used to cuddle up on the sofa and watch this, when it was still on some old show channel on our tv. We also would watch Knight Rider. I was really disappointed when they took off that channel. :\ Good times!
Finally, no more bootleg, the official DVD set of this classic series is going to be available on 10/11. The set includes all three seasons plus an interview with Wagner. It's not going to be cheap (about $150 to $200) but well worth it.
@tonytarheel55 - for the love of all that is movie making, no. Will Smith Should produce it, John Singleton should direct it, and get someone else to star in it for this generation.
My favorite show of all time ! I wanted to grow up to be Alexander Mundy. The theme music was great, also the music played during the show, as when Al was at a groovy party, wearng a cool Neru jacket a TV first i think.
I honestly can't think of a single show I watch that has a theme song, aside from the office (which is, admittedly, quite catchy). It makes me sad that I missed the era of good tv shows and the,es.
Unfortunately, as a kid, this show inspired me and my friends to think it was "cool" to rip off things, such as shop lifting. Fortunately, my father found out and set me straight, getting me to think of the shop owners, before getting in to legal trouble. Still it was a cool show.
Damn, the memories. Another of the countless classic TV themes I remember from growing up. The golden age of TV and TV music, 1950's thru 1970's. TV nowadays is 75% pure shit, and TV music, 95%. No more classic unforgettable themes and episode scores, just generic computerized slop and barely any more themes for shows. Now just the credits on screen as the shows begin because they have to squeeze as many stinkin' commercials in as they can, and God forbid a theme take up a minute of air time.
@Airsoftcleaner Brad Pitt, he has the same shape pretty-boy face as Bob Wagner did when this series came out. He could pull it off along with the cool swagger that went with it as well. Yeah, I vote for Brad
This was another show with a terrific theme song. Nowadays, instead of good theme songs we just get more advertising garbage. TV started going down the crapper in the early '90s.
Wouldn't this theme make a great cell phone ringtone?? and also Alistair Mundy's theme. Anyone know if this is possible? Anyone have *newer* information on the DVD release of this most excellent show? It's not on Hulu anymore :-( No one beats RJ/Al Mundy, not no one, not no how~! Supercool and sexy as all 'get-out'
KIck ass music. I used to love this TV show. Robert Wagner is still too cool for TV when he makes those cameos on NCIS. When are they going to do a movie from this TV series? Long overdue. They guy on NCIS that plays his son could be Alexander Mundy.
How cool is it that this show has the distinction of having not one, but two great opening theme songs? I wish someone could put up the theme from the first season so more people could hear a theme song that was equally cool, but in a different way.
The very cool thing about all three seasons theme music by the very cool Dave Grusin is what he was ALL he was able to do in ONE MINUTE!!! We need to put MUSIC back in the schools because this is 40+ years old and we can still groove to it. Can we say the same for stuff "written" now????
What a cool, funky theme! Too bad today's tv shows are only allowed to have about a 15-30 second theme/intro. Need more time for advertising! Can't waste a single second on an interesting theme that helps to identify the show! Besides, who wants to pay a composer to write a theme song, that is just a waste of money! Thanks you capitalistic pigs that run the networks!
This is actually the *third* season. For some unexplained reason, the long version of the second season theme has all but disappeared. The shorter version of the second season is what always turns up in syndication. The full version was one minute long, like the third season, but with the Noah Bain insert in the middle. I have it on audio tape, hope it makes it back to DVD.
This is actually the *thrid* season. For some unexplained reason, the long version of the second season theme has all but disappeared. The shorter version of the second season is what always turns up in syndication. The full version was one minute long, like the third season, but with the Noah Bain insert in the middle. I have it on audio tape, hope it makes it back to DVD.
Is it my imagination or the theme songs of TV series of decades past were so iconic that even if you were not near the television set and the music started to play, you knew which show was on. My point is: even the television theme songs were too good in the past !
@OaGuardian Yes, I had the same thought about White Collar. Matt Bomer is irresistible, and has a lot of the panache of Mundy but no one can touch RJ's sublime coolness (certainly not Matt Damon as someone suggested! yuk!).
From the moment I heard the theme (entitled "Name of the Game"-not to be confused with the TV show of the same name-minus'the') by Dave Grusin, and saw that MARVELOUS face of Wagner's I was a hooked....the ultimate cool guy and the ultimate theme song, my initiation to jazz and a jazzy thief! Can't wait for the DVDs - oh when, oh when!! I've seen all the episodes on Hulu. When they cast Astaire to play Al's father, that was just the classiest icing on the cake!! A unique show - I love RJ 4ever!
Great opening graphics ATV in the Midlands (ITV - UK ) used to air the show.
Dave Grusin's music is really slick. There is another opening version featuring the voice of Fred Astaire. If anyone can locate it please upload it. The musicial arrangements is slightly different but still slick.
@willardlockejr, I agree. The 1970's was a great decade for television in general, and those theme music pieces during the opening credits of various shows were part of the reason I say this.
@SomeOfTheAnswers Now they just go right into the show, without any theme music to set the tone. I think that's kinda sad because like you said they just don't do theme music for TV anymore. If you want to check out another fine piece of theme music, check out Issac Hayes theme music from the short-lived 1972 TV series, "The Men'. It was after the major success of his Oscar and Grammy-winning Theme From "Shaft". It's got a funky groove to it. The state of TV is just not what it used to be.
@willardlockejr, thanks. I just listened to the "Shaft" theme. So that's where that jingle for the Shaq (from the Los Angeles Lakers) commercial came from!
I don't even watch today's dramas or comedies. Thankfully many/most of the old shows are available on DVD and can be acquired for personal use to be played over and over.
Remember the theme music to "McMillan and Wife", "Banacek", and others? Of course, the shows themselves were also great. But the opening music was so memorable.
@SomeOfTheAnswers Issac Hayes (R.I.P.) was not only a heck of a musician, but a pretty good songwriter as well. All of the shows that you mentioned, I remember the theme music from all of them. And those shows were all part of the "NBC Mystery Movie" from the 1970's. For fans like us, we can appreciate the old shows on DVD to add to our personal collection. I know you remember the theme music from "McCloud? Another great series with (the late) Dennis Weaver, riding his horse in N.Y.C.
@SomeOfTheAnswers Absolutely right. The really sad thing nowadays is that we're paying a fortune for cable TV on top of losing out on great theme songs to TV shows so that they can play even more commercials, as if we're not inundated with enough of them already.
@MustafaJackson Then you know where I'm coming from. I always loved most of theme music to many of the TV shows of the 60's and 70's and you just don't get that anymore because there way too many damn "reality' shows on. Check out Issac Hayes theme music from the TV series "The Men" back in 1972. It's got a pretty good groove. I don't think you will be disappointed.
This isn't the one I see on the retro reruns, the one I heard was less disco-y and had a clip of Malachi saying something like "We don't want you to spy, we only want you to steal..."
@ScubaSteveM45 : Malachi spoke in the first season's theme, "Oh, uh, look, Al, I'm not asking you to spy, I'm just asking you to steal..."; then in the 2nd season, it was Al Mundy saying, "Let me get this straight, you WANT me to steal?" That also carried over into the 3rd and final season until they cast Astaire as Alister Mundy and he said, "I've heard of stealing from the gov't, but FOR the gov't?" and looking properly perplexed! Fantastic.....everything about that show
@HudsonValGal Thanks for clearing this up, other reruns of this show on that classic retro channel have that last line you said so it made me think they changed up the show or something, it was just different dialog for different seasons then?
@jlee3212001Awwww Booo, I don't have cable! Believe it or not I'm not a big TV watchers mainly because what's on now is crap. I collect old tv dvds because I'd rather watch the old shows. If you ever run across it, please remember me if you can.
Reruns of It Takes A Thief can be seen on the RTN Network at weekdays/nights and weekends depends on your area and times is on, if you have one of those converter boxes or check with cable,dish and/or satellite companies for channel.
Wow,now that's what i call another cool intro. I wish it should be a big screen version of the series with maybe either Edward Norton or Mattt Damon as Alexander Munday.
totally agree with The Eldoradokid this show ant theme song embodies the whole sixties early seventies,cool thing , I an not happy to be old but like The Eldoradokid, I was Glad to there first time around , what an era!.
I have been playing this video for two years without saying anything, now I'm ready.
I LOVE THIS THEME! Was it composed by Dave Grusin? This style of music is reminiscent of my early childhood in the 1970's. I have reason to believe that Hal Blaine drummed on this song, yes? One more thing, notice the mini skirted girl with the tall shaft sexy boots they synced to the music!
Shit! It's so gooood! Can't beat those ol' 70 themes. Wild.....West was another good example of imaginative writing, and how can you forget Mannix?!! Still......it doesn't top the Lawerence Welk show. Tank ya' boys. A one.....a two.....
This second season version of the theme song is just sooo bitchin'! I can't get it outa my head. Especially since this is the theme I remember as a teen. The jazz riffs could not be more hip! It evokes that entire glorious era of the late 60s Swinger Scene a'la Vegas. Cold war cool... "Austin Powers" has nuthin' on Robert Wagner in his hey-day, perhaps that is why he was in the movie. Bob Wagner Rules! Glad I was around to check it out the first time. More big hair and frosted lipstick please!
@sierria64 It was Dave Grusin, although Quincy Jones has worked with Dave Grusin, Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillepsie, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald and a host of other musicians throughout his long and spectacular career.
@apuzyr Sorry Pal, don't know where offhand. You just might have to rip-off a manual recording from your PC to capture the tune although the quality is bound to be poor. Look up Dave Grusin, the guy who penned this boss tune, and check for a source for his recorded music, you might luck out. Meanwhile see if you can't find a copy of "Tee Vee Tunes" all time favorite television theme songs. A number of years ago I was lucky enough to purchase a vinyl copy which has provided lots of enjoyment.
This version by Dave Grusin in Season Two is absolutely the best, with the up tempo, full orchestration. The likes of which is not seen anymore. Terrific stuff!
it took me 3 days of searching on the internet to figure out this was a show...i jumped in the middle of an episode on day and i was hooked i thought it was a movie....i remembered finally it was the same guy from austin powers...AWESOME show i ordered all 3 seasons today at work....Al is the SHIT
@Damico07 Where did you order it from??? I've been looking for it for ages and read here that it is soon to be released. I'd buy it in a heartbeat. It was a slickly produced show, even though most of it was shot on the same back lots and soundstages at Universal. The street they use for "the iron curtain country of your choice" and the "usual embassy" got a bit redundant. But what was great about this show was a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor, especially between Noah and Al.
Thanks a lot for the upload. I think this is the first record I bought when I was an elementary school girl in Tokyo. I loved this song and the drama so much! This show was very popular in Japan.
I love replaying the theme song. I came here just to hear it a few times before later tonight, where it'll be on tv...so my hopeless tail can then hear it again (smile).
It's such a cool instrumental them song, much better than many, most or all of those 007 ones -- 'personality of the character is in the music.
Me too! I forgot what a cool theme the show had, but an old DuMont (!) TV with one speaker may have taken something out of it. Robert Conrad was too cool for words in the bargain!
Anyone know if the episode where our hero and his co-horts were trapped -in flight- on a jet airliner and were forced to periodically watch a grim movie proclaiming that the earth would be uninhabital by 1990 is available here on Youtube? And if it is, what was the name of that episode?
@smizzman If It Takes a Thief had stayed on the air like Mannix did for 8 years, Al Mundy would have beat him in the 'most babes' category...hands down.....you can't compare the two - RJ is much more sexy and cool, but Mannix is nice and comfy.
A few things I would like to add to my comments below. Wagner came up to me and offered the drinks as we were finishing "When Sunny Gets Blue." He said he loved the tune. Proof that this guy is deep, what song did he then request? Something dumb? Nope. Ready jazz players? Harold Arlen's "A Sleepin' Bee." NO ONE HAD EVER ASKED ME FOR THAT! The guy has ears for great chord changes. Natalie asked for "Here's That Rainy Day." Some in the entertainment industry are shallow----not the Wagners.
economicsinstructor 2 days ago in playlist Favorite videos
I am a 52 year old jazz musician. When I was around 21, Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood came into the Balboa Bay Club (Newport Beach CA) private restaurant to dine. Their boat was parked in a nearby slip. The only available table was right in front of my vibraphone (it was a trio, me, bass, and guitar), I cannot tell you how nice they were to us. Bob (that's how he introduced himself) bought us drinks and their knowledge of jazz was incredible. Total class. She was both kind and lovely.
economicsinstructor 4 days ago
One of the BEST TV Theme songs EVER!!! I used to run into the living room, as a little kid, just to hear the theme song,when my dad was watching this show. Brings back great memories. Robert Wagner is a class act.
trumpetman514 2 weeks ago
If I had the chance to program an oldies radio station that played music from the 50s to 80s, I'd make certain that classic TV themes like "It Takes a Thief" are a part of that programming. These theme songs were not only shows that defined their time, but the music was just plain cool. Long live Alexander Mundy & Robert Wagner!!
Bentom86 2 weeks ago 2
BTW does anybody knows how to get this song on itunes.
Dulcefajita 3 weeks ago
Wagner made sure that he pulled up and recruited many of the old time class actors that he knew and worked with when he got into the business. He made sure with his director that they got guest appearances. He paid his dues and he will always be a class act.
Dulcefajita 3 weeks ago
This show was the coolest! Fred Astaire as the dad I was young but I remember!
rocknrollhoocheecoo 3 weeks ago
When Robert Wagner Ruled the World! Excellent show.
OrionDenali 1 month ago
@OrionDenali
He still does ... don't forget it ...
spider9137 1 month ago
White collar on USA is an "updated" version of It Takes A thief..
AranaMarkII 1 month ago
This is when TV was great to watch......
miamimann1 1 month ago
A GREAT SERIES GREAT ACTOR.
crow672008 1 month ago
One of the best TV theme songs, Dave Grusin fantastic musician, writer, composer,
great bass line. Speaking of bass, playing try playing this bass line, it kicks ass!
1960jack 1 month ago
IT TAKES A THIEF lasted three seasons on ABC-TV from 1968-1971.
This theme was from its third and final season(1970-1971).
rayssonation 1 month ago
I'm just a teenager, but gosh! How I love this show.
beardoftheprophet 2 months ago
I remember Noah Bain saying, "look Al - I'm not asking you to spy, I'm just asking you to steal."
higgme1ster 2 months ago
@higgme1ster - That's in the Season 1 and 2 openings.
cudak888 2 months ago
Very possibly the coolest tv theme ever. And I loved Robert Wagner in this role. He was never as sexy in Hart to Hart or any of the other series.
TheCatgirl6 2 months ago
This theme is cool. The Prisoner was awesome.
cameriqueTV 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
When I was a child, the great "RJ" - Robert Wagner was my favorite actor. "Thief" is the greatest action drama series of all time after "The Fugitive" and just ahead of "The Rockford Files" and "Mannix".
"...YOU WANT ME TO STEAL?"
91dodgespiritrt 2 months ago
Comment removed
91dodgespiritrt 2 months ago
アレックス・マンディでしたっけ？脇役はＳＩＡのベイン部長！
redstorm0035 2 months ago
Let me get this straight:you want me to act?
bluesborn 2 months ago
i thought he was gorgeous even as a little girl. And I think Mark Wright (The Only Way Is Essex) looks like a young version of him.
jeanie1900 3 months ago
JUST FINE EVEN AS A 8 YEAR OLD GIRL I KNEW THIS MAN WAS
sierria64 3 months ago
Will Smith should play the love child of Al Mundy and Marilyn (McCoo) in the movie. Then RJ could be in it. Do the math!
elmerfusco 4 months ago
@elmerfusco I would'nt see if will smith were in it
morgan8757 3 months ago
ROBERT WAGNER WAS FINE .. DAM .. I WAS A KID AND I KNEW THIS .. AND THIS THEME .. IT REALLY SPEAKS OF THE TIMES .. SMOKING
sierria64 4 months ago 2
Robert Wagner reminds me of Leo Dicaprio.
lavernemariebutler 4 months ago
Oh, my siblings and dad used to cuddle up on the sofa and watch this, when it was still on some old show channel on our tv. We also would watch Knight Rider. I was really disappointed when they took off that channel. :\ Good times!
TheRealWowewe 4 months ago
I loved this show. As a side note Fred Astaire played Al's Father in one episode. Looking forward to treating myself to the DVD set, at last!!
MrBobby698 5 months ago
@MrBobby698 I think Fred Astaire played that role in several episodes.
LaVFdeJL 4 months ago
ALLEN DEW BARRYMORE FBI UNIT'S INFAMOUS LAST LINES. +JVA+
TheRenaissancePen 5 months ago
Clooney for the movie remake?Or Micheal Weatherly.
cosmicdingo 5 months ago
@cosmicdingo i really think that brad pitt would be smooth along with robert
sierria64 5 months ago
esta y i spy eran mis favoritas
fernandosabattini 5 months ago
Finally, no more bootleg, the official DVD set of this classic series is going to be available on 10/11. The set includes all three seasons plus an interview with Wagner. It's not going to be cheap (about $150 to $200) but well worth it.
TheMidniteFlyer 5 months ago
will smith should turn this into a movie and get john singleton to direct it!
tonytarheel55 5 months ago
@tonytarheel55 - for the love of all that is movie making, no. Will Smith Should produce it, John Singleton should direct it, and get someone else to star in it for this generation.
Mandi7882 5 months ago
My favorite show of all time ! I wanted to grow up to be Alexander Mundy. The theme music was great, also the music played during the show, as when Al was at a groovy party, wearng a cool Neru jacket a TV first i think.
deekrivers
deekrivers1 5 months ago
My favorite show of all time ! I wanted to grow up to be Alexander Mundy.
deekrivers
deekrivers1 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I honestly can't think of a single show I watch that has a theme song, aside from the office (which is, admittedly, quite catchy). It makes me sad that I missed the era of good tv shows and the,es.
rawkyourworld4Jesus 5 months ago
Unfortunately, as a kid, this show inspired me and my friends to think it was "cool" to rip off things, such as shop lifting. Fortunately, my father found out and set me straight, getting me to think of the shop owners, before getting in to legal trouble. Still it was a cool show.
cicorp 6 months ago
Damn, the memories. Another of the countless classic TV themes I remember from growing up. The golden age of TV and TV music, 1950's thru 1970's. TV nowadays is 75% pure shit, and TV music, 95%. No more classic unforgettable themes and episode scores, just generic computerized slop and barely any more themes for shows. Now just the credits on screen as the shows begin because they have to squeeze as many stinkin' commercials in as they can, and God forbid a theme take up a minute of air time.
MisterMasterShafter1 6 months ago
PLEASE no modern day actor comparisons. Robert Wagner was Robert Wagner. Pitt and Lowe DO NOT compare. Thank You.
cb3961 7 months ago
Smooooooooooooooooooooth was Alexander Monday.
cb3961 7 months ago
This is a wonderful piece of music! Very catchy hooks!
pacmanindy 8 months ago
Here's something for you It Takes A Thief fans out there,If They did a Movie who would be better Alexander Munday? Brad Pitt of Rob Lowe?
Airsoftcleaner 8 months ago
@Airsoftcleaner Brad Pitt, he has the same shape pretty-boy face as Bob Wagner did when this series came out. He could pull it off along with the cool swagger that went with it as well. Yeah, I vote for Brad
TheEldoradoKid 8 months ago
@TheEldoradoKid My personal( And this is my personal choice) would be Rob Lowe because Rob reminds me a lot of Robert Wagner.
Airsoftcleaner 8 months ago
@Airsoftcleaner Neither. I would choose Michael Weatherly as Alexander Munday, Jr. AND Rober Wagner as his dad the orginal Al Munday.
jtschau 7 months ago
This was another show with a terrific theme song. Nowadays, instead of good theme songs we just get more advertising garbage. TV started going down the crapper in the early '90s.
ridgerunner721601 9 months ago
@ridgerunner721601 So did Music
Airsoftcleaner 8 months ago
@Airsoftcleaner Very true.
ridgerunner721601 8 months ago
BBoy music...
sirlordcomixx1 9 months ago
Yes so right
sirlordcomixx1 9 months ago
This is the coolest theme song in the history of theme songs.
titusact4scene2 9 months ago
MAN....THE HORNS IN THIS PIECE ARE OFF THE HIZZZLE....
cellmate1 9 months ago
Anyone know WHERE I can get this as an MP3??
apuzyr 10 months ago
Number Two--You look so young! Frau...You look so...Rrrrrriiiiighttttt.....
stratman123 10 months ago
White Collar the new version then.
DeaconDawg 10 months ago
this is where nirvana come as you are comes from
MichaelHansenFUN 11 months ago
Wouldn't this theme make a great cell phone ringtone?? and also Alistair Mundy's theme. Anyone know if this is possible? Anyone have *newer* information on the DVD release of this most excellent show? It's not on Hulu anymore :-( No one beats RJ/Al Mundy, not no one, not no how~! Supercool and sexy as all 'get-out'
pixeleen8 11 months ago
"Let me get this straight..."
Yeah, right, Bob.
nauort23 11 months ago
KIck ass music. I used to love this TV show. Robert Wagner is still too cool for TV when he makes those cameos on NCIS. When are they going to do a movie from this TV series? Long overdue. They guy on NCIS that plays his son could be Alexander Mundy.
jstoes 11 months ago
@jstoes - Will Smith has the rights and its in development for him. Some folks just can't leave well enough alone.
Mandi7882 11 months ago
@Mandi7882 Especially Will Smith! Didn't he learn his lesson with Wild Wild West???
qqrk1372 11 months ago
For those of you who DON'T KNOW-This was not the first version.
If you want HIP, try the 3/4 time version....
It's still Dave Grusin though...
arnebarnard 1 year ago
music is so cool
Dee1992ist 1 year ago
@saskabush2006 thanks for the info. I hope they do an interview with Wagner for the DVD.
TheMidniteFlyer 1 year ago
I was about six years old when this was on, and I thought Robert Wagner in this role was one of the coolest and handsomest guys on TV.
squeapler 1 year ago
you'd think Gruisin woulda done a version of this on an album where he stretched out on it, but can't find it if he did.
spceman 1 year ago
I model myself as Al Munday! Especially my being an INTL thie.!
WinstonsPapa 1 year ago
I saw Robert Wagner with Richard Widmark and Spencer Tracy in Broken Lance! What a classic film with all those greatS!
WinstonsPapa 1 year ago
Loved this show. It was wonderful.
LBF522 1 year ago
How cool is it that this show has the distinction of having not one, but two great opening theme songs? I wish someone could put up the theme from the first season so more people could hear a theme song that was equally cool, but in a different way.
daeuri 1 year ago
Great theme! The theme from season one is also superb. This is my favorite TV series of all time. I would love to have the whole series on DVDs.
TheMidniteFlyer 1 year ago
@TheMidniteFlyer It's supposed to be coming out soon on DVD.
saskabush2006 1 year ago
The very cool thing about all three seasons theme music by the very cool Dave Grusin is what he was ALL he was able to do in ONE MINUTE!!! We need to put MUSIC back in the schools because this is 40+ years old and we can still groove to it. Can we say the same for stuff "written" now????
TubeYouViewer12099 1 year ago
I can't find clips of the season 1 theme ... as much as I like this, season one's theme is more intriguing.
spider9137 1 year ago
What a cool, funky theme! Too bad today's tv shows are only allowed to have about a 15-30 second theme/intro. Need more time for advertising! Can't waste a single second on an interesting theme that helps to identify the show! Besides, who wants to pay a composer to write a theme song, that is just a waste of money! Thanks you capitalistic pigs that run the networks!
BLACKPOLO14 1 year ago
great show
jbbraham 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
This is actually the *third* season. For some unexplained reason, the long version of the second season theme has all but disappeared. The shorter version of the second season is what always turns up in syndication. The full version was one minute long, like the third season, but with the Noah Bain insert in the middle. I have it on audio tape, hope it makes it back to DVD.
Zorro710 1 year ago
This is actually the *thrid* season. For some unexplained reason, the long version of the second season theme has all but disappeared. The shorter version of the second season is what always turns up in syndication. The full version was one minute long, like the third season, but with the Noah Bain insert in the middle. I have it on audio tape, hope it makes it back to DVD.
Zorro710 1 year ago
As a kid, this was just so COOL to watch!
bhinderbinder 1 year ago
I can't stop listening to this!!!! It's too good !
MrCombat1965 1 year ago
This music makes me want to steal!!!
bushna2007 1 year ago 9
HE WAS SOOOO FINE // DAM DAM DAM ... FINE AS WHITE AS NIGA
sierria64 1 year ago
I still think he killed Natalie Wood!!!
bjroberts65 1 year ago
Luv some retro TV theme music! Thanks4posting!:-))
StarPowerAlbum 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Is it my imagination or the theme songs of TV series of decades past were so iconic that even if you were not near the television set and the music started to play, you knew which show was on. My point is: even the television theme songs were too good in the past !
eurodishco 1 year ago
Retro TV every Saturday and Sunday morning. Al and the Jet-Set.
midmodgal 1 year ago
is this a quincy jones composition?
lowspark68 1 year ago
@lowspark68 Dave Grusin
johnLA1961 1 year ago
@OaGuardian Yes, I had the same thought about White Collar. Matt Bomer is irresistible, and has a lot of the panache of Mundy but no one can touch RJ's sublime coolness (certainly not Matt Damon as someone suggested! yuk!).
HudsonValGal 1 year ago
From the moment I heard the theme (entitled "Name of the Game"-not to be confused with the TV show of the same name-minus'the') by Dave Grusin, and saw that MARVELOUS face of Wagner's I was a hooked....the ultimate cool guy and the ultimate theme song, my initiation to jazz and a jazzy thief! Can't wait for the DVDs - oh when, oh when!! I've seen all the episodes on Hulu. When they cast Astaire to play Al's father, that was just the classiest icing on the cake!! A unique show - I love RJ 4ever!
HudsonValGal 1 year ago
i love this song! GREAT show! =oD
tornmask 1 year ago
Excellent version of this theme song! Where can I get it for my ipod!
sigvoice 1 year ago
i loved this show, i was only 10, but i remember it
flon57 1 year ago
@Cynical31 you're absolutely right, and we black folks loved Al Mundy. He was one sexy cool guy.
Tiny1bme 1 year ago
Great opening graphics ATV in the Midlands (ITV - UK ) used to air the show.
Dave Grusin's music is really slick. There is another opening version featuring the voice of Fred Astaire. If anyone can locate it please upload it. The musicial arrangements is slightly different but still slick.
1956owen 1 year ago
@1956owen The version with Fred was up here, but was taken off.
suir52 1 year ago
@1956owen Another fine piece of theme music by Dave Grusin. They just don't do theme music for TV like that any more, and that's too bad.
willardlockejr 1 year ago 17
@willardlockejr : ur darn right! xo)
tornmask 1 year ago
@willardlockejr That's true. Sometimes the theme music was better than the show!
finnemccool 9 months ago
@finnemccool I know look at Hawaii Five0
Airsoftcleaner 8 months ago
@willardlockejr, I agree. The 1970's was a great decade for television in general, and those theme music pieces during the opening credits of various shows were part of the reason I say this.
SomeOfTheAnswers 7 months ago
@SomeOfTheAnswers Now they just go right into the show, without any theme music to set the tone. I think that's kinda sad because like you said they just don't do theme music for TV anymore. If you want to check out another fine piece of theme music, check out Issac Hayes theme music from the short-lived 1972 TV series, "The Men'. It was after the major success of his Oscar and Grammy-winning Theme From "Shaft". It's got a funky groove to it. The state of TV is just not what it used to be.
willardlockejr 7 months ago
@willardlockejr, thanks. I just listened to the "Shaft" theme. So that's where that jingle for the Shaq (from the Los Angeles Lakers) commercial came from!
I don't even watch today's dramas or comedies. Thankfully many/most of the old shows are available on DVD and can be acquired for personal use to be played over and over.
Remember the theme music to "McMillan and Wife", "Banacek", and others? Of course, the shows themselves were also great. But the opening music was so memorable.
SomeOfTheAnswers 7 months ago
@SomeOfTheAnswers Issac Hayes (R.I.P.) was not only a heck of a musician, but a pretty good songwriter as well. All of the shows that you mentioned, I remember the theme music from all of them. And those shows were all part of the "NBC Mystery Movie" from the 1970's. For fans like us, we can appreciate the old shows on DVD to add to our personal collection. I know you remember the theme music from "McCloud? Another great series with (the late) Dennis Weaver, riding his horse in N.Y.C.
willardlockejr 7 months ago
@SomeOfTheAnswers Absolutely right. The really sad thing nowadays is that we're paying a fortune for cable TV on top of losing out on great theme songs to TV shows so that they can play even more commercials, as if we're not inundated with enough of them already.
ridgerunner721601 6 months ago
@willardlockejr
amen!
MustafaJackson 6 months ago
@MustafaJackson Then you know where I'm coming from. I always loved most of theme music to many of the TV shows of the 60's and 70's and you just don't get that anymore because there way too many damn "reality' shows on. Check out Issac Hayes theme music from the TV series "The Men" back in 1972. It's got a pretty good groove. I don't think you will be disappointed.
willardlockejr 6 months ago
This isn't the one I see on the retro reruns, the one I heard was less disco-y and had a clip of Malachi saying something like "We don't want you to spy, we only want you to steal..."
What version is that intro from?
ScubaSteveM45 1 year ago
@ScubaSteveM45 : Malachi spoke in the first season's theme, "Oh, uh, look, Al, I'm not asking you to spy, I'm just asking you to steal..."; then in the 2nd season, it was Al Mundy saying, "Let me get this straight, you WANT me to steal?" That also carried over into the 3rd and final season until they cast Astaire as Alister Mundy and he said, "I've heard of stealing from the gov't, but FOR the gov't?" and looking properly perplexed! Fantastic.....everything about that show
HudsonValGal 1 year ago
@HudsonValGal Thanks for clearing this up, other reruns of this show on that classic retro channel have that last line you said so it made me think they changed up the show or something, it was just different dialog for different seasons then?
ScubaSteveM45 1 year ago
This is the third season, I believe
PREGO1966 1 year ago
Perfect show. i love it!!!!
MartinGianola 1 year ago
so great tv show!!! lovely music openning theme!
Silviatube2006 1 year ago 2
A fantastic show! Pure escapist entertainment.
ftsjr 1 year ago
Does anyone have the episode with the 5th Dimension, when he almost kisses Marilyn McCoo?
blkchk 1 year ago
@blkchk My favorite episode. RTN if you have it. They show 2 episodes on the weekends. Just keep watching.
jlee3212001 1 year ago
@jlee3212001Awwww Booo, I don't have cable! Believe it or not I'm not a big TV watchers mainly because what's on now is crap. I collect old tv dvds because I'd rather watch the old shows. If you ever run across it, please remember me if you can.
blkchk 1 year ago
Reruns of It Takes A Thief can be seen on the RTN Network at weekdays/nights and weekends depends on your area and times is on, if you have one of those converter boxes or check with cable,dish and/or satellite companies for channel.
The1baddman 1 year ago
Wow,now that's what i call another cool intro. I wish it should be a big screen version of the series with maybe either Edward Norton or Mattt Damon as Alexander Munday.
yogafan6500 1 year ago
totally agree with The Eldoradokid this show ant theme song embodies the whole sixties early seventies,cool thing , I an not happy to be old but like The Eldoradokid, I was Glad to there first time around , what an era!.
gerladiant 1 year ago
Yes. It Takes a Thief, Avengers, Mannix, Mission Impossible.....many great T.V. themes I remember as a kid. The tunes will never be forgotten.
MrCombat1965 1 year ago
The other version on the opening was,"I'm not asking you to spy,I'm asking you to steal"-Malachi Throne.
50marioD 1 year ago
Excellent post, thanks for share.
Can you give me a mp3 copy (or what i need to do)
Regards
musicman1218 1 year ago
I have been playing this video for two years without saying anything, now I'm ready.
I LOVE THIS THEME! Was it composed by Dave Grusin? This style of music is reminiscent of my early childhood in the 1970's. I have reason to believe that Hal Blaine drummed on this song, yes? One more thing, notice the mini skirted girl with the tall shaft sexy boots they synced to the music!
Iwantherboots 1 year ago
At 56 seconds in, in the top shot, it looks like Mundy is being shot. Which episode is that from, and what happened?
Janafan4Ever 1 year ago
He's dancing.
elmerfusco 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Isn't Rober Wagner selling hearing aids on cable now? Or is that some other used-up old fuck from ancient history?
dumnuts1 1 year ago
@dumnuts1 YOU ARE BRAINDEAD!!!!
Iwantherboots 1 year ago
Shit! It's so gooood! Can't beat those ol' 70 themes. Wild.....West was another good example of imaginative writing, and how can you forget Mannix?!! Still......it doesn't top the Lawerence Welk show. Tank ya' boys. A one.....a two.....
jbwri1 1 year ago 2
@jbwri1 Rockford files too.
monumentious 1 year ago
This theme kicks so much ass
monumentious 1 year ago
Such a great theme song!!
rickysavesparagain 1 year ago
If you watch RTV (Retro T.V.) they show It takes a thief at midnight every night. I watch it every day.
monumentious 2 years ago
@monumentious or at the HULU hoop
sexymama1966 1 year ago
it's good, but it's no tony rice and john carlini
chachacarrie 2 years ago
This second season version of the theme song is just sooo bitchin'! I can't get it outa my head. Especially since this is the theme I remember as a teen. The jazz riffs could not be more hip! It evokes that entire glorious era of the late 60s Swinger Scene a'la Vegas. Cold war cool... "Austin Powers" has nuthin' on Robert Wagner in his hey-day, perhaps that is why he was in the movie. Bob Wagner Rules! Glad I was around to check it out the first time. More big hair and frosted lipstick please!
TheEldoradoKid 2 years ago 35
added to 1970 in my series of music playlists for each of the last 100 years. Teurn to any year you wish, just clicks away . . . . . . . . .
Hits, themes, cartoon, ads, and more ! !
chkjns 2 years ago
DID'NY QUINCY DO THE THEME
sierria64 2 years ago
amen!!!!!!
DesiluTrek 1 year ago
@TheEldoradoKid i think quincy jones did the theme ... maybe
sierria64 1 year ago
@sierria64 It was Dave Grusin, although Quincy Jones has worked with Dave Grusin, Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillepsie, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald and a host of other musicians throughout his long and spectacular career.
willardlockejr 1 year ago
@TheEldoradoKid: This is actually the theme from the third season
cathridge 1 year ago
@cathridge Thanks for the update....no matter what, it still stands as the hyper-cool soundtrack of the Swinger Generation
TheEldoradoKid 1 year ago
@TheEldoradoKid Any clue WHERE I can get this original tune (It Takes a Thief) as an MP3?? Thanks mate.
apuzyr 10 months ago
@apuzyr Sorry Pal, don't know where offhand. You just might have to rip-off a manual recording from your PC to capture the tune although the quality is bound to be poor. Look up Dave Grusin, the guy who penned this boss tune, and check for a source for his recorded music, you might luck out. Meanwhile see if you can't find a copy of "Tee Vee Tunes" all time favorite television theme songs. A number of years ago I was lucky enough to purchase a vinyl copy which has provided lots of enjoyment.
TheEldoradoKid 10 months ago
@TheEldoradoKid When all else fails try Amazon.
rmarlowez 8 months ago
This version by Dave Grusin in Season Two is absolutely the best, with the up tempo, full orchestration. The likes of which is not seen anymore. Terrific stuff!
archiecallie 2 years ago
it took me 3 days of searching on the internet to figure out this was a show...i jumped in the middle of an episode on day and i was hooked i thought it was a movie....i remembered finally it was the same guy from austin powers...AWESOME show i ordered all 3 seasons today at work....Al is the SHIT
Damico07 2 years ago
@Damico07 Where did you order it from??? I've been looking for it for ages and read here that it is soon to be released. I'd buy it in a heartbeat. It was a slickly produced show, even though most of it was shot on the same back lots and soundstages at Universal. The street they use for "the iron curtain country of your choice" and the "usual embassy" got a bit redundant. But what was great about this show was a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor, especially between Noah and Al.
HudsonValGal 1 year ago
Thanks a lot for the upload. I think this is the first record I bought when I was an elementary school girl in Tokyo. I loved this song and the drama so much! This show was very popular in Japan.
melodytokyo 2 years ago 2
I love replaying the theme song. I came here just to hear it a few times before later tonight, where it'll be on tv...so my hopeless tail can then hear it again (smile).
It's such a cool instrumental them song, much better than many, most or all of those 007 ones -- 'personality of the character is in the music.
twilightfun 2 years ago
Robert Wagner in two great new bios Pieces of My Heart: A Life (his own autobio) and All About Jeffrey Hunter--both at amazon!
Bestmanme08 2 years ago
oh i loved this show as a kid ..
sierria64 2 years ago 3
Me too! I forgot what a cool theme the show had, but an old DuMont (!) TV with one speaker may have taken something out of it. Robert Conrad was too cool for words in the bargain!
NVanWendy 2 years ago
You know an idea has staying power when USA Network is planning a sort of remake of this in their new show 'White Collar'
ryoushii 2 years ago
this looks like a cool show!
younger1968 2 years ago
"Hey Al, I'm not asking you to spy.... I'm just asking you to steal."
A1l2l2e2n4 2 years ago
Anyone know if the episode where our hero and his co-horts were trapped -in flight- on a jet airliner and were forced to periodically watch a grim movie proclaiming that the earth would be uninhabital by 1990 is available here on Youtube? And if it is, what was the name of that episode?
TheRebel2007 2 years ago
It's the final episode of the final season of this supercool series and it's called 'Project X'
molokaioahu 2 years ago
Thanx!
TheRebel2007 2 years ago
@TheRebel2007 You can find all the names of each episode, plus original air dates on Hulu.com (if they still have it).
HudsonValGal 1 year ago
haha ..good question brewcity59 ..I'm gonna say alex munday got more babes than Joe Mannix..but it's close !!!
smizzman 2 years ago
@smizzman If It Takes a Thief had stayed on the air like Mannix did for 8 years, Al Mundy would have beat him in the 'most babes' category...hands down.....you can't compare the two - RJ is much more sexy and cool, but Mannix is nice and comfy.
HudsonValGal 1 year ago
@HudsonValGal He's married to Jill St.John,more than enough woman for one guy.
johnLA1961 1 year ago
I saw the episode with the 5th Dimension last night on Hulu. I think he wanted to kiss Marilyn McCoo.
emerytownblues 2 years ago