5:26 Um... 59 - 34 = 25, not 15. Sorry about that, folks. I know how to do basic math, I promise! Maybe I said fifteen because I'd just commented that Grant seemed ten years younger than he was...

One of the best Hepburn romantic comedies is How to Steal a Million, Hepburn and Peter O'Toole are great together 😊😊😊😊

Nice Charade with the glasses, Jerome. I, too, remembered the electric relationship far more than the plot. I recalled the background story as a mere McGuffin-quest, and a bumbling one at that. Some visuals are unforgettable, including that golden moment, when I learn the correct spelling of the name "Dyle", as it was pressed into a carpet. This movie is hypnotic and fun. Great getaway film, with two(2) stars I could watch all day long. One source reports that Gary Grant said, "All I want for Christmas is another film with Audrey Hepburn." Ms. Hepburn was a special treasure, because she was a genuinely nice lady in real life. I learned, tonight, about movie industry connections, which I never knew.

JW, "Charade" is my ALL-TIME favorite movie. To me, it is cinematic perfection. A masterpiece. I was going to spill a lot of text here gushing over the movie; but if i did, I'd just be rehashing your entire video. I recall first seeing the movie on TV back in the '70's when I was about 11 years old. What I will say is that "Charade" is the movie that made me love the movies! About 10 years ago, I had the privilege to see "Charade" on the big screen at a vintage movie theatre. What a thrill. Bucket List: Check! SPOILER ALERT: Also, when my wife and I visited Paris on our honeymoon, we were sure to stop by the exterior of the Palais Royale where the climactic shoot-out takes place. And pardon the morbid humor here, but what a creative way for the villain to die... And lastly, given my devoted affection for this film, I refuse to watch the 2002 remake "The Truth about Charlie." I just can't see anything good coming of that. Thanks for your generous and respectable treatment of this movie!!

This is one of those movies I firmly refused to watch for years (for all the wrong reasons, of course) and then, one day I gave in and it was love at first sight. Charade is just perfect in every aspect, as you pointed out. The cast, the script, the rythm, the tone, the style, everything is at its best.

I first watched this movie decades ago. I still enjoy rewatching it. It never gets old.

I'm glad you reviewed CHARADE after my suggestion for CHARADE and THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE TWO THREE---it's hard to believe these two movies at opposite ends of the movie spectrum were written by the same person---Peter Stone (he has a cameo in CHARADE as one of two government officials in the US Embassy elevator). CHARADE is my favorite movie, so I enjoyed your review a lot. I'm also glad to see you picked up on the Chelimsky brother-sister trivia for CHARADE and TWO FOR THE ROAD. Audrey Hepburn was offered a starring role in A BRIDGE TOO FAR, and she grew up near Arnhem, where the "bridge too far" was located, but she turned the role down because she almost starved to death after the Battle of Arnhem, thanks to the Germans (as you mentioned in your review) and the role would have brought back horrible memories from WW II. The Germans executed her grandfather earlier in WW II. Her first food after Arnhem was a chocolate bar given to her by a passing British soldier. Her son said after she achieved stardom, she still kept chocolate bars stashed around her house as a security blanket. Stanley Donen also directed, believe it or not, the sci fi movie SATURN 3 (Kirk Douglas, Farrah Fawcett, Harvey Keitel)---but if you watch it, do so with a clothespin on your nose because this movie emits a really foul odor. Two more review suggestions: 1. I hope you follow up with THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE TWO THREE (and maybe compare it to the Denzel Washington remake). 2. HEAVEN CAN WAIT---Warren Beatty wanted Cary Grant to come out of retirement and co-star with his wife, Dyan Cannon, but Grant decided to stay retired.

I’m a huge Audrey Hepburn fan and I greatly enjoy this film and I’m glad that you like it too! I’m also glad that you talked about Audrey’s dear friend Hubert de Givenchy around 14:50. I’ve read quite a few books on Audrey and I’m glad both of them were so close and that Givenchy designed so many beautiful dresses and clothes that Audrey looked wonderful in. I’m sure you probably knew this but Audrey Hepburn once said, “Givenchy's clothes are the only ones I feel myself in. He is more than a designer, he is a creator of personality.” I own a book called Audrey and Givenchy: A Fashion Love Affair and it has a chapter on Charade in it!

Another attraction for me are the scenes filmed on the Paris Metro with the delightfully antique, yet still vigorous trains rumbling through the station. I can just remember riding on these carriages when visiting Paris as a teenager c.1975, shortly before they were all withdrawn. A recent book, 'Metropolitain - An Ode to the Paris Metro' (Andrew Martin) explores all this vintage charm, and references 'Charade'.

Great job as always Jerome! To Catch a Thief 1955 is a pretty good movie too. Love the sun glasses !

I was once haunting the premises of a,we call them an op shop,you call them a thrift store,when I observed a conversation between a customer and the manageress at the dvd section.The customer was trying to decide what movies might be good to buy? The manageress recommended Charade.Stating that it was a Hitchcock film.She seemed so pleased to relay that nugget of knowledge,that I didn't have the heart to speak up and say"It was directed by Stanley Donen!"I kept quiet.Ignorance can be bliss.That friendly lady did not need to be subjected to my big note desire to correct.Perhaps I should have exited the store dancing.For Mr.Donen. Of course if that happened today.I would just turn to them and say "Watch Jerome Weiselberry she knows where it's at." Thank you.

Another fine analysis, and the shades work too!! I watched Charade some months ago, for the first time. I need to re-watch it again. My first impression was favorable, but not overly enthusiastic. It may have suffered due to watching it along with How to Steal a Million. I liked the OToole/Hepburn pairing better.

I’m a big Stanley Donen fan. He was also a Southerner like Coburn and was also the real life romantic partner of comedienne Elaine May. Altogether a fascinating guy. My favorite line in the whole movie is from Silvie who points out that no matter how miserable Hepburn is, she has “this year’s clothes.” What an era!

Good Morning, Sister Jerome! I first saw CHARADE on its initial release in 1963; I was seven, and I came away with three distinct impressions: A: Cary Grant is beyond cool. B: I 'm in love with Audrey Hepburn (still am.) C: James Coburn with a plastic bag over his head is SERIOUSLY creepy. I've seen this movie many times since then, and I get caught up in its magic with each viewing. Quite often, a film that relies upon a covert McGuffin loses something after the initial viewing; not so with CHARADE. It's a fun, suspenseful, charming ride in a Paris carriage every time. NOTE SPECIFICALLY TO YOU: The shades are charming on you. It's 0040, and 0600 arrives so quickly; bon nuit.

Much like yourself, I couldn't remember what happens in the movie - just the final resolution. So when I saw your review I was thinking "Is that the one with the..."

You're right about Grant's youthful energy! The three bad guys tread close to melodrama territory but not enough to distract or offend.

The success of "Charade" led to another collaboration between Stanley Donen and Peter Stone, "Arabesque" (1966), which paired Gregory Peck and Sophia Loren. It is also a thriller with romantic and comedic touches.

Have any two leading actors ever had better chemistry on screen? An excellent review of a great romantic comedy. Given Hollywood's current state, I can only imagine it being remade today with Jonah Hill in place of Cary Grant and Rachel Zeigler standing in for Audrey Hepburn. Now THAT would be a movie for your next horror-themed review. Please keep reminding us of the great movies of the past. Excelsior Miss Weiselberry!

Very good review of one of my favorite movies!

Thanks for the review. Stanley Donen was an interesting guy. My copy of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" has an excellent director's commentary track that is really interesting and gives you a feel for the challenges he faced. It also describes the tradeoffs that occur when making a movie. After listening to his commentary, it seems like a miracle that a movie gets made at all.

This is quite a remarkable coincidence. On the very day you posted this critique, I watched "Charade" for only the second time since the 1960s. The reason for this lengthy gap is in direct contrast to your experience. The movie had an immense impact on me, to the extent that whenever I contemplated rewatching it, I hesitated out of a fear that it might not live up to my cherished memories. Additionally, I've always harbored a suspicion that the film might in some way serve as a precursor to the early Bond movies, particularly in terms of its titling. Your research has provided confirmation for this notion, and I extend my gratitude. The timeliness of your review is also deeply appreciated.

A great review by you. I love this film and have two copies of it on DVD. I find, like you, that it strikes a great balance of thrills, mystery, romance and comedy, all the cast do a great job in this stylish comedic romantic thriller, it deserves all the praise that it gets.

I'm not sure if this is true, but, in the first appearance of Grant's character, silhouetted in the back-lit doorway, the cameraman pointed out to the director that Grant's ears glowed pink. Donen then had Grant add tape to the back of his ears for the shot. This created a nice solid mysterious silhouette instead of bringing attention to Grant's ears.

Loved the main theme song by Henry Mancini.. What a cast. Besides Grant and Hepburn, there's Walter Matthau, James Coburn, George Kennedy. Wow. Loved this movie and the twist ending. Vastly entertaining from beginning to end.

Great review JW. Love those sunglasses & how they appear / disappear without a word from you. Have you watched Arabesque? Donen directed it a few years after Charade. It was an attempt to repeat the success of Charade but it didn’t quite get there. JW many thanks for the work you do. You & your channel are a real delight. All the best!

I've never seen CHARADE but it looks like a film I would enjoy. Cary Grant always did a great job. He was good in WALK, DON'T RUN and Audrey Hepburn looked lovely! Love your glasses, Jerome! Your videos are always very enjoyable!

Donen made Arabesque a few years later, with Gregory Peck and Sophia Loren. It's in the same vein as Charade but doesn't quite capture the same magic.

Thanks again JW. I haven't seen this movie since i was at last year of primary school in 1971 - i really didnt get romances so well then 😅. Nice call out for Le Samourai, a film I'm more familiar with. And double thanks for mention of the superb Taking of Pelham 123, a film I imagine is very redolent of early 70s New York.

Hello, Ms. Weiselberry. Wonderful work with the review. It's always makes my weekends a little happier to see that a video from you has posted. To be honest, though, Charade has never been one of favorites. There are quite a few Cary Grant or Audrey Hepburn movies I'd watch ahead of this one. It's not because of the age gap, which doesn't bother me at all. Heck, I'm 75 and my wife is 22. (Just kidding.) No, I think my problem with the film is that it tries too hard to be clever. Now, I enjoy witty and even sarcastic dialogue very much, but here it falls flat for me. I'm glad that other people like it, and it certainly is a worthwhile watch. Thanks for your hard work. We all appreciate it. Have a beautiful day.

Charade is a great movie. I loved the developing relationship of Grant and Hepburn. I thought the crime storyline was stronger than the comedy, so I was glad to have a break from that with the bits of comedy.

First watched this with my mom a few months ago, as part of my Cary Grant marathon. She mildly remembered the movie, and almost none of the plot. I loved it--great actors and acting, and a lot of twisty plot turns. The outcome was a surprise. JW, thanks for a great review and history.

My experience with Charade is similar. . . I have seen this movie twice, and can never remember the plot.

I firat saw this on TV when i was a child and that scene with the matches in the phone booth terrified me. Still does. Coburn is quite convincing.

JW, Heres a recommendation: "Who is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?" (1978) It's similar to "Charade" in many ways. It falls into the thriller/romance/comedy sub-genre. Peter Stone writes a witty and intelligent screenplay. Plus, a delicious score by Henry Mancini. Although "Charade" is my #1 movie, this one's in my Top 20. It's great fun, and I'll bet you'll never guess the answer to the title question...! Best regards, Paul

I saw Charade first run. Even as a 17-year-old I had the thought that Hitchcock must have wished he'd directed it. I remember thinking that George Kennedy was going to be a name to watch for in future movies. As to the 'age gap'', the actor Edward Woodward who starred as the original TV Equalizer had it in his contract that at no time would the show pair him romantically or flirtatiously with an ingenue. If you don't remember him by name, he also starred in the superb Breaker Morant and the unforgettable Wicker Man.

My favourite Hepburn movie is How to Steal a Million. I also think O’Toole was her best leading man.

Aw, my second favorite Audrey Hepburn movie. I love this movie. Today marks the 50th anniversary of Roman Holiday, which is my favorite. So good timing of sorts. The ice cream scene is the most memorable for me. This movie is so much fun. The most Hitchcockian non- Hitchcock movie of them all. Along with 2 of my favorite movie stars of all time, it had some great villains. I have to say your taste in movies is fantastic. And I really enjoy your reviews. I'm so glad I found your channel. Also, cute glasses

I've never noticed that.before, but you are right. I love Charade but I can never remember the plot. What I always remember is the great chemistry between Hepburn and Grant. I did not know about Audrey Hepburn's painful past. I have always noticed her maturity beyond her years and now I understand why. Thank you for the thoughtful and interesting review.

I've got my DVR set up to record anything starring Audrey Hepburn, ever since you did a video about her films. I must have watched "Charade" at some point over the past year, as every time it is recorded again, it shows as "already watched". I'm glad you detailed the plot of this film as I couldn't remember it at all. Apparently, this is a movie plot that disappears from the viewer's memory a day or two after watching the film! 😆

Thank you so much for reviewing Charade. I do own this movie and still enjoy watching it. It is a classic, especially containing my favorite actor and actress from that era of cinema. Also, thank you for showing those still shots from the movie itself. Along with the shots of Donen, Mancini and the other Cary Grant films. A shout out to the great sunglasses you were wearing.

For some reason, if I'm not concentrating, I always get this film mixed up with Hopscotch (1980), I think just because Walter Matthau + lighthearted caper + similar sounding names. Both a lot of fun, anyway

It’s funny hearing your thoughts on this film because I feel the same way, I really like this film, really like it but if I don’t watch it for a while i completely forget it’s plot, the performances from Grant and Hepburn are great and memorable as are the performances from Matthau, Coburn and Kennedy. The character interactions are funny and charming and are very memorable but the plot, it’s strange. Charade was on TV here about a month ago and I watched most of it again and although I’ve seen it so many times before it manages to always feel a bit new because I never remember the plot lol. It’s not because the plot is bad, at least I don’t think it is so there must be another reason. I’m going to go with the charisma and star power of Grant and Hepburn are so bright that they create a blinding glare around the plot lol. I believe Charade was released about two or three weeks after President Kennedys assassination so I wonder if it affected the box office in any way. I find it interesting to attempt to picture what the world was like for audiences when a classic film was released, what were the conversations like, Husband to Wife : Would you like to see a film tonight? have some dinner? Wife to Husband : Oh I don’t know, the President was killed a short time ago, Oswald went to a theatre after the shooting, do you think it’d be alright? would people judge us? Husband to Wife : I’m sure it’d be Ok, it’s been a few weeks, the films got Grant and Hepburn. Wife to Husband : Grant! I’ll get my coat you start the car lol. Whenever I watch Charade and Stanley Donens name pops up I always think oh yeah! I forgot Donen directed this. Donen was very talented, he made a science fiction film too titled Saturn 3. I need to give 1776 a rewatch and wouldn’t mind seeing The Taking of Pelham 123 again, it’s so good and that final shot of Matthau’s face is fantastic, interesting that Charade and Pelham both have a memorable shot of a main character making a face when a door is opened. Audrey Hepburn’s hats in this do look kinda funny lol. I never really noticed until you mentioned it. Another terrific review and the classic style glasses were a great touch, you wouldn’t be out of place chatting to Cary Grant at a table outside a 1960s French cafe. ~ Happy Sunday and thank you Ms Weiselberry ~

It's been five years since I've last watched Charade, but I remember it being quirky while being legitimately suspenseful, too. I would like to watch it again, though. Also, the sunglasses shift at the beginning is pretty hilarious. lol Great review and as always, I look forward to the next video, J!

Grant is a handsome man with a lovely voice and a suave, urbane manner so it isn't difficult to imagine a much younger woman being attracted to him. I am the same age as Grant when he starred in Charade and, whilst I'm in decent physical shape, I would look like a goblin if I appeared next to Hepburn, she is so elegant and beautiful. Thanks for another great review.

Any movie with Cary Grant as the romantic lead is a good date movie.

Great review. I love Charade. And seem to be one of the few who enjoys the remake, The Truth About Charlie. I get people who are thrown by it because, instead of a bouncy Hitchcock pastiche, it's Jonathan Demme's stylistic love letter to French New Wave cinema, but once that clicked with me, I really got into it. But Charade made me a life-long fan of Peter Stone's writing, and I could delight in his dialogue any time.

Another great review. I was familiar with the film and the cast, but I really appreciated your deep dive into the connections behind the scenes regarding Donen, Binder, Stone, etc. Your insights and eloquent presentation are always excellent; you could easily make a career of this (if you’re not already). Keep up the great work!

Thank you for your fine review of one of my favorite classic films. Based on one of your comments, I plan to check out Le Samourai, although it must lack the star power of Charade.

One of my favorite movies. The star-power was off the charts and is simply unmatched by any couple nowadays That was extraordinarily comprehensive for 16 minutes. Well done!

I thought I was the only one who couldn't remember this movie. It is nice to know that I am not alone 😂

As you say Peter Stone also wrote Mirage. Walter Matthau has a good guest star role in it. He meets Gregory Peck when he visits his office. His secretary isn't there and Matthau is eating sandwiches and offers Peck one.. Sound familiar? More callbacks with North by North West. I think there were deliberate references to Roger Thornhill like the comically indestructible suit ending up in the shower and the multible divorces. Yet another connection, Ned Glass is in NBNW as a ticket clerk who tries to catch Grant! I loved your reaction. You are the only person I've heard mention the little boy which was great to hear. I'm pretty sure that he wasn't available for the ski resort opening. They used a look a like child, rightly thinking that at the first screen meeting between Grant and Hepburn, no one was going to be looking at the kid who was played by Mark Lester who 5 years later would star in Oliver.

Saw this movie about 6 months ago because I am a Audrey Hepburn fan being said. Reality Enjoy this film all around very good and entertaining. Thank you for your review till next time Bye!

I adore Charade and am always compelled to defend it from film snob acquaintances of mine that dismiss it as Hitchcock light. The plot is solid i.m.o. but, as you correctly point out, secondary to the sparkling chemistry between Hepburn and Grant. They're magical together.

Charade is truly a lot of fun and the chemistry and charisma of Grant and Hepburn helps a lot. It's a great time. Nice review!

Easily one of my favorite films, especially since it has both Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. Most people would call it "the best Hitchcock movie that Hitchcock never made," but am I the only one who finds myself comparing it to the early James Bond films from the same time period, particularly with the usage of spies as well as the title theme having a Bond-like guitar riff, even having Maurice Binder doing the main titles?

Loving the "I'm hiding but in the most conspicuous way" glasses. Good call on The Lady Vanishes and The 39 Steps, people need to dust those off and enjoy them more often., plus I will consider this a recommendation of Le Samourai. Papa was a rolling Peter Stone. Zhee-vawn-shee, got it, always wondered, thanks. I tend to give this a jaded pass, but I should probably pay proper attention to it next time it pops up. I appreciate you, Rome, and owl be seeing you.

I agree with your highly positive review.🤩💥🥳 I've watched Charade several times and will again. When the parts are all splendid and yet the whole sums up to be still greater - what a triumph!

I always loved that movie... I never really noticed the age difference.

Great review. There were no spoilers and you talked about the writer which some people don't do when talking about movies.

I remember seeing this film at the cinema. This is truly a great film, with great performances. Many thanks, Jerome.

great, comprehensive review of a great movie!

I was going to comment on this after I watched your video a second time - watched it first shortly after you posted it. However, I decided to watch the movie again. Don't think I've watched it since I got the Criterion version - it is in public domain, so there are cheap versions out there which I had and replaced. The Criterion DVD looks good - maybe blu-ray would be better. I like this movie, but I don't love this movie. I feel that I should like it more - not sure why I don't. Grant is my favorite actor and Hepburn is very beautiful as always. I think her performance is uneven here, but it's not her fault. She does good with the dramatic scenes, but seems over the top with the comedy stuff - writer or director's fault maybe. I do remember the plot somewhat, so I didn't have your trouble. One scene I remembered that I'm surprised you didn't mention was when she says, "You know what's wrong with you... (what)... nothing." That sets up the scene you reference where Grant tells her that she's lovely - that is a good scene and they are good together. Wonder if this relationship has a chance at lasting when they've met under such weird circumstances. Fun to wonder about. I agree that the age difference isn't a problem for me. She's 34 and quite grown up. I also agree that this movie is similar to To Catch a Thief. Although the age difference is more pronounced in that one. This is definitely a Hitchcockian film. Not necessarily a bad thing, but not as good as good Hitchcock. The comedy is weird sometimes - the orange scene is bizarre. Grant making that weird face at the end is weird, as is the gun fake-out at the beginning. Bottom line is that I do like this film and would recommend it.

I'm generally not a Cary Grant fan, but I do like a few of his movies. Father Goose(1964), mentioned, is one of my favorites, but I was pleasantly surprised by People Will Talk(1951) when I saw it a few years ago. The shifts of tone in Charade are a little too much for me. It's too goofy at times for a thriller, and too dire for a romantic comedy. I think North by Northwest handles this much better. I can enjoy Charade, but I think I have to tune out a little bit when Grant and Hepburn aren't on screen together. (Although, compared to movies like The Italian Job(1969) or Casino Royale(1967), Charade could be a lot worse.) Also, you mentioned being thrown by the non sequitur dialog. I didn't mind it. It's a (maybe not so) subliminal indication that the characters probably have ulterior motives. If you need a scene to be both unsettling and funny, good non sequitur banter is an efficient way to do it.

Lovely review - rather surprisingly Donen also directed Cook and Moore in the original Bedazzled - which is also a fun movie. Also cool that you like Pelham - I consider it one of the greatest "character actor movies" of all time with all those little-known New Yorkers absolutely perfect in their many roles.

Jerome looking like Jackie O in this video

You have done it again, another interesting and entertaining review! Thank you!!!

Cary Grant's aura and charm was able to overcome the age gaps. I never thought Bogart overcame it in Sabrina. I can't re-watch Hatari! with the near 30 year age gaps in that film.

Hello J. I know I've seen Charade from beginning to end, and all I can recall is Grant taking his suit into the shower and then sending it off to be cleaned, all to make the Audrey character laugh, I guess? I have trouble making heads or tales of this type of movie; I might call it James Bond Syndrome. 'Wait, we were in Austria, and now we're in Jamaica? With scuba gear on? And now we're in a casino? But why??' You mentioned Father Goose. Saw it as a kid, thought it was kind of silly. Gave it another chance last month - same exact reaction. Funny in spots though. Have a great week, enjoy the holiday.

It is rather interesting how Cary Grant had problems with the age gap between him and Audrey Hepburn in this film when his own brides and girlfriends are slightly younger. Although personal life is his own business as long all parties are consenting. Despite that, the chemistry betweem Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant is amazing to the point you forget the age gap. Half the time when Grant mentions it, it just comes off like an adult not use to their new surroundings. I love this film, loved it for years. At first viewing, my sister and I thought it was a Hitchcock film because it would come out just after To Catch A Thief on AMC, we thought the same for 1944 Gaslight for a while too.

You're too cool in those shades 😎. Thanks for sharing my friend. I enjoyed. Keep up the great work👍🎬👍

I love this film. I haven't seen it in years and I actually remember learning about it. It was featured in Pretty Woman, and having always been a Grant fan for a very long time, I chased down what that movie was showing in that late night hotel room scene. Oh, Jerome, nice sunglasses! Very Hepburn!

Love your buddy Godzilla over your left shoulder there. I’ve yet to see any youtuber tackle it’s a mad mad mad mad world yet. Could be interesting.

I watched this movie only once about 25 years ago. It's still one of my favorite non-Hitchcock Hitchcockian films, along with Gaslight and Witness for the Prosecution.

I've seen Charade twice, with my daughter, when she was in high school. Once before she left to go to Paris as an exchange student, and then again when she returned, so she could say, "I was there, and I saw that, and I was there too!" Aren't those the sunglasses you wore for your 'To Catch a Thief' review?

Thanks for this neat movie review!

Grant and Hepburn are fantastic in this movie. It's fun, romantic ... it has what you need to be entertained from start to finish. I have seen it many times. Your review makes me want to rewatch it again right away. You look classy with those sunglasses. Thank you for all your wonderfull reviews of old classics and other oldies.

New to your channel and I love it. You're a joy to watch, funny, smart and very likable. I'm hooked. Also, your movie reviews are fantastic, very informative but also very entertaining. Well done.

Echoes of North by Northwest include: Cary Grant traveling between rooms via the outside of a building, Cary Grant hanging above a precipice with a villain standing over him, Cary Grant not taking a normal shower, a man and woman conversing via nearby phone booths, a director cameo, Ned Glass in the cast, Bartholomew being impersonated just like “This isn’t Mr. Townsend.”

One of my favorite movie .

Great review of a wonderful film. I hope you don't mind me being "that guy," but Donen is pronounced DAH-nen even though there is only one 'n' in the name. Otherwise, I enjoyed your thorough and insightful comments very much, and it makes me want to watch the film again.

I'm a big fan of Carey Grant's flicks and haven't seen this one! I don't know how I missed it. Unfortunately for me, I judge all other Grant movies by North by Northwest standards and get dissapointed when they dont meet that standard. It set a very high bar. Maybe I should lover my expectations a tad.

Loved the film and loved the review! Thanks so much. I well remember the song. It certainly got a lot of airplay at the time. Glad you mentioned that. I like the glasses/somehow see a kind of an affinity betwixt you, Hepburn and, er, owls goin' on here.

The plot seems straight forward and plausible to me.

Golly it must be lovely to spend time with someone who says things like,, I love the taking of Pelham one two three 🎉 crikey my life is rubbish 😢 I have an equal affinity for the movies mentioned here and yr wonderful discussive reviews,, I wonder if it would be possible to hear yr reflections on two similar films,, In Name Only (1939) and,, Made For Each Other (1939) 🎉✨😏💐 x thank you for your passion 🎆🎇🎆🌌🌠🌌🌌🏆🔥

Love that review I would love to hear your opinion on the 1948 Movie Enchantment with David Niven and Teresa Wright

Plot seems quite straightforward though not *quite convincing at times - but the stars' chemistry and Walter Matthau as surprise villain make up for a lot.

Fantastic and thorough as usual. Thanks for the great content 👍

Seems like the leading men and women back then were so “ grown up” . Which possibly accounts for the blurring of the age gaps between stars in those days. Younger starlets seemed to have a maturity about them and a mature physicality too which todays stars lack. People cite George Clooney but he is nowhere near as suave worldly and sophisticated as Cary Grant. An example of another very sophisticated “ grown up “ film is “ Indiscreet ” Something one really doesn’t see in movies anymore .

I've never seen this one before. Going to watch it now. Thanks, JW!

This being the first of these romantic thrillers, it is still the best. I like some of the others that followed like Arabesque and Mirage, but Charade is better. Henry Mancini’s music is so prominent, one of my favorite composers to this day. Another thriller you might want to check out is the black and white Experiment in Terror (1962), directed by Blake Edwards. Also a fabulous score by Mancini. It’s not light hearted or a romance, just a serious thriller, but it really starts with a bang and keeps you glued all the way to the end. Great San Francisco locations. Terrific cast with Lee Remick and Glenn Ford. A lot of great stuff came out of the early to mid 1960s.

You were awesome in Death Stranding! Big Jerome Weiselberry fan btw

It looks like a James Bond movie in the way that you could have replaced Grant with Sean Connery and changed the plot to involve the Russians and everyone would have gone along with it.

Please don't be concerned about one mathematical error Miss Weiselberry. From what I can gather it seems almost no one in contemporary Hollywood can do math, period. Consider the lunatic sums spent on so many sub-standard fare over the last few decades.

As everyone says, Charade is the best Hitchcock film Hitchcock never made. It is one of those films in my canon that I can watch over and over again. It is the perfect light romantic mystery. It was, of course, as you are aware, remade in 2002 as "The Truth About Charlie," with Samantha Mumba doing a reasonable job in the Audrey Hepburn role. With a more competent director, it might have been a better movie. It was too light to be taken seriously and the characters were too tame for an outlandish movie. I'd be interested in your take on it.

Such a great film 👍👍

I have an urge to count the dots...

Great review

Thanks for this wonderfully detailed review, Jerome! I like "Charade" a great deal, though I do tend to prefer Hitchcock's films (the wonderful "The 39 Steps", "The Lady Vanishes" and "North by Northwest" which you mentioned). I think I just prefer the continuous tension that Hitchcock has in his thrillers even when they have quite a bit of humor. Like you before watching this movie again, I generally think mostly of Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn and how delightful they are together when I think of "Charade" rather than the plot. As a thriller, I think that says something. The romantic and comedic aspects stand out to me more. That said, it's a winner and a keeper! I was fascinated by all the connections to other great movies, scripts, and roles that you pointed out involving Grant, Hepburn, Donen, Mathau, the child actors and Peter Stone. That was great to learn! I must admit that I would never have thought to compare "Charade" with "Le Samourai" because I usually associate that movie with the other fatalistic works by the great Jean-Pierre Melville. I also associate it with other noir-inspired, typically fatalistic French films like "Breathless". You made some great points in the comparison, though, and I can see it now, especially in terms of a gradation from "To Catch a Thief" to "Charade" to "Le Samourai". Interesting!

There are so many plot twists that at times, it's hard to follow. But the scenery and scenery of GC and Audrey together are magic chemistry. OS - there was a 24 year age gap between the pair.

Never thought much of Hepburn as. An actress until robin and Maryann… her movies were are so over the top style wise…. Then I realized what I had been missing….