Review of Charade (1963) by Lorenzo V — 05 Oct 2009

"Well, what did you expect me to say? That a pretty girl with an outrageous manner means more to an old pro like me than a quarter of a million dollars?".

Romance and suspense in Paris, as a woman is pursued by several men who want a fortune her murdered husband had stolen. Who can she trust?

REVIEW.

Slick, sophisticated and extremely charming are the most widely used adjectives to describe Stanley Donen's Charade; and this career highlight is still a great testament to his talent, particularly in view of the Jonathan Demme remake 40 years later. Getting the right doses of romance, comedy and thrills into one picture is difficult enough, but the mixture here is nothing short of miraculous. The funeral scene is witty beyond words. Stylish flourishes abound, making even the individual elements of the film outstanding: the animated Maurice Binder titles driven by Mancini's exceptional theme music; the Paris locations and production design; Peter Stone's slyly written banter; a cast of extraordinary character players; and even Ms. Hepburn's hip Givenchy wardrobe. Donen, Grant and Hepburn really deliver and Charade, as light and satisfying as it all is, is something of a minor cinema masterpiece.