Movie Summary "How to Steal a Million", directed by William Wyler, is a romantic comedy heist movie launched in 1966. Set in Paris and embellished with Audrey Hepburn's charm and Peter O'Toole's charming personality, the plot focuses on an unlikely duo joined by a daring task: taking a million-dollar artwork to conserve a track record.
Plot Summary Audrey Hepburn stars as Nicole Bonnet, the child of Charles Bonnet (Hugh Griffith), an art forger who forges paintings claiming they're originals by artists like Van Gogh and Cellini. The Bonnets are rich, respected figures in society however Nicole is afraid their trick may come out.
Things intensify when her father provides a little statue or "Cellini Venus", supposedly by Cellini himself but really fashioned by Bonnet, to a Paris museum for a large exhibit. A possible purchaser, American magnate Davis Leland (Eli Wallach) shows interest in the Cellini, prompting the museum to plan an authenticity test therefore threatening the Bonnets' secret.
The Heist Panicked, Nicole, remembering an encounter with a burglar (Peter O'Toole as Simon Dermott) whom she had mistakenly shot earlier thinking he was going to take her daddy's phony art work, seeks his aid. Unknown to Nicole, Simon is not an expert thief however a private detective focused on art and proficient at spotting phonies.
Hesitant initially, Simon develops a complicated mechanism to steal the statue in the vault. The plan needs best timing and distraction of the museum personnel during the heist. The duo practices the highly made complex undertaking, gradually developing an affectionate bond in the middle of the pressure.
Unraveling of Secrets The night of the heist shows up. With suspense looming, they successfully execute their plan, narrowly dodging the museum's security and authorities attention. The scene sets a romantic ambiance as the set share an intimate kiss after their effective objective. However, their mission is not yet over. They need to destroy the taken fake statue to eliminate any evidence.
Back at Bonnet's estate, Simon reveals his real identity as an investigator to Nicole, including he was at first examining her daddy's forgeries however fell for her. He also tells her that her dad lent the Cellini, not for the exhibition but for insurance money. Nicole is upset and chooses to tell her dad the fact about their worthy break-in, to which he reacts remarkably calmly. They then proceed to destroy the statue.
Conclusion In the last act, Leland obtains a confession from Charles Bonnet about the forgery, without exposing Simon's true profession. In a twist, Leland decides to buy the forgery regardless, considering it sufficient to pass off as an initial. Simon likewise decides not to report the deceitful activities of Charles, and he proposes to Nicole, bringing a delighted ending to the comedy.
"How to Steal a Million" stays one of the unforgettable performances of Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole with its delightful blend of comedy and love in an original plot centered around an art heist. It is a lovely classic that continues to bewitch audiences with its wit, humor, and sophisticated design.
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