Peter O'Toole

Obituaries will recall the actor who has died at 81 for his bravura role in the 1962 epic, “Lawrence of Arabia” and rightly so but, in an old movie lover’s heart, he will be treasured for more modest qualities of witty self-deprecation.

Those whose tastes predate the Cineplex can savor that in “How to Steal a Million” (1966), a romantic comedy available on Netflix, and as a bonus, be introduced to the ethereal Audrey Hepburn at her most magical.

But for full appreciation of the O’Toole gift for parodying his own propensity for hamminess, nothing will do but “My Favorite Year” (1982), in which he takes himself over the top as a laughing stock and lands on his feet with warm-hearted sentiment.

Not recommended for those who can’t get enough of Adam Sandler and Ben Stiller but who might harbor a vulnerability to retro human comedy.