Today’s quick review: Charade. When Regina Lampert (Audrey Hepburn) returns from vacation to her home in Paris, she learns that her wealthy, secretive husband has been murdered and that $250 thousand in his possession has gone missing. Peter Joshua (Cary Grant), a helpful stranger, offers to help her get back on her feet, but the two soon run up against the late Mr. Lampert’s shady associates, who are convinced that Regina has the money.
Charade is a classic crime movie that delivers equal measures of suspense, romance, and comedy. Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant make an excellent duo, both romantically and as amateur sleuths. Audrey Hepburn plays Regina, an innocent yet resourceful young woman who is almost in over her head. Cary Grant makes for a suave but standoffish Peter, and together they search for the missing money and a solution to Regina’s problems.
Charade’s greatest strength is its writing. The mystery features a tangled web of intrigue, sound plot logic, and several interesting twists. The dialogue between Regina and Peter is romance in the classic style: witty, combative, and sweet. However, the writing requires a certain amount of investment to appreciate. Followed closely, it sparkles, but a casual viewer will miss drama and humor alike.
Fans of the classics should give Charade a try. Those who appreciate nuanced relationships, banter, and mystery will find Charade to be a solid, satisfying hit. Those who prefer overt action or comedy or dislike classic romance should give it a miss. For an Audrey Hepburn heist movie in a similar vein, check out How to Steal a Million. For a Cary Grant equivalent, check out To Catch a Thief.
8.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for strong writing and an enjoyable pair of leads.