How to Steal a Million is a 1966 romantic caper film directed by William Wyler and released on July 13, 1966. The movie blends light comedy, romance and heist elements and is best known for its glamorous lead performance by Audrey Hepburn. It presents a playful, urbane take on crime cinema rather than a gritty thriller, relying on charm, wit and elegant production values.
The central plot follows Nicole, the concerned daughter of a highly skilled art forger whose forgeries have been passed off as originals. When a forged sculpture in his collection is lent to a museum and threatened with expert examination, Nicole must act quickly to prevent his exposure. To retrieve the piece she enlists the help of a suave burglar, creating a night-time caper that mixes comic mishaps with romantic tension between the two leads. The story treats art forgery as a catalyst for the plot rather than a forensic case study.
Principal cast and creative team
- Director: William Wyler
- Starring: Audrey Hepburn (Nicole) and Peter O'Toole (the burglar)
- Costume design: Hubert de Givenchy (noted for his collaborations with Hepburn)
Production was notable for location shooting and refined art direction that evoke Parisian museums, salons and private collections. The film foregrounds style — sleek costumes, careful set design and playful staging of the theft sequence — which contributes heavily to its appeal. Rather than technical realism about conservation or policing, the emphasis is on elegance and comic invention.
Critics and audiences of the time appreciated the movie for its star turns, comic chemistry and fashionable presentation. Audrey Hepburn's wardrobe is frequently singled out as a highlight, reinforcing her image as a style icon of the period. The tone is deliberately light: the film prioritizes entertainment and romance over procedural accuracy.
Legacy and context: How to Steal a Million sits within a string of 1960s caper and heist pictures that favored glamour and ingenuity. It remains of interest to viewers who enjoy classic Hollywood star pairing, chic costume work, and caper plots where wit and romance matter as much as the mechanics of the crime. For more on the film's production details and reception, consult contemporary reviews and film reference sources.