CHARADE (1963)
Film of the Day #265
CHARADE
1963 • Stanley DonenCast: Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Walter Matthau, James Coburn, George Kennedy, Ned Glass, Jacques Marin
Screenplay: Peter Stone; Story by Peter Stone, Marc Behm; Based on The Unsuspecting Wife 1961 short story by Peter Stone with Marc Behm
Cinematography: Charles Lang
Music: Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer
Universal Pictures
Any morning now, you could wake up dead, Mrs. Lampert.
Reggie Lampert (Audrey Hepburn) returns from a skiing trip to discover that her husband has been murdered. She soon finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue and danger as she learns that her husband had been involved in a scheme to steal a large sum of money. The stolen money, now missing, has attracted the attention of several mysterious and dangerous characters who believe Reggie knows its whereabouts. Reggie seeks help from Peter Joshua (Cary Grant), a charming stranger whom he just met days before. However, as she begins to unravel the truth, Reggie finds herself unsure of whom to trust, including Peter himself, whose true intentions (and real name) remain ambiguous. As they evade danger and pursue clues across picturesque locations in Paris, the chemistry between Reggie and Peter intensifies, adding a layer of romance to the suspenseful narrative.
The film has been called “the best Hitchcock movie that Hitchcock didn’t direct.” Are you craving a cinematic experience that combines suspense, romance, humor, and a dash of intrigue? Charade delivers on all of these fronts. At its heart, Charade is a masterpiece of blended genres. From the moment Audrey Hepburn's Reggie Lampert sets foot in Paris, we're swept away on a whirlwind adventure filled with mystery and danger, all set against the backdrop of the City of Lights.
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its script, penned by Peter Stone, with its sharp dialogue and clever wordplay. Whether Reggie and Peter are bantering over cocktails or racing through the streets of Paris, their repartee keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, never knowing what twist or turn awaits them next. Charade delivers on the twists and turns. Just when you think you have the plot figured out, Donen and Stone throw in another curveball, keeping viewers guessing until the very end.
Audrey Hepburn's timeless elegance and Cary Grant's debonair charm create a cinematic magic that's hard to resist. Their on-screen chemistry is not just palpable but downright electric, drawing audiences into their whirlwind adventure with every exchange and glance. One of the most striking elements of their dynamic is the way they effortlessly inhabit their roles, bringing to life characters who are both sophisticated and vulnerable. Hepburn exudes her usual grace and vulnerability, while Grant's Peter Joshua portrays an air of mystery and sophistication.
Of course, it doesn't hurt that they look absolutely stunning while doing so. The costume design by Hubert de Givenchy is resplendent, with Hepburn and Grant outfitted in a series of impeccably tailored ensembles that capture the glamour of the 1960s. From Hepburn's iconic dresses to Grant's sharp suits, every outfit feels like a work of art, transporting viewers back to a time when elegance and style reigned supreme.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Hitchcock-inspired thriller without a cast of memorable supporting characters, and Charade certainly delivers on that front. From the trio of villains played by George Kennedy, James Coburn, and Ned Glass to the enigmatic CIA agent portrayed by Walter Matthau, each member of the ensemble brings their own unique flair to the proceedings, adding depth and intrigue to Reggie and Peter's quest for the truth.
And let's not forget the film's visual style, which is nothing short of stunning. From the picturesque streets of Paris to the breathtaking opera house climax, Charade is a feast for the eyes, thanks in no small part to Donen's skilled direction. Like Hitchcock, Donen uses a Maguffin (the money) to drive the plot forward and the revelation of where it is hidden, which I won’t spoil, delivers a twist that feels both surprising and satisfying in equal measure.
Due to an error on Universal’s part, the film entered the public domain immediately upon release and is widely available for free. The free versions, however, might not be of the greatest visual quality.
Obviously you're telling the truth, for why would you invent such a ridiculous story?
Notable Awards & Accomplishments
Academy Award Nominee: Best Music, Original Song (Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer; For the song "Charade”)
BAFTA Award Winner: Best British Actress (Hepburn)
BAFTA Award Nominee: Best Foreign Actor (Grant)
Streaming: Prime, Fubo, Roku, Hoopla, Vudu, Tubi, Kanopy, Crackle, Pluto
Digital Rental/Purchase: Available at most major retailers
Physical Media: Available on Blu-Ray and DVD
