#how to steal a million

[ladybegood]

Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole in a publicity photo for How to Steal a Million (1966)

[quitonly]

HOW TO STEAL A MILLION 1966, dir. William Wyler

[aaronstveit]

How to Steal a Million (1966)

[orlaite]

PETER O'TOOLE as SIMON DERMOTT

HOW TO STEAL A MILLION (1966) | dir. William Wyler

[soundsofmyuniverse]

How to Steal a Million (1966) dir. William Wyler

[mygreatadventurehasbegun]

Something I’ve been thinking about lot lately are movies that I would introduce to people who haven’t seen many (or any) movies from Classic Hollywood.  If a friend came to me and asked me to recommend old movies, what would I choose?

What do I consider Old Hollywood “gateway movies”?

*Originally was going to stick to movies made before 1960, but one 60′s movie could not be ignored.*

Roman Holiday

I’ve heard this referred to as a “reverse Cinderella story” and I think that’s a great description.  It’s about a woman who just wants to get away from her stressful life and have fun...even if for only one day.  It really has it all...it’s lighthearted, funny, romantic and bittersweet.  And while these are in no particular order, this would probably be the first movie I’d suggest to someone.

On The Waterfront

To me, this works as a great introduction because it actually is a bit of a transition movie for Hollywood...and by that I’m referring to the acting style.  Nearly every actor in this movie came from The Actor’s Studio, bringing the more grounded, realistic approach to acting that modern audiences are used to (compared to the more presentational style of the 30′s and 40′s).  So, this movie is a great way to ease them into Old Hollywood.  And the story still feels relevant today...trying to find the courage to stand up to the big guy who has his foot on the back of everyone’s neck...and risk alienating your friends in the process.

The Adventures of Robin Hood

Of course, I was going to recommend this one!  This movie is just...so much fun...even if a person is new to Classic Hollywood, they are guaranteed to find something they like about this one.  Even if it’s just the swordfights or the score...but honestly, everyone I’ve shown this to has really enjoyed it (even people who don’t like adventure movies).

Casablanca

Yes, this seems like an obvious choice, since it’s one of the greatest movies ever made.  But there’s a reason for that.  The acting, directing and writing are iconic and you really can’t ask for more.  Plus, one of the main points of the story is about sticking it to the Nazi’s.  I think we can all (hopefully) agree that that’s a point in this movie’s favor.

12 Angry Men

Another movie that still feels timeless and relevant even after all these years.  It discusses themes of class, parent/child relationships, justice, ignorance and so much more, you’d believe it was written today.  And the performances from every single actor in that room is outstanding...there are some scenes that are so electric as you feel the tension rising.

How to Steal a Million

Another Audrey movie!  This is a perfect option is someone wants to watch a fun, fluffy comedy.  It’s light and relatively low-stakes...it almost feels like a send-up of heist movies, except they don’t wink at the camera.  It’s just that instead of stealing something because the fate of the nation depends on it, or to stick it to the man...Nicole just wants to steal back something she already owns.  And the way they go about it is absurdly hilarious.  The chemistry between our two leads helps a lot, as they are so much fun to watch.

Summer Stock

If I was only going to recommend one musical from back then, I’d have to recommend Summer Stock!  Not just because it’s one of my favorites, but because I do think it’s a fairly good choice to ease someone into older musicals.  It’s not super elaborate and grand...no Busby Berkely musical numbers or elaborate sequences...just a bunch of people trying to put on a show.  And the love story between Joe and Jane feels so real and grounded...no love at first sight, no enemies to lovers...just two people who happen to be perfect for each other, and were lucky enough to meet.  This is Gene Kelly and Judy Garland at their best and I want other people to see it.

Rear Window

And if they wanted to see a Hitchcock movie, but maybe aren’t super into horror...I think I’d start them off with Rear Window.  This isn’t a traditional scary movie...as with most Hitchcock movies, it’s all about the tension.  But it isn’t released with jump scare and music stingers.  And around the tension, you have this romantic drama between James Stewart and Grace Kelly, which is so fun to watch (and we can’t forget Thelma Ritter and her one-liners!)

And once they become hooked, the next round of films I’d suggest would be: A Streetcar Named Desire, The Maltese Falcon, Psycho, The Philadelphia Story, The Heiress, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and Meet Me in St. Louis.

Any that you would add?

[audreyhepburninblackandwhite]

Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole as Nicole Bonnet and Simon Dermott in How to Steal a Million (1966)

[cosettepontmercys]

get to know me meme ♡ favorite movies → how to steal a million 

why? you asked me why? well, i ask you why. why are we breaking into a heavily guarded museum to steal a precious statue which belongs to you? why?

[ladybegood]

Audrey Hepburn in a publicity photo for How to Steal a Million (1966)

[cinematicsource]

AUDREY HEPBURN as Nicole Bonnet in HOW TO STEAL A MILLION (1966) dir. William Wyler

[adoreaudrey]

Audrey Hepburn photographed by Douglas Kirkland at the Studios de Bouloge, for the publicity stills of “How To Steal A Million”. Paris, France, November 1965

[aaronstveit]

For a burglar you're not very brave, are you? I'm a society burglar. I don't expect people to rush about shooting me!

[myfavoritepeterotoole]

Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole on the set of How to Steal a Million

How to Steal a Million (1966) directed by William Wyler

Audrey Hepburn as Nicole Bonnet

Peter O'Toole as Simon Dermott

[soundsofmyuniverse]

How to Steal a Million (1966) dir. William Wyler

[hollywoodlady]

Audrey Hepburn photographed by Douglas Kirkland in Paris, France, for the promotion of the film ‘How to Steal a Million’, 1965.