Charade

Plot

Regina Lampert meets the charming Peter Joshua while on a skiing holiday in the French Alps, but upon returning to Paris, she discovers her husband has been murdered and their apartment completely emptied. At the embassy, she learns that her late husband was involved in stealing $250,000 during World War II along with three other men: Tex, Scobie, and Gideon, who now believe she knows where the money is hidden. Peter offers to help her navigate the dangerous situation, but as mysterious figures begin pursuing her and multiple attempts are made on her life, Regina questions Peter's true identity and motives. The plot thickens as Regina discovers her husband had multiple passports and identities, while Peter reveals he's actually working for the U.S. government investigating the stolen money. In a climactic revelation, Regina realizes the money was hidden in plain sight all along - converted into valuable stamps on letters her husband had sent her - and the true villain is revealed to be the seemingly helpful CIA administrator Hamilton Bartholomew.

Historical Background

Charade was released in December 1963, just weeks after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which cast a shadow over American popular culture. The film emerged during the height of the Cold War, reflected in its CIA and espionage themes. The early 1960s also saw the rise of the James Bond franchise with Dr. No (1962) and From Russia with Love (1963), creating public fascination with spy stories and international intrigue. The film's Paris setting capitalized on the era's romanticization of Europe as a sophisticated playground for wealthy Americans. The movie's production coincided with significant changes in Hollywood's studio system, with independent productions and location shoots becoming more common. The film's blend of European sophistication and American entertainment values reflected the cultural exchange happening between the continents during this period.

Making Of

The production of Charade faced several unique challenges during its Paris location shoot. The French film industry was initially resistant to the American production, requiring extensive negotiations for filming permits. Cary Grant, known for his professionalism, was reportedly difficult during filming, often questioning director Stanley Donen's decisions. However, this tension reportedly contributed to the film's dynamic energy. Audrey Hepburn, who was pregnant during production, had her costumes specially designed to conceal her condition. The film's famous shower scene where Hepburn's character is attacked was particularly challenging to shoot, requiring special waterproof cameras and careful choreography. The Paris locations, including the Seine River banks and the Palais-Royal gardens, were chosen specifically to showcase the city's romantic atmosphere, though filming in public spaces often drew crowds of onlookers. The chemistry between Grant and Hepburn developed gradually during filming, with both actors initially finding the age gap awkward but eventually embracing it as part of their characters' dynamic.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Charles Lang Jr. showcases Paris as both a beautiful backdrop and an active participant in the story. Lang employed a naturalistic style that contrasted with the more artificial look of many Hollywood films of the era, taking full advantage of the authentic Paris locations. The film uses a variety of visual techniques to enhance its dual nature as both romance and thriller, including romantic, soft-focus lighting for the intimate scenes between Grant and Hepburn, and harsher, more dramatic lighting for the suspense sequences. The famous chase scene through the Paris Metro uses innovative camera work and editing to create tension while maintaining visual clarity. Lang's use of color is particularly noteworthy, with Hepburn's wardrobe often providing pops of color against the more muted Paris backgrounds. The film's visual style helped establish the template for location-based thrillers that would follow.

Innovations

While not groundbreaking in terms of technical innovation, Charade demonstrated excellence in several technical aspects of filmmaking. The film's location shooting in Paris required innovative approaches to sound recording, particularly in public spaces where ambient noise was an issue. The special effects, while minimal, were effectively used in scenes such as the fight in the elevator and the final confrontation. The film's editing by Jim Clark was particularly notable for its ability to balance the different genre elements, using faster cuts during suspense sequences and more leisurely pacing for romantic moments. The costume design by Givenchy, while not a technical achievement per se, required innovative solutions for Hepburn's changing figure during filming. The film's title sequence, designed by Maurice Binder, was influential in its use of abstract imagery and typography to set the film's tone. The production's ability to maintain visual consistency across diverse Paris locations was technically impressive for its time.

Music

Henry Mancini's score for Charade is considered one of his finest works, perfectly capturing the film's blend of romance, mystery, and comedy. The main theme, 'Charade,' with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, became an instant jazz standard and has been recorded by numerous artists including Andy Williams, Ella Fitzgerald, and Mel Tormé. Mancini incorporated French musical elements, including accordion and musette influences, to evoke the Paris setting. The score uses leitmotifs for different characters and situations, with Peter's theme being sophisticated and slightly mysterious, while Regina's theme is more romantic and vulnerable. The music during suspense scenes uses dissonant harmonies and unusual instrumentation to create tension, while the romantic scenes feature lush string arrangements. The soundtrack album was highly successful and helped establish Mancini's reputation as one of Hollywood's premier composers. The score's ability to shift seamlessly between different moods while maintaining a cohesive identity is often cited as a masterclass in film scoring.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where Regina's husband is thrown from a moving train, setting the mystery in motion with dramatic visual flair.
• The first meeting between Regina and Peter on the ski slopes, where their witty banter establishes immediate chemistry.
• The shower scene where Regina is attacked, combining vulnerability with sudden terror in a claustrophobic setting.
• The chase through the Paris Metro, utilizing the underground tunnels and trains for maximum suspense.
• The scene at the flea market where Regina discovers the valuable stamps hidden among her husband's letters.
• The final confrontation in the embassy office where all identities are revealed and the mystery is solved.
• The rooftop fight scene combining action with comedy as Peter struggles with his attackers.
• The romantic boat ride on the Seine where Peter and Regina's relationship deepens despite the danger.
• The scene at the embassy where Regina learns the truth about her husband's past and the stolen money.
• The final kiss scene with the orange, perfectly encapsulating the film's blend of romance and humor.

What Critics Said

Upon release, Charade received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. Bosley Crowther of The New York Times praised it as 'the most delightful and sophisticated comedy-thriller of the year,' highlighting the chemistry between Grant and Hepburn. Time magazine called it 'a sparkling entertainment that manages to be both witty and genuinely suspenseful.' Modern critics continue to regard the film highly; Roger Ebert included it in his 'Great Movies' collection, calling it 'the best Hitchcock film Hitchcock never made.' The film holds a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics consensus noting its 'charming performances, stylish direction, and clever plot twists.' Contemporary reviewers particularly praise the film's ability to balance multiple genres seamlessly, its sophisticated dialogue, and the visual elegance of its Paris setting. The movie is often cited as a perfect example of classic Hollywood craftsmanship at its most refined.

What Audiences Thought

Charade was a commercial success, earning $13.5 million against its $4 million budget, making it one of the more profitable films of 1963. Audiences responded particularly well to the star power of Grant and Hepburn, whose pairing was seen as a dream team despite the age difference. The film's blend of humor, romance, and suspense appealed to a broad demographic, from teenagers to older moviegoers. Over the decades, Charade has developed a strong cult following, with many considering it a perfect date movie. Its frequent television broadcasts and wide availability due to public domain status have made it familiar to multiple generations. Modern audiences continue to discover the film through streaming platforms and classic film revivals, with many praising its timeless appeal and sophisticated entertainment value. The film's reputation has grown over time, with many considering it superior to many contemporary thrillers despite its age.

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