Review of How to Steal a Million (1966) by Augustine H — 28 Jun 2009

Last night, I restarted working on my scrapbook for the Europe trip I went on in '06. I decided to call it a night when I got midway through Paris. However, having just seen the pictures of myself there, I was in a Parisian mood, and thus decided to watch a film that takes place in Paris, William Wyler's wonderful "How to Steal a Million.".

For several years now, I've said "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is my favorite Audrey Hepburn film. Having seen "How to Steal a Million" for the third time last night though, my heart has been moved to say that "...Million." rather "...Tiffany's." is now my favorite. Here's why: 1) While I do adore "...Tiffany's," it isn't quite as charming, witty, smart, or as well-paced/put together as "...Million" is; 2) it takes place in Paris [which I adore]; 3) it has a very artistically centered plot [which as an art minor I'm crazy about]; 4) there's actually a psychological component to it a one point [which as a psychology major is great]; 5) the protagonist [played by Hepburn] is very close to her father, which as a daddy's girl myself I relate to; 6) the style/makeup is wonderful...especially the black lacy number Hepburn's character wears the first time she meets up with Peter O' Toole's character at the Ritz [it's so great cause he was practically like one of those cartoons whose jaw drops to the floor at how gorgeous she looked], and last but certainly not least [I saved the last for best] 7) the amazingly talented, beautiful, charming, graceful, ever sweet-tempered, just all together delicious human being, Audrey Kathleen Hepburn herself, plays the lead.

The film, in short, is an utter delight. I was laughing and smiling like an idiot pretty much the entire time watching it. The way they pull off the caper is extremely satisfying and so smart. The moments between O'Toole & Hepburn in the closet at the museum were utterly wonderful. It's great how the caper's success matches that of their characters' budding romance. Not one stone is left unturned...the entire plot is wrapped up lovingly with no loose ends. The viewer [or at least I] is left very content and happy at the film's conclusion:^).