BY KAREN BOSSICK
It’s been described as “the best Hitchcock movie that Hitchcock never made.” And “Charade” has become a classic romantic comedy mystery film since its introduction in 1963.
Magic Lantern Cinema in Ketchum will offer free screenings of the classic movie this week. The free screenings offer audiences a chance to experience the magic of watching movies where they were meant to be seen—on the big screen in a movie theater, said theater owner Rick Kessler.
Screenings are at 4:10 and 6:50 p.m.
“Charade” stars Audrey Hepburn as an expatriate American who decides to divorce her husband while meeting a handsome young man played by Cary Grant while on a skiing holiday in the French Alps. Upon her return to Paris, she finds her apartment has been stripped bare, presumably by her husband who sold off their belonging then was murdered while trying to leave Paris.
The chase is on as three criminals pursue her, convinced she knows where the money her husband stole is.
The film also stars Walter Matthau and James Coburn.
Its theme song “Charade,” by Henri Mancini and Johnny Mercer, was nominated for Best Original Song in the Oscars. And Grant and Hepburn were nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress at the Golden Globe Awards.
Magic Lantern Cinema staged a free week’s showing of the classic “Casablanca” in February. The event proved enormously popular, said Kessler. Wondering whether to show another romance or comedy or a mystery or suspenseful thriller, he landed on “Charade” as a quintessential Hollywood film that encompasses all those elements.
“Few thrillers create as much sheer joy, along with nail-biting suspense as ‘Charade,’ in which Cary Grant spoofs his Alfred Hitchcock persona, Audrey Hepburn exudes her usual magnetic charm and the Paris backdrop is as scenic as ever,” he added. “We guarantee if you don’t love this movie we’ll give you your money back.”