Synopsis
Audrey Hepburn is the long-suffering daughter of incorrigible art forger Hugh Griffith. Whena phony Cellini sculpture Griffith has loaned to a museum is going to be subject to anauthenticity test, Hepburn decides to save her father by stealing their own statue. She enlists theaid of Peter O’Toole, whom she believes to be a professional burglar. The stage is set for anelaborate heist at the highly secure museum, not to mention a little bit of romance along theway.
…he charming rogue, the Paris setting, the assumed identities and Audrey Hepburn aresimilar enough to Charade to invite comparisons, and How to Steal a Million isnot in that film’s league. It takes far too long to get to its point, for one thing, and there are somebizarre editing fumbles, resulting in jarring jump-cuts. But once O’Toole and Hepburn actuallystart working on their scheme, both pace and interest pick up. The heist itself has somewonderful comic elements, and the film, finally, is winningly charming, if slight.
Audio
The audio is par for the Studio Classics series. The choices are between mono and 2.0, andthe clean mono is the preferable option. The stereo once again descends into completelyundifferentiated surround, with absolutely everything pouring out of the rear speakers, includingdialogue.
Video
Sound has rarely been a strong point for this series, but the picture quality has generally beenvery strong, and that is essentially the case here. Though the image is a bit soft, especially in longshots, and there is an occasional green tinge to the edges, there is no grain, the colours are bright,and the print is in excellent shape, with no speckling.
Special Features
Eli Wallach (who plays the millionaire who covets the Cellini) and Catherine (daughter ofdirector William) Wyler provide separately recorded commentary. There are long, long pauses,and a lot of the commentary goes over generalities and the obvious. The other extras are the A&SBiography of Hepburn, the teaser, the theatrical trailer, and 2 TV spots. The menu is basic.
Closing Thoughts
A minor addition to the Studio Classics series, but it’s fun all the same.
Special Features List
- Audio Commentary
- A&E Biography: “Audrey Hepburn: The Fairest Lady”
- Theatrical Trailer, Teaser and TV Spots
