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Playing the title role of Lassiter in this film is Tom Selleck at the height of his television stardom with Magnum, PI. He's an American expatriate now living in London and making a nice living as a society burglar. He must have understudied with Raffles.

But he's got one confirmed enemy in Scotland Yard's Inspector Bob Hoskins. You can see how pained he is when British Intelligence and our own FBI in the person of Joe Regalbuto want him for his services in burglarizing the German Embassy in that year or so when Neville Chamberlain declared peace in our time and World War II actually began.

Selleck is a lot less unflappable than he is as Magnum. That's because Hoskins is just itching to nail him if something goes wrong. There are two prominent female parts, Jane Seymour as the good girl and Lauren Hutton doing her best Marlene Dietrich imitation as full time Nazi seductress and a real man killer literally.

Jewels is his game and a fortune in gems the Germans are known to keep in their embassy is what the British want. They say the sale of the swag will finance all kinds of subversion. Selleck might have alternate uses in mind.

Playing a small but very key role is fellow expatriate Ed Lauter who used to be a bootlegger in the States along with Selleck but left for the United Kingdom where the cops don't carry guns and therefore not likely to shoot you. Lauter is a wheel man and that fact plus the fact that their police don't carry weapons is key to how Selleck pulls the caper off.

Lassiter is a lighthearted caper film and a caper pulled against the most evil of villains is something always the audience will like.

It's engagingly set in 1939 , London, Lassiter (Tom Selleck) is an American Raffles, a handsome jewel thief operating in London and about to start the second world war. One day he is arrested and he's blackmailed by the American secret service: if he wishes to avoid prison, he must break into the heavily guarded German Embassy in London and steal millions in Gems possessed by a rich lady (Lauren Hutton) and her bodyguard (Warren Clarke) . The 'Magnum' Man Hits the Big Screen with a Vengeance!. The best things in life...are stolen !. A master thief sets out to steal a Nazi fortune! The year - 1939. Only one man can stop the Nazis carrying out their master plan... His name - Lassiter !. When the law has a job they can't handle... they need a man outside the law !.

This is an intented star vehicle for Tom Selleck playing a Raffles-alike , who's strong-armed into stealing millions in diamonds for the Nazis. It contains the necessary script requirements, an action yarn set in the late 1930s pitting an American loner against evil Nazis, bent coppers, a sultry sweetheart, sardonic sex with a lashing of perversity as well as gratuitous nudism, and daredevil stunts. All this is required to complement with pursuits for excitement, pseudo-moral dilemmas for the more intellectually inclined, and period London settings -1930- for a hint of authenticity. There're references to various films such as: The Sting, James Bond movies, Steve McQueen's motorbike scenes and cobbled them all together into an adult entertainment. The film is acceptable and easy to follow, but it takes a while to get going and feels quite disjointed; only in the final half hour when the robbery at the German embassy takes place, with the exciting chases and some plot twists, is when the film becomes enjoyable. Here Tom Selleck excels by playing a handsome jewel thief who is arrested and asked to steal diamonds from the Nazies for the FBI in order to avoid prison. Tom Selleck chose a thrilling storyline for this cash-in on his Magnum series hit. He's backed by nice acting from both his leading ladies, Lauren Hutton , who enjoys herself in a Mata Hari role and the then somewhat unknown, underrated Jane Seymour, although she had already starred in 'Live and Let Die'. Supporting cast adds values to what is otherwise a fairly ordinary adventure drama; among others worthwhile mention the following: Bob Hoskins, Joe Regalbuto, Ed Lauter, Warren Clarke, William Morgan Sheppard, Christopher Malcolm and David Warbeck.

The motion picture was mediocrely directed by Roger Young. He was associate producer on "Lou Grant", the CBS series starring Ed Asner. There he was overseeing editing and spending a lot of time on the set. This was a graduate education in every phase of making a film. In the second year of the show Executive Producer Gene Reynolds gave Roger a shot at directing an episode. A few episodes later he won the DGA award and the Emmy for one of his episodes. Soon he was shooting films for television, and pilots. Later he moved on to mini-series, which has been the joy of his career, winning two more DGA awards, and working all over the world. Roger is a good artisan, usually filming for TV and occassionally for big screen. He has shot various miniseries which have been a joy of his long career. He filmed several episodes of the prestigious Bible series, such as Jesus, Moses, Paulus of Tarso, Salomon, Barrabbas and Joseph. Lassiter(1984) rating: 5.5/10.

Not having seen this movie for over twenty years, and stumbling across a video of it recently I said "why not?" The stars of this movie provided outstanding acting. Joe Regalbuto as the FBI agent in London of 1939 was a bit wooden in the part. However, I try not to blame actors as they may have been directed to act the way they do. Also, the part called for a naive and inexperienced federal agent. The thing that occurred to me is why would the US Government send an inexperienced agent all the way to London for such an important job, and no senior partner to guide him? He wasn't a bad actor it was bad writing, he just didn't seem to be into the part. Other than that, the top actors and actresses did a fine job. Tom Sellick brought his usual suave good looks and easy manner to the part of the professional jewel thief. The local London police official (Bob Hoskins - later of Roger Rabbit and other fame) hated the thief. I don't think it was ever explained why he had such a virulent hatred. One thing is for sure though, he was very believable and made a name for himself. Lauren Hutton was the twisted Nazi female, so scary that I tipped my hat to Selleck during the movie for even getting close to her. But he had his job to do and never lost his confidence. Hutton played the part to the hilt. Her watch dog was played by Nazi Gestapo badman Warren Clarke and brother was he tough. Excellent job Mr. Clarke. Ed Lauter played Lassiter's friend the car thief and the man who taxied him around town. I've seen him many times and he is always a steady addition to any cast. In the top parts that brings us to Jane Seymour. She has played so many wonderful parts it is difficult to say which was best. But this much is true - she may very well be one of the most beautiful woman of our time. I mean truly beautiful. Sure, she had a nude scene in this movie and what a lovely bottom. However, I'm talking about her face with delicate features that slender down to the chin past sensual eyes, nose and lips. Not quite perfect, yet nearly so, and all coming together into a delicate oval shape. Nevertheless, she has handled demanding roles like Dr. Quinn, the first Battlestar Galactica movie and Somewhere In Time to mention just a few. In this movie, she was Selleck's lover and a local dancer. She took a part that might have been on the minor side for other actresses, and turned it into a vehicle that increased her value. Lassiter has so many neat things that might be missed like the period costumes, antique automobiles, motorcycle, dinning car in a train, casino interior, Nazi guns and guards, a high wire escape (probably by a stunt man), and kudos to the two boxers (Clive Curtis and George Lane Cooper) who gave a real knock-em-down performance. It is a movie made of the good stuff of old fashioned entertainment. It wasn't perfect but it had danger, love, sex, gambling, fist fights, gun play, boat explosion, diamonds, intrigue and treachery. Be sure to catch this one.

Lassiter stars Tom Selleck and Bond-girl Jane Seymour. Lassiter, like Bond gets into similar situations and in the end triumphs over the enemy. Lassiter has action, beautiful stars, acting, and enough plot to keep it going. It's not perfect, nor a hidden gem, but it should not be forgotten either. It's worth an evening and a bag of popcorn.

What more could you ask for than a handsome thief, two gorgeous women, a wimp of an FBI man, a bully of British cop, a super black Mercedes Coupe, a vintage motor cycle, gambling, a murder, bumbling Gestapo thugs and supporting actors that truly support the play that is in progress! Well written, directed and acted, progress keeps things moving (even flying through the air on a wire!) at a good pace that won't leave you behind, but will get you to the end. There are even street scenes with costumes and vehicles galore! In other words, the sets are good as well! Enjoyable!

I love Tom Selleck's early movies where he was clearly willing to take a chance. Once he began his career into western type movies the boredom set in for me. This was a risky movie to make, but he clearly succeeded! Great mystery, fun story line, and I never saw the ending forecast. Beware of full nudity if that bothers you. There's enough violence if you find that less threatening than the peacefulness and beauty of the human body.

Set in pre WWII London, this story is based on the reputation of an established American cat burglar caught in a police frame to steal Nazi diamonds. Lassiter's solution is brilliant and, for me, completely unpredicted. Marvelous! Watch and enjoy. See if you can figure out what's REALLY going on!

Tom Selleck; best known for the 1980s cop TV show "Magnum P.I." and of course for his signature mo. But in the middle of that series he starred in a classy, old-fashion crime caper which sees him as jewel thief Nick Lassiter working in London in the 1930s, but one day he's arrested by Scotland Yard and blackmailed into stealing a large quantity of diamonds that's kept in the heavily guarded Germany embassy and is looked after by Hitler's cruel, but seductive secret agent Kari Von Fursten.

What made the film for me were the performances. Selleck is fitting in the main role as Lassiter; suave, but dogged. Who really stood out though were the ladies; Jane Seymour and especially Lauren Hutton. A hypnotic Seymour brought a sweet innocence to her role as Lassiter's dancer girlfriend, while the very seductively edgy Hutton was the opposite in her kinky femme fatal part. In support there were solid character actors; Joe Regalbuto, Bob Hoskins, Ed Lauter and a burly Warren Clarke as a German bodyguard. Watching how the breezy story unfolds is predictable (although clever in its schemes and throwbacks), but the engrossing script (Whom playing whom), character interactions and planned-out scenarios (numerous instances of caught between a rock and a hard place) are enjoyably digestible and humorously sharp. The direction is trim, but fashionably tailored with good locations and period details. Catchy theme song during the end credits too.

Good cloak and dagger action drama set in London 1939.Has very good sets and story but could have been a classic if it had better directing and script/screenplay.The director had a little difficulty finding a good balance between being edgy or watered down in a more Hollywood way.Great entertainment though for cloak and dagger fans and big fans of the lead stars.Selleck looks really good here.....

Lassiter has all the ingredients of a great film: a great caper, good leads, an interesting setting, action, and romance. What it didn't have was a budget to do the production justice, and an overabundance of tv actors.

Lassiter is basically an attempt to cash in on Tom Selleck's fame on Magnum PI, and his loss of the role of Indiana Jones. The film is set in the same time period as Raiders of the Lost Ark, with the same villains, the Nazis. Instead of a swashbuckling archaeologist, Selleck is a slick jewel thief, Nick Lassiter. Instead of being recruited by the government to recover a treasure, he is blackmailed. However, this is no ode to the Republic serials; no, this is an ode to the caper films of yesterday, with a little To Catch a Thief thrown in for good measure.

Selleck's Nick Lassiter is an American jewel thief, living and operating in London. When not stealing from high society, he enjoys the good life. Selleck looks good in his period costumes, like he belongs. He brings charm and humor to the role, the perfect blend for a gentleman thief.

Jane Seymour is his love interest, a dancer. Seymour is beautiful as always and makes the most of a limited role.

Lauren Hutton gets the juicier role of the Nazi courier and kinky assassin. Hutton plays this decadent role to the hilt, if a bit over the top.

Finally, Bob Hoskins is a London cop who concocts the frame-up that forces Lassiter to attempt to steal Nazi diamonds. This is one of Hoskins earlier film roles and he easily steals the movie. He's not a likable character, but he keeps your interest.

The rest of the cast is filled primarily with tv actors, like Joe Regalbuto and Ed Lauter. They are fine actors, but don't bring the same level to their character roles that the better film actors do. Their appearance has more to do with budget than talent.

The film was co-financed by Raymond Chow, of Golden Harvest, which explains the low budget. Had this been a bigger studio picture, with stronger supporting characters, it could have been a great hit. Instead, it is an entertaining minor film, which appears to steal from James Bond and Indiana Jones. It looks like it was made for tv, and works better on the small screen. The music is of the period, and makes a welcome change from more modern music. The end credits feature a song from Taco. For those not acquainted with 80's New Wave, Taco was an odd performer who mixed New Wave sounds with Cole Porter and other Jazz Age songs. He had the perfect voice for those songs, but the end result was more amusing than memorable.

This is a fine film to watch on a rainy Saturday afternoon, or when sick in bed. It brings a smile to your face, as long as your expectations aren't too high.

I am not sure why this has such mediocre rating. The story, the twists, the acting, the cast, and the direction were all top notch.

I can only assume that people who didn't like it were either turned off by the nudity or the plot twists. It can be a bit of a ride you have to hold on to, but it is absolutely worth it.

Not kid friendly. But a fantastic movie for an evening with your SO.

This is the first movie I ever reviewed in my hobby/career as a movie critic. When I first viewed it, I wasn't impressed. It's one of those movies that you'll find is better with a second viewing. It has interesting characters and while it has a copycat scene right out of 'The Sting', it is still an entertaining romp set in pre World War II Europe with impressive sets, costumes and the Nazi element thrown in as villains for great conflict. A worthwhile movie to view and to be taken for what it is. Selleck is very good but the best character in the film is an English police officer played by Bob Hoskins.

Selleck is slick as a jewel thief in London in this lavish action/mystery, but the film suffers from a predictable plot and weak supporting performances. Most obvious is that of sexy Lauren Hutton, who shines best when she doesn't speak.

Saw it in my youth in '84. Liked it then.

Watched in in the early 2000's in my thirties, liked it more.

Just watched it again in 2022. Loved it.

Very STINGish. Cloak and dagger movie w/ some clever twists. Selleck is adorable and debonair. Very Cary Grant like.

This is my favorite Tom Selleck movie!! Plain and simply, when are they going to put it on DVD?

Now the site tells me I have to write more than one line...so...

It has been too long since I have seen it! I don't have a working VCR anymore and I wouldn't invest in one, anyway. I remember that Tom Selleck is great in this movie and along with Jane Seymour, they have a great on-screen chemistry. The movie reminds me of the cat-burglary of "To Catch A Thief", but the period is WWII Europe and Tom Selleck must break into an embassy to try to avoid prison, much like Sean Connery did in "The Rock". It has many twists and turns and a surprise ending to equal "The Sting"!

This movie has it all!