Released in 1966, ‘How to Steal a Million’ is a heist comedy that brings together a remarkable cast: Audrey Hepburn, Peter O’Toole, Eli Wallach, Hugh Griffith, and Charles Boyer. The film is set and shot entirely in Paris, yet every character speaks only English — a deliberate creative choice that gives the story a stylish, cosmopolitan feel. It moves through some of the city’s most iconic locations, including the Hotel Ritz, the Place Vendôme column, and the Élysée Palace.
Paris itself functions almost as a character in the film. The cinematography makes full use of the city’s famous light, capturing grand architecture and sun-drenched streets with a richness that feels effortless. The quality of the sets and props adds another layer of visual depth, making each scene feel polished and carefully crafted.
At the center of the story are Charles Bonnet and his daughter Nicole. The Bonnet family appears wealthy, living surrounded by a vast and impressive art collection. In reality, Charles is a highly skilled art forger — and he takes enormous pride in his work. His forgeries are so convincing that he agrees to loan a fake sculpture to a French museum, where it is put on display as a genuine relic of national importance.
The plan unravels when the museum arranges for an expert to examine the piece for insurance purposes. If the sculpture is inspected closely, the forgery will be exposed and Charles will face serious consequences. Nicole, determined to protect her father, decides the only solution is to steal the statue back before the inspection takes place.
To pull off the theft, Nicole enlists the help of a professional thief — played by Peter O’Toole — whom she initially suspects is after one of her father’s paintings. Their partnership drives the film’s most entertaining and comedic sequences, full of quick thinking, close calls, and sharp banter.
One of the film’s most talked-about elements is Audrey Hepburn’s wardrobe. Every outfit she wears was designed specifically for her by Hubert de Givenchy, the French fashion designer she had worked with since ‘Sabrina’ in 1954. The two had a close professional relationship, and Givenchy’s designs were tailored to complement Hepburn’s slim frame and elegant on-screen presence.
The costumes range from chic daywear to glamorous evening looks, each one carefully constructed to suit Nicole’s character — a woman of apparent wealth and refined taste. The oversized sunglasses, structured coats, and perfectly fitted dresses became some of the most memorable fashion moments of the decade.
Hepburn brings a lightness to Nicole that keeps the film from ever feeling tense. Even in the heist scenes, her performance is playful and warm. She balances comedy with composure in a way that very few actresses of the era managed as naturally.
The film wraps up with a happy ending, delivering exactly the kind of satisfying payoff that audiences of the era expected from a well-made comedy. The twists along the way keep the story moving, and the Paris backdrop gives every scene a sense of occasion.
Below is a collection of gorgeous photos of Audrey Hepburn in her stunning Givenchy costumes from the production of ‘How to Steal a Million.’ Each image captures the elegance and charm she brought to the role of Nicole Bonnet.
