How to Steal a Million

How to Steal a Million (Original Title: How to Steal a Million ) is a comedy thriller from 1966, directed by William Wyler with Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole in the lead roles. The film is based on the story by George Bradshaw Venus Rising.

Action

Charles Bonnet is known in Paris for his quality private collection of art. In fact, he is a clever forger who created these works of art themselves. So he has just sold a Cézanne from his ( fake ) collection at auction for 515,000 dollars. Now he wants to leave a Cellini statue from the family collection of the museum Kléber - Lafayette on loan for the exhibition. Also, this statue is a fake, but created by Bonnet's father, said Bonnets Mother 's stood for that model.

Bonnets daughter Nicole is from the bustle of her father not excited and takes it reluctantly. On the evening of the opening of the Museum Detective Simon Dermott breaks into the house of the Bonnets, to take advantage of a Van Gogh painting samples and to check for authenticity. Since Nicole has not gone with her father on the opening, she surprises Simon with the painting and considers him a thief. The they can in the belief and tries everything to continue to stay in contact with her, since he has immediately in love with her.

The next day gets Bonnet visit by an employee of the museum, which requires a signature on an insurance contract for the statue. This reduces cost for Bonnet with 1 million dollars this would be insured against any damage or theft without. After Bonnet signed up, he learns that he has thus also approved the routine authenticity studies.

Nicole now remembers Simon, whom she considers to be a professional criminal, and instructed him to break into the museum and steal the statue before it is examined. Simon is a sure and visit both the museum to explore the location. The next day they can be include in the museum and spend some time in a closet. Simon dissolves in the course of the night from a false alarm, which brings the guard in turmoil and the next door resident French Interior Minister tears from sleep. Shortly thereafter, he triggers a second false alarm, which is now also wake the president. The overmatched night watchman then turn the alarm system off completely, and both can steal the statue from the museum successfully.

Since the insurance would come into force until after the examination of the statue, Bonnet is not entitled to the sum insured. But he is just happy that the dizziness is not blown. Simon explains Nicole now that he is a private investigator and a specialist in stolen works of art. Simon passes the statue of the fanatical art collector Leland Davis without pay, who is also an admirer of Nicole. This must swear never again to contact the Bonnets, so he can have the awaited statue. Simon demanded by Bonnet that it now retires and draws no more fakes, and Bonnet finally agrees.

Nicole and Simon who intend to get married, now make their way to the airport, just as the South American art collectors Señor Para video pull up the 've always wanted to buy from the Bonnet van Gogh. This is now implemented by Bonnet joyfully into the house.

Background

  • The film was shot entirely in France. Filming began in July 1965 and ended in September 1965.
  • Production costs were estimated at 6 million U.S. dollars.
  • The reference to Givenchy after Nicole has attracted the cleaning ladies clothing, refers to the clothing outfitter of Audrey Hepburn.
  • The working title of the film was originally How to Steal a Million Dollars and Live Happily Ever After, but was then reduced to the first part.

Reviews

" A directed with a light hand and lots of witty ideas comedy in the Parisian artistic milieu; just as witty and exciting. "

" Lovely comedy about a fake statue and a million theft, which is not even real. By William Wyler directed with many cheerful invasions and played well in excellent cast. From 16 to entertaining relaxation well suited. "

Awards

Writer Harry Kurnitz was nominated by the Writers Guild of America for a WGA Award in 1967.

1966 in film Screenplay Fred Kohlmar Film score Benvenuto Cellini Vincent van Gogh Hubert de Givenchy The Gay Deception Dead End (1937 film) The Westerner (film) The Letter (1940 film) Mrs. Miniver (film) The Fighting Lady The Best Years of Our Lives The Heiress Roman Holiday The Desperate Hours (film) Ben-Hur (1959 film) The Children's Hour (film) Funny Girl (Film) The Liberation of L.B. Jones
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