Welcome, dear reader, to this week’s Sunday Morning Movie feature! Today, we delve into a charming romantic comedy-thriller that showcases the timeless talents of Cary Grant and the delightful Audrey Hepburn.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_W2M6QPog4
Reviews:
The Guardian remarks:
It’s unfortunate that Hepburn and Grant took so long to collaborate on a film, and that they never reunited for another project. They would have made a splendid pair in a remake of Hitchcock’s Notorious, considering Grant’s rumored espionage for the British in Hollywood and Hepburn’s own familial ties to fascist individuals. Nevertheless, we are left with Charade, a film that harmonizes their distinct acting styles. Grant’s ironic presence juxtaposes Hepburn’s genuine earnestness and her remarkable comedic talent, allowing her to shift effortlessly from seriousness to silliness. Donen’s direction encapsulates this duality—crafting a screwball suspense film that blends comedy and violence, echoing Hitchcock’s lighter moments. The narrative’s complexity, featuring Grant’s identity shifts, taps into the undercurrents of fear lurking beneath his suave exterior, akin to his role in Hitchcock’s Suspicion. Charade explores the intricate connection between trust and love in a world rife with deceit, prompting the audience to question: how can we discern truth from performance?
Letterboxd states:
While this film introduces a new twist about every 20 minutes, I wouldn’t categorize it as a “twist” movie. Its lighthearted tone ensures there’s no real danger, making it an enjoyable comfort watch featuring two legendary movie stars in their prime.
The Film Magazine comments:
Donen, alongside screenwriter Peter Stone, skillfully navigates Charade’s tonal fluctuations. Right from the opening scene—where we see a character thrown from a moving train and landing on the tracks, blood streaming from his face—we are transported to the picturesque, snow-draped mountains of the French Alps. As we watch Reggie enjoying her lunch on a sunlit terrace, the camera subtly reveals a gloved hand pointing a gun at her. However, when the trigger is pulled, it’s merely her friend’s son playfully spraying her with a water gun. This clever contrast, merging a gruesome setup with an amusing twist, perfectly establishes the film’s blend of humor and tension.
My perspective: This film is a delightful treat. Hepburn’s iconic charm radiates throughout, and even her Givenchy outfits captivated me, a person who typically wears clothing until it reaches its breaking point. She embodies the innocent spirit caught among thieves and murderers with grace. Cary Grant, looking extraordinarily handsome in his sixties, effortlessly plays his duplicitous character. The performances of James Coburn and George Kennedy as the heartless criminals create a perfect balance, while Walter Matthau’s brief appearances as the CIA agent add a humorous touch to the mix.
Director: Stanley Donen
Written by: Peter Stone and Marc Behm
Notable cast: Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, George Kennedy, James Coburn, Walter Matthau
Plot (Spoilers!):
Regina “Reggie” Lampert (Hepburn) finds herself in a precarious situation. Her husband has been murdered, the Paris police are investigating, and the CIA demands 250K dollars that they claim her husband stole. To make matters worse, she’s being pursued by a trio of dangerous thieves.
Amidst this chaos, she encounters Brian Cruikshank (Grant), who initially presents himself under several aliases. Though he seems to be on her side, Reggie is left uncertain about his true intentions, leaving the audience questioning as well.
As the thieves plot their next moves, the investigation unfolds with comedic hijinks. With each criminal eliminated one by one, it ultimately comes down to Brian and Reggie. The missing money is revealed to be rare stamps. With the CIA revealing its cards, Brian’s true identity comes to light, leading to a heartfelt declaration of love, as expected.
