Part romantic comedy, part espionage thriller, I’ve learned that Charade is often called “the best Hitchcock movie Hitchcock never made”— and yes, I was quite surprised by that because for years I had assumed Charade was part of Hitchcock’s filmography! But no, this movie was directed by Stanley Donen (Singin’ in the Rain, Funny Face), who invokes his inner Hitchcock and blends suspense, charm, and humor into a sleek package, elevated by the unbeatable pairing of Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant.
Audrey Hepburn stars as Regina Lampert, a woman who returns from a vacation to discover her husband has been murdered—and that he was not who he seemed. Thrown into a twisting mystery involving stolen money, menacing strangers, and false identities, she finds herself reluctantly trusting the charming and mysterious Peter Joshua (Cary Grant).
The biggest enjoyment within Charade lies in its two leads. Hepburn is as luminous as ever, blending vulnerability and wit with poise and a wardrobe so stylish that it should have its own shoutout in the credits. Grant, who is probably older than the part may have initially called for, still brings his signature dry humor and charisma. Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, but I must admit that the romantic tension occasionally feels more performative than passionate. I believe Grant was very aware of the age gap between him and Hepburn (which was one of the reasons he declined being in Roman Holiday), and so it makes sense that the romance blossoming between Regina and Peter feels a bit tame.
I also enjoyed the supporting cast quite a bit! Walter Matthau brings a subtle, sinister edge to his seemingly mild-mannered character. At the same time, James Coburn and George Kennedy add some erratic energy to the group of wartime buddies/conspirators. Henry Mancini also lends the film a sophisticated score that enhances both its comedic moments and suspenseful scenes.
What I really loved about Charade is that it knows precisely what kind of movie it wants to be. There is a knowing wink among the increasing body count, and while it is a suspenseful movie, the tone remains pretty light and humorous. The constant questioning of Peter’s true identity amused the hell out of me, thanks to Regina’s reactions to each reveal, and Cary Grant’s comedic timing.
That being said, I found the movie’s plot to occasionally border on convoluted and a bit complicated to follow, especially in the last act. There are so many twists that I wouldn’t be surprised if it ended up confusing some audiences, and perhaps the ending was wrapped up a little too cleanly.
But these are very minor nitpicks in a film that delivers so much entertainment. Charade is a satisfying mix of romance and mystery, carried by two stars at the height of their screen presence and a director who knows how to keep things moving smoothly. It’s not quite Hitchcock, but it’s close enough!
