TEHRAN- “Charade”, a 1963 romantic comedy film by American film director Stanley Donen, was reviewed at the Arasbaran Cultural Center in Tehran on Wednesday. 

Film critics Kurosh Jahed and Amir Qaderi attended a screening of the film followed by a review session.

In “Charade”, director weaves a complex web of suspense, romance, and humor that has captivated audiences for generations. The film's clever screenplay, penned by Peter Stone and Marc Behm, has been praised for its wit and charm, earning it the nickname "the best Hitchcock movie Hitchcock never made."

Starring the incomparable Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, “Charade” is a thrilling ride, as the heroine Regina "Reggie" Lampert (Hepburn) navigates a tangled web of espionage, theft, and deception. The film's cast also features a talented ensemble, including Walter Matthau, James Coburn, George Kennedy, and Dominique Minot.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Paris and its picturesque landmarks, “Charade” follows Reggie as she returns from a holiday in the French Alps to find her apartment stripped bare and her husband murdered. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she discovers that her husband was part of a group of four men who stole $250,000 in gold during World War II. The three surviving members of the group – Herman Scobie, Leopold W. Gideon, and Tex Panthollow – are now on the hunt for the missing loot, with Reggie unwittingly caught in the middle.

Enter Peter Joshua (Grant), a charming American who claims to be Carson Dyle's brother, Alexander. As Reggie navigates the treacherous landscape of espionage and deception, she finds herself falling for Peter's charms, even as she struggles to unravel the truth about her husband's past.

Throughout the film, Reggie's wit and determination propel her forward as she outsmarts her pursuers and uncovers clues that lead her closer to the truth. Along the way, she encounters a cast of colorful characters, each with their own secrets and motivations.

As the stakes grow higher and the tension builds, “Charade” shifts seamlessly between genres, blending suspense thriller with romance and comedy. The film's witty dialogue and clever plot twists keep viewers on their toes as they try to keep up with Reggie's rapid-fire deductions and clever escapes.

In the end, Reggie finds herself trapped in a series of predicaments as she navigates the treacherous world of espionage. But with her quick wit and resourcefulness, she outsmarts her foes and finds love in the unlikeliest of places. As she marries Brian Cruikshank (Grant), a U.S. Treasury agent responsible for recovering stolen government property, Reggie knows that their future will be filled with adventure and laughter.

In 2022, “Charade” was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." The film's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless charm and wit.

“Charade” is a true classic of American cinema, a witty and whimsical romp through Paris that has captivated audiences for generations. With its clever plot twists, charming performances, and stunning locations, it's no wonder why this film has become a beloved favorite among movie lovers around the world.

SAB/