Charade (1963)

Last updated:
August 22, 2025

Charade (1963), directed by Stanley Donen, is a sparkling blend of romance, suspense, and mystery often described as “the best Hitchcock movie Hitchcock never made.” With Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn at the helm, it delivers charm, wit, and enough twists to keep audiences guessing until the very end.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Paris, Secrets, and a Murder

The story opens with Regina “Reggie” Lampert (Audrey Hepburn) on vacation in the French Alps, where she tells her friend she plans to divorce her husband, Charles. When she returns to Paris, she finds her apartment stripped bare and is informed by the police that her husband has been murdered. At his funeral, a series of strange men appear, each with peculiar behavior, hinting at secrets from her husband’s past.

Enter Peter Joshua (Or Is It?)

Reggie meets the suave yet mysterious Peter Joshua (Cary Grant), who offers his help. Soon after, she is contacted by CIA agent Hamilton Bartholomew (Walter Matthau), who tells her her late husband had stolen $250,000 during World War II and that his former accomplices believe she knows where it is.

The Three Men and the Missing Fortune

The three men—Tex Panthollow (James Coburn), Leopold Gideon (Ned Glass), and Herman Scobie (George Kennedy)—are all after the money. One by one, they turn up dead under mysterious circumstances, leaving Reggie unsure who to trust. Even Peter’s identity begins to shift; he keeps introducing himself under different names, making Reggie (and the audience) doubt his intentions entirely.

Race Through Paris

The tension mounts as Reggie and “Peter” are pursued through Paris. Clues point toward the money being hidden in plain sight. This culminates in a thrilling sequence inside a theater, where the true villain finally reveals himself.

Movie Ending

In the climax, it’s revealed that the real villain is not one of the dead accomplices but the supposed CIA agent, Bartholomew. His real name is Carson Dyle, a surviving member of the original group who has been manipulating events to get the money for himself.

The final confrontation happens in a shadow-filled scene at the Théâtre-Français, where Dyle corners Reggie. Peter—who now reveals his actual name as Brian Cruikshank, a genuine U.S. government agent—arrives in time. Using a clever bit of stage mechanics, Reggie traps Dyle in a trapdoor and he falls to his death.

The mystery of the missing $250,000 is solved when it’s discovered that the fortune was hidden in rare stamps Charles had attached to an envelope. Reggie had them the whole time without realizing their value.

In the lighthearted final moments, Reggie decides she wants to marry Brian but insists on marrying all his “aliases” to be safe. The film ends with playful banter, wrapping up the tension with romance and comedy.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. Charade predates the era of post-credits stingers. Once the credits roll, the story is complete.

Type of Movie

A blend of romantic comedy, mystery, and thriller with espionage elements.

Cast

Audrey Hepburn as Regina Lampert
Cary Grant as Peter Joshua / Alexander Dyle / Adam Canfield / Brian Cruikshank
Walter Matthau as Hamilton Bartholomew / Carson Dyle
James Coburn as Tex Panthollow
George Kennedy as Herman Scobie
Ned Glass as Leopold Gideon

Film Music and Composer

Score by Henry Mancini, whose jazzy, playful music gives the film its signature energy. The main theme, “Charade,” became an instant classic and is one of Mancini’s most memorable works.

Filming Locations

Shot primarily in Paris, including iconic spots like the Palais-Royal, the Théâtre-Français, and along the Seine. These locations enhance the romantic yet dangerous atmosphere, anchoring the suspense in a real, vibrant city.

Awards and Nominations

Nominated for Best Song at the Academy Awards (Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer).
Won the Edgar Award for Best Motion Picture Screenplay.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Cary Grant initially turned down the role because he felt he was too old for Audrey Hepburn; the script was rewritten to have her character pursue him.
Audrey Hepburn’s wardrobe was entirely designed by Hubert de Givenchy, adding elegance and style that became part of the film’s identity.
Filming in Paris drew large crowds, often making it difficult to shoot street scenes.

Inspirations and References

The story was inspired by the tradition of romantic thrillers and screwball comedies from the 1930s–40s, as well as Hitchcock’s North by Northwest (1959).

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

No alternate endings are officially known, though some deleted comedic exchanges between Hepburn and Grant were cut for pacing.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The screenplay by Peter Stone was first turned into a novella published in Redbook magazine under the same name before being expanded for the screen. The novella is a leaner version with fewer comedic beats.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The funeral where the strange men check if the corpse is really dead.
Reggie’s rooftop escape from Scobie.
The tense stamp auction.
The shadow-filled theater climax.

Iconic Quotes

“You know what’s wrong with you? Nothing.” – Cary Grant as Brian Cruikshank
“Oh, I love you, Adam… Alex… Peter… Brian… whatever your name is.” – Audrey Hepburn as Reggie Lampert
“It’s your money, and you’ll cry if you want to.” – Peter Joshua

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Henry Mancini’s theme plays subtly in background scenes before being fully introduced.
Cary Grant’s changing names mirror classic spy tropes and poke fun at his own suave screen persona.

Trivia

Public domain status: Due to a copyright renewal mistake, the film entered the public domain in the U.S., making it widely available.
Cary Grant’s suits were custom-made in London and tailored specifically for the action sequences.

Why Watch?

It’s a rare combination of wit, romance, and suspense with impeccable chemistry between two Hollywood legends. If you like North by Northwest but want more playful banter, Charade is essential viewing.

Charade (1963)