Charade (Criterion)
The Criterion Collection
A young American in Paris (Audrey Hepburn) flees a trio of crooks who are trying to recover the fortune her late husband stole from them. The only person she can trust is a suave stranger (Cary Grant). A deliciously dark comedic thriller, Stanley Donen's Charade dazzles with style and macabre wit to spare. Criterion is proud to present this '60s suspense classic in a gorgeous widescreen transfer.
Member Reviews
Exciting stuff. - Superdave
Here, director Stanley Donen not only weaves together the usual Hitchcock suspense thriller elements - a man (or in this case a couple) on the run from ruthless villains, crackling situation comedy dialogue and a romantic subplot that plays out between all of the runnings about - he actually sneaks in all kinds of trademark Hitchcock visual devices to thrill audiences familiar with the master's work. Hitchcock loved to exploit the audience's fear of heights, for instance, and darned if people in this film aren't standing on ledges and looking over railings etc. The locale is, of course, a foreign one, Paris in this case. And Hitchcock regular Cary Grant is here too, with ultra-chic Audrey Hepburn along and fitting the Continental setting perfectly as she so often did. The 'McGuffin', the device that gets the plot rolling, turns out to be some missing money that a criminal gang assume Audrey has in her possession. Cary comes to her rescue. Or is he working his own angle on her? Her suspicions play beautifully off her developing romantic interest, just as every other element in the film fits together seamlessly. The jokes all work, the thrills thrill, the fast paced segments really move, and Audrey and Cary have fabulous romantic and comedic chemistry together. The production design is gorgeous and posh-looking, yet filled with menacing shadows and glaring lights - more of Hitch's visual devices - and Audrey looks suitably lovely in her trademark Givenchy outfits. And it's not all just a trifling style-piece either. The spy-thriller business at the plot's center, without giving too much away, is logical and compelling. When the movie is over, a viewer is conscious of having had an entirely satisfactory entertainment experience. Unfortunately, this was a one-shot for Cary, Audrey and Stanley. With all of the silly spy nonsense that came out in the mid-60s, I would love to have seen this group team up for another go. Didn't happen.The Quintessential Romantic Comedy Thriller - c4th
Charade is a very special movie. It is the only true romantic comedy thriller I know. The tone and feel of both genres are magnificently woven together in a movie that you will swear was a Hitchcock creation.
I first fell in love with Audrey Hepburn while watching this movie. The chemistry between her and Cary Grant is amazing. Although Reggie (Hepburn) shows outward hesitation in accepting the constant flow of half truths from the mysterious Peter (Grant) there is no mistaking she is gradually succumbing to his boyish charm and desperately wants to trust the feelings growing in her heart.
Her trust and hesitation are constantly tested in a cat and mouse race full of unsettling events with clever twists and turns. A band of unsavoury characters are convinced Reggie holds the clues to the whereabouts of their missing fortune and they will stop at nothing to avenge the double crossing actions of her ex-husband. Uncertainty prevails to the very end.
This is one of the few gems that can be enjoyed equally by romantics and thrill seekers. If you are both then prepare yourself for the quintessential movie.It is what it isn't - TaBobo
They come much better than this. Grant! Hepburn! Matthu! Coburn! even Kennedy!
A perfect mix of comedy, suspense, drama and action. The writing, directing, editing, cinematography all work together to make one of my most favorite films.
I dare say Hepburn even better here than in "Paris When It Sizzles" (which I recommend) and Grant is better here than "North By Northwest" (which of course I recommend)
Member Reviews
Read All...
Exciting stuff. - Superdave
Here, director Stanley Donen not only weaves together the usual Hitchcock suspense thriller elements - a man (or in this case a couple) on the run from ruthless villains, crackling situation comedy dialogue and a romantic subplot that plays out between all ...The Quintessential Romantic Comedy Thriller - c4th
Charade is a very special movie. It is the only true romantic comedy thriller I know. The tone and feel of both genres are magnificently woven together in a movie that you will swear was a Hitchcock creation.
I first fell in love with Audrey Hepburn ...It is what it isn't - TaBobo
They come much better than this. Grant! Hepburn! Matthu! Coburn! even Kennedy!
A perfect mix of comedy, suspense, drama and action. The writing, directing, editing, cinematography all work together to make one of my most favorite films.
I dare ...