How to Steal a Million Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman hires a thief to steal a statue her dad forged, but surprise, the thief is actually an art investigator who’s more interested in stealing her heart, all while avoiding a millionaire who really, really wants that statue (and her).

🍿 How to Steal a Million: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Art Forger and His Daughter

Charles Bonnet is a charming art collector in Paris, known for his impressive collection. However, his daughter Nicole knows the truth: her father is a master art forger, selling copies of famous paintings. Nicole fears that his activities will be exposed, bringing shame and ruin to their family. She constantly urges him to stop, but Charles continues to enjoy the thrill and the wealth it brings.

The Loan and the Insurance

Charles lends his prized ‘Cellini Venus’ statue to a museum for an exhibition. However, he unwittingly signs an insurance policy that requires a technical examination of the statue to verify its authenticity. Nicole realizes that this is a disaster, as the statue is actually a forgery created by her grandfather. If the truth is discovered, her father will face prison.

Enter Simon Dermott

Desperate to protect her father, Nicole decides to steal the statue from the museum before the examination can take place. She seeks help from Simon Dermott, a burglar she caught in her home attempting to steal a painting. Unbeknownst to Nicole, Simon is not just a burglar; he is an art security expert investigating Charles’s forgeries. He agrees to help Nicole, setting in motion a series of intricate plans and unexpected romance.

Museum Heist

Nicole and Simon carefully plan the heist, exploiting weaknesses in the museum’s security system. They use a boomerang to trigger the alarms, causing confusion and eventually leading the guards to disable the system. Dressed as a cleaning lady, Nicole helps Simon steal the Cellini Venus by hiding it in a mop bucket.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Nicole Bonnet (Audrey Hepburn): The elegant and morally conflicted daughter of an art forger who enlists a burglar to steal a fake statue.
• Simon Dermott (Peter O’Toole): A charming art expert and private investigator who poses as a burglar and falls for Nicole while helping her.
• Charles Bonnet (Hugh Griffith): A talented but unscrupulous art forger whose scheme puts his family’s reputation at risk.
• Davis Leland (Eli Wallach): An eccentric American millionaire and art collector who becomes obsessed with both the Venus and Nicole.
• DeSolnay (Charles Boyer): A reputable art dealer who suspects Charles Bonnet’s forgeries and hires Simon to investigate.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Nicole Bonnet: “Well, it was pitch dark and there he was. Tall, blue eyes, slim, quite good-looking… in a brutal, mean way, Papa. A terrible man!” – Nicole describes Simon to her father after catching him in their house, exaggerating his dangerous qualities.
• Simon Dermott: “For a burglar, you’re not very brave.” – Nicole says this to Simon after he complains about being wounded by her when she caught him.
• Simon Dermott: “I’m a society burglar, I don’t expect people to rush about shooting me.” – Simon retorts to Nicole’s remark, highlighting his refined approach to crime.
• Simon Dermott: “You don’t think I would steal something that didn’t belong to me, do you?” – Said by Dermott, subtly hinting at his true identity and intentions to Bonnet.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 How to Steal a Million Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adore this movie! Audrey Hepburn is at her most charming, and Peter O’Toole is just dashing. The heist sequence had me on the edge of my seat, especially the scene in the closet—so much tension! I love how the story balances comedy and romance, making it a perfect feel-good movie. Definitely a must-watch for any Hepburn fan!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole”
  • “Lovers of classic caper movies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy lighthearted romantic comedies”
  • “Those interested in art and heists”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild comedic violence”
  • “Brief depiction of forgery and theft”
  • “Some suggestive dialogue”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A delightful confection! Hepburn shines with her trademark elegance, while O’Toole brings a playful charm. The heist sequence is clever, and the Parisian setting adds a touch of romance. A classic caper film.
• Variety: “Stylish and entertaining, ‘How to Steal a Million’ is a visual treat. The pacing is leisurely, but the performances are captivating. Eli Wallach adds a nice touch as the obsessive art collector.
• Chicago Tribune: “A charming film with Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy. Although the plot can be slow-moving, the overall experience is enjoyable and the chemistry between the leads is undeniable. A perfect movie for a relaxing evening.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the fashion and the Parisian setting.: Most agreed that the chemistry between Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole was the highlight of the film.

Many praised the film’s lighthearted and fun tone.: Viewers often mention the clever heist sequence as a memorable moment.

Overall Consensus: A charming and stylish caper film praised for its leads’ performances, Parisian setting, and lighthearted tone.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Walter Matthau was the first choice for the Eli Wallach part but was asking $200,000, so the producers opted for the less expensive George C. Scott. Scott was fired after a few weeks of pre-production due to his drinking habits.”
• “Audrey Hepburn was reportedly inconsolable upon hearing of George C. Scott’s removal from the production.”

🖥️ How to Watch How to Steal a Million?

How to Steal a Million is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local listings for potential streaming availability. Unfortunately, it is not currently available on major subscription streaming services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed How to Steal a Million, you might like these similar films:

• Charade (1963): Features Audrey Hepburn in a stylish, suspenseful caper with romantic elements and witty dialogue, similar to the tone and appeal of ‘How to Steal a Million’.
• To Catch a Thief (1955): A classic Hitchcock film about a retired jewel thief trying to prove his innocence, sharing themes of elegance, suspense, and mistaken identity.
• The Thomas Crown Affair (1968): Stylish heist film with romance, wit, and the thrill of art crime
• Ocean’s Eleven (2001): A modern heist movie with a charismatic cast and intricate plan, offering a similar sense of fun and teamwork.
• After the Sunset (2004): A comedy caper with Pierce Brosnan as a retired master thief who gets drawn back into the game, providing a lighthearted and glamorous take on crime.

🛒 How to Steal a Million Related Products

• How to Steal a Million [Blu-ray]: Experience the elegance and charm of ‘How to Steal a Million’ in stunning high-definition. This Blu-ray edition offers improved video and audio quality, making it a must-have for collectors and fans of classic cinema.
• Audrey Hepburn: A Life in Pictures: Discover the life and career of Audrey Hepburn through a collection of stunning photographs. This book provides an intimate look at one of Hollywood’s most beloved icons.
• Peter O’Toole: A Biography: Explore the extraordinary life and career of Peter O’Toole, from his breakout role in ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ to his unforgettable performance in ‘How to Steal a Million’.
• Givenchy Style: 50 Years of Fashion: Celebrate the iconic fashion of Givenchy, the designer behind Audrey Hepburn’s unforgettable looks in ‘How to Steal a Million’. This book showcases 50 years of Givenchy’s most influential designs.

🎧 Soundtrack

How to Steal a Million features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by John Williams
• “Museum Piece” – performed by John Williams
• “La Marseillaise” – performed by Orchestral

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

7 deceased How to Steal a Million actors (part 1)

Ever wonder what happened to the cast of ‘How to Steal a Million’? This video highlights some of the legendary actors we’ve sadly lost. It’s a touching reminder of their talent and a great way to remember them!

How to steal a million (1966) making of

Want to know how they pulled off those amazing shots in ‘How to Steal a Million’? This behind-the-scenes video gives you a peek at the making of the film, including some cool vintage footage! It’s like stepping back in time!

See How They Improvise to Get out of Trouble #shorts

Remember that hilarious scene where they have to improvise their way out of trouble? This short clip is a perfect reminder of the movie’s charm and quick wit! It is awesome to see.

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