Charade (1963)
7/10
The best film Hitchcock never made?
21 March 2014
The similarities with Hitchcock's movies are too numerous to mention, other than to comment that CHARADE may well be the best Hitchcock film that he never actually made (that honour goes to Hepburn mainstay Stanley Donen). This is a witty and affectionate comedy/romance/mystery featuring impeccable performances from Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn as two people thrown into a mystery involving a hidden fortune and some deadly foes.

CHARADE has a lot going for it, not least the crisp, neat, early '60s style. Grant is at his charismatic best, even though it's clear he's past his prime here, while Hepburn plays the usual intelligent, glamorous and slightly fragile character that she's so adept at. Film fans will be in their element with the presence of numerous soon-to-be-famous actors, including George Kennedy, James Coburn, and Walter Matthau.

The story twists and turns at a merry place, ably mixing romance with murder and coming off well as a result. I particularly liked Grant's murky character motivations and how you're left constantly wrong-footed as to his character's true intentions. There's little to dislike here.
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