How to Steal a Million (1966)

Frank’s Film Review: How to Steal a Million
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

There are movie stars, and then there is Audrey Hepburn. To watch one of her films is to be drawn into a world of unparalleled grace and charisma. Her extraordinary beauty initially catches your eye, but it’s her unique ability to make audiences feel connected to her characters that establishes her as a screen legend. She possesses a rare ability to pull you into the story, making you a willing participant in every adventure.

While many remember her for the dramatic flair of Breakfast at Tiffany’s or the suspense of Charade, the 1966 heist comedy How to Steal a Million offers a perfect showcase of her lighter, more whimsical side. Directed by the masterful William Wyler, this film remains one of the most charming and stylish capers ever to grace the silver screen.

Set in a picturesque 1960s Paris, the story centers on Nicole Bonnet (Hepburn), the devoted daughter of Charles Bonnet (Hugh Griffith), a wealthy and talented art forger. Nicole lives in constant fear that her father’s illegal hobby will be discovered. That fear becomes a reality when Charles lends a prized family heirloom, the “Cellini Venus” statue, to a prominent museum.

The problem? The statue is a fake, sculpted by Nicole’s own grandfather. When the museum decides to perform a technical examination to insure the piece for one million dollars, its authenticity will be disproven, and the Bonnet family’s reputation will be destroyed. In a moment of desperation, Nicole decides on a bold course of action: she must hire a thief to steal the statue before it can be tested.

Her choice of accomplice is Simon Dermott (Peter O’Toole), a sophisticated burglar she catches in her home. Their first meeting is a classic cinematic moment, setting the stage for one of the most delightful on-screen pairings of the era.

The chemistry between Hepburn and O’Toole is the heart of the film. His suave confidence and sparkling blue eyes are a perfect match for her earnest and slightly flustered determination. Their witty exchanges and shared glances build a romance that feels earned and inevitable. As they plot the impossible, their partnership blossoms, proving Hepburn’s remarkable ability to create genuine romantic tension amidst the most comedic of circumstances.

The film’s climax is the heist itself — a sequence that is less about force and more about clever psychological manipulation. Armed with a boomerang, a magnet, and a plan to exploit human nature, the pair sets out to outsmart the museum’s state-of-the-art security system. Their time spent hiding in a small utility closet is a masterclass in building suspense.

Adding to the film’s appeal is its impeccable style. With a wardrobe designed by Givenchy, Hepburn is a vision of 1960s elegance, from her distinctive, white-rimmed sunglasses to her iconic lace mask. The film captures a vibrant, fashionable Paris, making the city itself a key character in this escapist fantasy.

How to Steal a Million is a timeless delight. It is a testament to the magic of Hollywood’s golden age and a celebration of an actress who could steal not just a million-dollar statue, but the hearts of audiences everywhere. Decades later, the film remains a sparkling reminder of Audrey Hepburn’s enduring and utterly captivating power.

Frank Gaimari is an author and film reviewer in Seattle. He lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. You can learn more about his work at http://www.FrankGaimari.com.