Charade Movie
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Storyline
TAGLINES
You can expect the unexpected when they play..."Charade"
It's a guessing game of mirth and mystery!
Please don't tell who did what to whom!
Regina Lambert returns to Paris from a ski holiday in Switzerland to find that her husband has been murdered. She is later told by CIA agent Hamilton Bartholemew that Charles Lambert was one of five men who stole $250,000 in gold from the U.S. government during World War II, and the government wants it back. The money was not found among his possessions, and Regina can shed no light on its whereabouts. Later that day she is visited by Peter Joshua, whom she had met briefly while on holiday. When her husband's former partners in crime, who were double-crossed by Charles, start calling her looking for the money, Peter offers to help find it. Thus begins an elaborate charade in which nothing is what it seems to be.
| Cary Grant | Peter Joshua |
| Audrey Hepburn | Regina 'Reggie' Lampert |
| Walter Matthau | H. Bartholemew |
| James Coburn | Tex Panthollow |
| George Kennedy | Herman Scobie |
| Dominique Minot | Sylvie Gaudel |
| Ned Glass | Leopold W. Gideon |
| Grégoire Aslan | Insp. Edouard Grandpierre |
| Paul Bonifas | Mr. Felix |
| Thomas Chelimsky | Jean-Louis Gaudel |
| Raoul Delfosse | Taxi Driver |
| Stanley Donen | Man in elevator |
| Colin Drake | Ambassador Bartholemew |
| Stanley Donen |
8.00 out of 10 (14362 votes)
Visitor Reviews
A classic romantic caper
posted on 30 Aug 2009Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn make screen magic together in this fantastic movie. It has everything that makes a great film: mystery, suspense, romance, and comedy. I don't want to give the story line away, but believe me, this is one movie you don't want to miss!! Also, look for Walter Matthau in an unusual part. I give "Charade" an enthusiastic 10 out of 10!!
Pleasant diversion but over rated.
posted on 30 Aug 2009I found this movie to a pleasant diversion but for the life of me cannot understand why so many people find it outstanding. If it weren't for Cary Grant's charisma I would have found it almost boring. I thought the movie was a bit dated and the story bordering on the ridiculous. Not bad but overall disappointing.
Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant Sparkle
posted on 30 Aug 2009As anyone with even a minimum of experience in the real world can attest, life often has a way of taking an unexpected turn that in an instant can turn an uncluttered existence into veritable turmoil, which is exactly what happens in `Charade,' a mystery with romantic and comedic overtones, directed by Stanley Donen and starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant. An American living in Paris, unaware of her husband's covert activities and associations, Regina `Reggie' Lampert (Hepburn) is informed upon returning home from vacationing at a ski resort that her husband (whom she was about to divorce) has died, having been thrown from a train en route to a destination (unbeknownst to her) that would ultimately have taken him to South America. Suddenly widowed and without resources, Reggie quickly finds herself surrounded by murder and mystery as the strange secret life of her husband slowly comes to light, and she finds herself the target of some unfinished business that has to do with her husband's clandestine associates. But as luck would have it, this damsel in distress is befriended by a stranger, Peter Joshua (Grant), a man with whom she had a momentary encounter during her vacation at the resort. Together, they attempt to assemble the pieces of the discomfiting puzzle that has become her life, in order to get her back on track. It's a tall order, however, and like the man said at one time or another, `Nobody said life was going to be easy.' Along the way Reggie also discovers some things about her knight in shining armor that adds yet another perspective to the conundrum into which she has inexplicably fallen. And she begins to wonder if anything in the world is actually the way it seems. Working from an excellent screenplay by Peter Stone, and backed by a terrific score and that familiar theme by Henry Mancini, Donen invades Hitchcock territory to weave a web of intrigue and suspense that, while it lacks the nuance and that special touch that Hitchcock always managed to bring to this kind of material, will keep you guessing until the very end.
The overall film has a decided `60s Cinema' look and feel that virtually defines it, and while this isn't a bad thing, the presentation as such has a way of keeping the viewer at arm's length and prevents the kind of emotional involvement that would've made this a riveting film. Suffice to say that, comparatively, it lacks the realism that you find in more recent offerings of this genre. What it definitely has in it's favor is the great cast, and especially the stars, Hepburn and Grant. Audrey Hepburn is lovely as Reggie, bringing a knowing, yet innocent quality to the character. Charismatic as always, and imbued with that natural, refined beauty that is her trademark, she epitomizes the sensibilities of the era with a waif-like consistency and bearing that makes her a joy to watch. She has a radiant screen presence, and seeing her in this place and time makes it easy to understand all of the things that truly made her a movie star as well as an accomplished actor. Grant, of course, is charming as usual, slipping into his character with facility and creating an instant chemistry with Hepburn that makes this story come alive. His performance is smooth and believable, and his easy, yet commanding presence leaves no doubt that he is in control, even when faced with some formidable opponents and situations. He conveys something of an invincibility in this role that lets you know that no matter how dark things get, all will be well by the end. After all the twists and turns, you feel relatively certain that if they stick together, Reggie and Peter are going to land on their feet. But then again, this is a `Charade,' isn't it? The supporting cast includes James Coburn (Tex), Walter Matthau (Bartholomew), George Kennedy (Herman), Dominique Minot (Sylvie), Ned Glass (Leopold), Jacques Marin (Inspector Grandpierre), Paul Bonifas (Mr. Felix) and Thomas Chelimsky (Jean-Louis). An entertaining film that has a place of it's own in Cinematic History, `Charade' affords the opportunity of seeing two of the giants of the silver screen together, doing what they do best:
Making magic. Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant are stars of rare magnitude, and together they make the screen sparkle. And it's no charade. It's the magic of the movies. I rate this one 8/10.
Ingenious teaming of many genuine talents.
posted on 30 Aug 2009Terrific movie that can be perceived both as a first-rate piece of straight entertainment, and as a meditation on the thin line separating truth and lie. Ingenious script, dialogue filled with funny interplay, great chemistry between the two charismatic stars, vivid and fast-paced direction by Stanley Donen. Not quite in the league of "North By Northwest", but still a very entertaining and recommendable picture. (***)
the unexpected becomes the usual
posted on 30 Aug 2009This is one of my top ten films, it is fun and mysterious. The change of identity five times by the main character keeps you on your toes. The cast of supporting characters is phenominal and the final sequence of discovery is pure suspense. I often think this should be a Hitchcock film but it is not. Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn are favorites and together they are magical. This is a must see film for fans of either. I give it 5 of 5 stars.
Best non-Hitchcock Hitchcock
posted on 30 Aug 2009It is certainly understandable how this movie has come to be known as "the best Hitchcock movie he never made." Nor should we fault those who have called CHARADE a Hithcock movie. The similarities are uncanny: Shocking opening scene involving a corpse, psychedelic opening credits (a la Vertigo and Psycho), Cary Grant stars as a thief, international intrigue plays a part, the female lead is strong yet beautiful, it has an unexpected plot twist, and it ends with a surprise. AND it's even put out by Universal (just like nearly every other American Hitchcock movie)! Most of all this movie is filled with incredibly black humor that trademarked many of Hitchcock's films. But Charade is not a Hitchcock film, it is a Stanley Donan film. And while it does star Cary Grant as a thief, it does not star a blond-haired leading lady (and by 1963, Hitchcock was deep into his blond-haired obsession - Tippi Hedrin anyone?). Instead, the stunningly beautiful Audrey Hepburn stars opposite Grant, and she has jet-black hair. The story is basically one in which Hepburn's character (Reggie Lampert) finds herself the widow of a murdered husband. She goes on to find, thanks to CIA agent Bartholomew (Walter Matthau in a rare dramatic performance), that her husband had left behind $250,000 in stolen money in some form or another. But that money is not only wanted by the CIA, but by her husband's three - or is it four? - companions who had helped him steal it. These companions, played by Grant, James Coburn, George Kennedy and Ned Glass, start dying off one by one, and Hepburn finds herself fighting to trust Grant (who keeps revealing a different identity), while all the while falling in love with him.This is truly one of the most underrated movies of all time. First of all, the directing is worthy of Hitchcock. Although it does not include any of Hitchcock's memorable tricks (probably because this is NOT a Hutchcock movie!) it does a very good job of keeping the pace of the movie interesting, while not sacrificing character development or subtlety.The acting is simply stunning. Cary Grant, slightly gray in this, one of his last movies, is stunning as always, capturing that blend of humor and mischief that made his To Catch a Thief performance so classic. He shines as always, proving that we may never get an actor like him ever. In CHARADE, it is quite obvious that Ian Flemming knew what he was talking about when he modeled James Bond after Grant's characterisms and acting style. Hepburn is gorgeous. The chemistry between her and Cary is fantastic (on a par with Grant and Grace Kelly in TCaT). Not only that, but on the eve of the sexual revolution, Grant and Hepburn were able to create a movie filled with sexual and steamy romance without a single iota of nudity or crass language. The supporting cast is equally good. Grant's three cohorts are equally funny and diabolical, partly parody and partly malevolent. Matthau also provides some good acting. although he falls somewhat short towards the end.But what really stands out throughout CHARADE is the humor. In the funeral hall, as Hepburn's dead husband lies in repose, his still-living compatriots march in, each in an increasingly funny entrance (think sneezing and door-slamming). The amounts of macabre humor rival any Hitchcock movie out there. Likewise, the screwball hilarity is reminiscent of other Grant classics like "Arsenic and Old Lace". For example, after several minutes of debating Grant's taking a shower in Hepburn's room, he walks into the shower and begins scrubbing with his clothes on. The humor and romance intertwined around the intrigue and death is simply beautiful.Once again, CHARADE is severely underrated. It deserves the recognition that "Rear Window" and "Psycho" receive as being top-notch thrillers. Undoubtedly one of Grant's best movies, and it would have been one of Hitchcock's best, too... If only he had made it.10/10
Cute star vehicle
posted on 30 Aug 2009Entertaining comedy-suspense movie that's carried by the charisma of stars Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. I rate it 7 or 8. Hepburn finds herself being chased by some crooks who claim they're owed money by her late husband, and Grant tries up helping her even though she's unsure of his motives. The movie kind of winks at us through these questions, because the happy ending is never really in doubt. This is the kind of film Hollywood tries to make these days but can't get right.
"If you don't stop following me, I'm going to call the po-LEECE!"
posted on 30 Aug 2009"Charade" seems to exist in a parallel universe, where it is not only humanly possible for a man to be as dapper, sexy and urbane as Cary Grant, and a woman to be as chic, adorable and beautiful as Audrey Hepburn, but for them to be a romantic couple, to boot (the mind reels at what the children would look and sound like). Long underrated and underappreciated (and only available in horrible-looking, grainy video prints), this fabulously entertaining comedy-thriller is the cinematic equivilant of a champagne cocktail. Often compared (perhaps unfavorably) to Hitchcock's films of the period, "Charade" contains little of the heavy psychological tension that marked Hitch's work. Instead, the film concentrates on witty banter, Audrey's wardrobe and a clever script--and we're the richer for it. Audrey is a sudden widow who is terrifyingly thrust into a web of deceit; her late husband, it seems, was being hunted by three ex-war buddies with whom he stole $250,000. Audrey, they think, has the money--and if she doesn't come up with it quickly, she'll be joining him. Cary Grant is the handsome, mysterious stranger who may be friend or foe. It had been done before, and it's been done since, but never with such panache. Henry Mancini's stylish score adds immeasurably to both the fun and the tension; and the ever-nimble Stanley Donen directs the suspense scenes just as deftly as the comic ones. My favorites: Audrey trailing Cary dressed "inconspicuously" in a white Givenchy trenchcoat and huge movie star sunglasses, while giving a poor German tourist the fits; Audrey finally cornering Cary in her hotel room and lightly kissing her way down his face--today's filmmakers might take a page from her book: this scene is intensely romantic without ever seeing a bit of exposed flesh or dueling tongues; and of course, the fabulous opening scene (I won't give away the surprise)--with Audrey wearing one of my favorite Movie Star get ups of all time: a hooded mink poncho over a catsuit. This is entertainment with a capital "E", made all the more enjoyable because it never panders to the lowest common denominator, never dips into "camp," and never breaks a sweat. Today's films continue to mine the same territory, and the results are ceaselessly boring, tawdry or both. You can FEEL the strain of the writers and actors as they attempt the kind of slick interplay that came naturally to those involved in "Charade." The beautiful, magnificently restored Criterion DVD edition now allows us to revel in this film like never before.
Flawless entertainment
posted on 30 Aug 2009Well if your starting line-up is Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant being directed by Stanley Donen, you know going in you have a fairly good shot at creating something great. And the three of them did. This is a perfect combination of romance, comedy, suspense and action.You are kept guessing the entire time who is who and since the movie moves so well and is so completely entertaining, you are going to have a great time watching this. Add three actors who would go on to win Supporting Oscars - Walter Matthau, George Kennedy and James Coburn - all of whom are very funny and menacing.
Kennedy, Coburn and Ned Glass make memorable entrances into the movie, one by one, each funnier than the last. I am sure in 1963 this was thought of as a decent movie, no great big deal.
Seen today, next to today's computer-generated movies and movie stars, it looks even better. I am also reminded of the fact that Hollywood cannot even come up with anyone who can hold a candle to Grant and Hepburn in the class department. Maybe certain types of movies are out of style, but the magic of a star is timeless.
Everything you could want in a movie!
posted on 30 Aug 2009Charade is, without a doubt, one of the most delightful movies ever! Not only are the two lead actors, Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, marvelous in well-written roles, but the supporting cast (which includes Walter Matthau, James Colburn, and George Kennedy) is also magnificent. The scenery is beautiful and a great background for a great story. The upbeat music, composed by Henry Mancini, is perfect for this thriller. And of course, the script is wonderful with it's different themes like romance, suspense, and thriller. And you just have to love those comedic quips.
Wonderful teaming of Hepburn and Grant in an exceptionally charming film
posted on 30 Aug 2009This film is a combination thriller/romantic comedy and has a great cast, an excellent script and some lovely locations. Grant and Hepburn make a fine couple and work well together on-screen. The supporting performances are wonderful, particularly James Coburn in a quite menacing turn in a very early role. This film has suspense, romance and one or two hilarious scenes, one a shower scene not likely to be forgotten by anyone who sees this film. Most recommended.
Intelligent mixture of Mystery, Romance, Suspense, and Comedy
posted on 30 Aug 2009The movie Charade is unique, in that it seems to flawlessly blend thegenres of the Mystery of who killed Charles Lampert and his associates,the Romance between Regina Lampert and the elusive 'Peter Joshua', theSuspense Regina experiences trying to figure out what's going on andavoid getting killed, and the ever present comedy, like the way each ofthe victims is killed, and that all of them, except Tex, are found intheir pajamas by the police.Cary Grant, like usual, does an excellent job of portraying hischaracter without dominating the screen, allowing Audrey Hepburn properexposure when they're together; she, of course, returns the favorspectacularly. The other primary actors also give their best, and helpmake the film a pleasant (or frightening, depending on your point ofview) experience for the audience. Walter Matthau is also great, goofyenough to lead you on until you discover who he really is. JacquesMarin is also wonderful as the film's police detective, able to rant andrave about the various complications of the plot without spoiling themovie, or compromising its intent.Overall, I think this is certainly one of Cary Grant's best films, andafter viewing it on DVD for the first time, and reviewing it again withthe audio commentary, I learned more about the film's creation, andenjoyed it more. Overall, I've seen Charade at least six times, andhave thoroughly enjoyed it.
Do you need anything more?
posted on 30 Aug 2009You've got the dream pairing of two of the classiest and most charming stars ever to grace the screen, a suspense thriller that IS worthy of Hitchcock, despite what other reviewers would ahve you think, a very witty script by Broadway librettist Peter Stone, some hilarious comedy, sexy romance, direction 'with flair" by Stanley Donen, a wonderful supporting cast, and music that (As in just about any Henry Mancini film score) is almost as entertaining as the film. From the psychedelic opening credits set to Mancini's Bond-esque theme music, you know "Charade"'s going to be an entertaing movie, and it is! Cary Grant is delightful and suave as ever, audrey was probably never sexier or more chic, (Though some individual "bits" of her acting are unconvincing at times, overall she is great), and Walter Matthau (In an unconventional role for him), James Coburn, George Kennedy, and Ned Glass (The one who was allergic to Hepburn's husband) couldn't be better. The two stars have delightful chemistry and a wonderful repartee going, and the funeral sequence, among others, is truly hilarious.
There IS plenty of suspense, too, as you never really are sure whom to trust and who not to, and the climatic chase sequence is almost as exciting as anything Hitch ever came up with. Pardon the cliche, but they really don't make 'em like this any more.
The Best Film Hitchcock Never Made
posted on 30 Aug 2009It's not surprising that people mistake it for a Hitchcock film, but I would dare to say it's actually better in many ways than most of his works. There's the same subtle sophistication that Hitch achieved in many of his color works, but it's coupled with a potent sexiness lacking in his movies. It's all the more impressive considering Grant's age at the time.True, the symbolism in the film is nowhere near as subtle as Hitchcock's, but it's just plain fun from start to finish. The Mauritius Penny, Hawaiian Blue and other stamps just have to be a nod to "The Purloined Letter." The succession of names Grant goes through in his ongoing charade: Peter Joshua, Alexander Dyle, Adam Canfield, and the rest. Classic and classy. If only I could get my wife to watch movies made before 2001...
Clever "whodunnit" in Paris, with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn.
posted on 30 Aug 2009The opening music for "Charade" sounded so familiar, maybe because in 1963 I was a recent high school graduate and about to turn 18. Cary Grant was 59, starring in his 75th film, and only made two others after this one. Audrey Hepburn was 34, and "Charade" came between two of her most memorable films, "Breakfast at Tiffanys" and "My Fair Lady." In this one she plays an easily love-struck lady who actually makes several plays for the affections of the older Grant.SPOILERS follow, read cautiously.Returning home in Paris from a ski vacation, where she met Grant, she finds the place empty, stripped, no clothes, nothing, her husband had auctioned off everything for $250,000 and was headed for Argentina, his belongings later showed. He is found dead, thrown off a train in rural France, and they suspect he had $250,000 which had been stolen during the war, in 1944. Figuring she had the money now, it appears that 4 others are looking for it, including Grant, Matthau, Coburn, and George Kennedy. But she was clueless. The 3 stamps on the envelope addressed to her were worth $250,000!! One at a time, each of the 4 turn up murdered, until only two remain - Grant and Matthau. Turns out Matthau, playing a CIA agent, is the bad guy, Grant, who is the real government good guy, gets both the upper hand and the girl in the end!Interesting setting for the climax, an empty theater at night, Hepburn is in the cue pit, Matthau is walking towards her on stage, gun in hand, while Grant is below. Just at the last moment, he pulls the trap door release and Matthau falls through.The story is mainly a romantic comedy, with a serious theme. The writing is clever, with a lot of reparte' between Grant and Hepburn, as if the writers delighted in their own cuteness. However, it works well for a 1963 film, but wouldn't go over so well today. A thoroughly enjoyable "whodunnit" that mainly kept me guessing right up to the end, I rate it "8" of 10, and probably would have been a "10" for 1963. It is worth the time just to see Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn at the top of their craft in this film.
Not Hitchcock!!!!
posted on 30 Aug 2009There have been comments saying that this is like a good Hitchcock film. No way. Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn are reduced to being vehicles delivering the writer's one-liners one after the other.Hitchcock would have spent time developing believable characters rather than wasting these great actors.
A Hitchcock classic EXCEPT Hitchcock didn't make it!
posted on 30 Aug 2009Alfred Hitchcock would have been proud to have this film as part of his legacy. That is the compliment one can say about a movie with great twists and turns in the plot, drama, and comedy to boot. Yet this is not a Hitchcock movie but has all the requisite intrigue.Factor in a terrific cast with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn playing wonderfully together. This is a rare movie for Grant. Ordinarily Grant never allowed himself to be filmed with his gray hair exposed, however in this production he allowed himself to be natural. Hepburn is just one of the all-time greats of the movies. A lithe waife of a woman she exudes marvelous style, grace, and sex appeal. James Coburn, Walter Matheau, and George Kennedy help round out the cast and play their roles with typical expertise and aplomb. Charade is one of my very favorites and it'll be yours too.
Audrey fingers Cary's dimpled chin and asks, "How do you shave in there?"
posted on 30 Aug 2009Just one of the many marvelous moments in "Charade", one of Cary Grant's and Audrey Hepburn's best films. There's a quarter of a million dollars floating around instant-widow Hepburn but nobody can SEE IT (it's right in front of their eyes). Filled with running jokes, colorful and eccentric oddities (such as trenchcoat-wearing George Kennedy with his hook and the little guy who won't stop sneezing), funny set-pieces (like the funeral scene, and Audrey's priceless exaggerated reactions) and suspenseful sequences, not to mention Audrey and Cary looking smashing together. This is one of 20 best films ever made, as good as "Casablanca" and "My Fair Lady". In fact, I think it's better.
Wonderful
posted on 30 Aug 2009The first time I saw this movie I was amazed at how wonderful it was. Witty, intelligent, and thoroughly confusing at times, you become engrossed in trying to figure out just who is trustworthy or not. Of course, Cary Grant never hurts to have on-screen, and this is actually my favorite of Audrey Hepburn's roles. It holds up perfectly. If you want to have fun while watching a movie, start here.
Cary Grant and James Coburn
posted on 30 Aug 2009Probably the only other director that could carry off a serious side to Cary Grant successfully. Stanley Donen, already proving himself in 'Indiscreet', displays that now that Grant's alliance with Hitchcock is over, Grant's career is not. Admittedly, Grant's days of romantic-comedies no longer carries any weight inthe 1960's, but the notorious side of him does. In 'Charade', we see shades of 'Suspicion' as well as 'Notorious'. Just who is Cary Grant's character, and is he an antagonist? We loved the suspence. We loved the journey. The romantic comedies between 'North by Northwest' and 'Charade' did not have much kudos for the 60's, but a serious side of Grant was something that could still be explored. In Audrey Hepburn, fresh from 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', we emotionally connected with her as a sort of everyman suspicious of Grant's notorious character. Donen took all of what Grant did before in previous Hitchcock movies (with the exception of 'North by Northwest'), and used it to produce a non-Hitchcock Cary Grant thriller. In addition to this, Donen combines Grant's reputation and skill for romantic-comedies, and uses it in his engagement with Hepburn. This is probably a culmination of 'Suspicion', 'Notorious' and all of Grant's romantic comedies thrown together in the one film, and used to produce a non-Hitchcock thriller. The film gains more weight with James Coburn as a supporting actor, as well as George Kennedy throwing his weight around with Grant. The suspense of the film builds up in a Hitchcockian manner, and you feel that Donen is on to something good here. The question is, does it belong in the Grant canon? If you enjoyed 'Suspicion' and 'Notorious' as well as Grant's romantic comedies like 'My Favourite Wife', then I guess you would want to purchase 'Charade' as part of your Grant library. If you see 'Suspicion' as significant in Grant's career, but not entertaining enough to collect, then you can just learn from the experience to apply to your own career. For me, I have a love-hate relationship with the film. I collected it after my first viewing, and then disposed of it after a while. The one thing that is undisputable, is that the only other director apart from Hitchcock who could capture the serious side of Grant successfully was Stanley Donen, and 'Charade' explains why.