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      Charade

      1953 1h 23m Drama List
      Reviews 50% Audience Score Fewer than 50 Ratings Three tales of love and violence: "Portrait of a Murderer," "Duel at Dawn," "The Midas Touch." Read More Read Less

      Audience Reviews

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      kevin w James Mason and Pamela Mason (his wife) are directed by Roy Kellino (her ex) in this trio of stories that primarily showcase the liberal, bohemian, artistic sensibilities of all three (as well as just a touch of snotty urbanity). This is a work where the pretence goes something like "if it makes money that's okay, but the primary gist of the thing was the joy of the making it". The Masons also produced and wrote the trilogy AND use their involvement as an introduction to the thing. The Dumas adaptation in the middle is the most fun, but while one appreciates the overall largesse of talent demonstrated, more concise production would've fared better. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member This is a trio of unrelated short stories all starred by James and Pamela Mason--Whimsical and well-acted!! Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Charade Starring: James Mason and Pamela Mason Director: Roy Kellino This "Charade" is a black-and-white anthology film starring James Mason and his wife Pamela,and it predates the more famous "Charade" (with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn) by a decade. It draws its title from the set-up and linking device for the three stories--James is dreaming about being a film producer instead of just an actor, and together with his wife they pretend what the movies he might produce would be like. The three tales in the film share a common thread of love and how it might enrich or destroy a life. The first story is a little chiller about a failed artist who developes a fatal attraction for a man she knows to be a murderer, the second one is a melodrama about a man of honor who is tricked into a duel by a dishonorable man who once had designs on his fiance, while the closer is a light-hearted little story about a man blessed with infallable luck who goes looking for that one thing that;'s missing in his life and discovers it may or may not be love. (The first of the three stories even bears a small resemblence to the more famous "Charade", in that it takes place inside a shabby rooming house and focuses on a woman who is attracted to a potentially dangerous man.) All three stories are well written, well staged, and expertly acted, with James and Pamela playing the leads in each one. The third, comedic story is a bit of a head-scratcher, but it's fun and entertaining nonetheless. The framing sequences add to the overall fun of the film, with the moment where what seemed to be James and Pamela's sitting room suddenly gives way to a partially struck sound-stage when James starts dreaming about the movies he's going to produce. James Mason's talent as actor are clearly on display in this film, particularly between the first and second stories, where he goes from a character of quiet menace to one of stiff-necked, hidebound honor. and gives an excellent performance in each role. "Charade" is definately a movie that isn't seen nearly enough. I recommend tracking down a copy and taking a look for yourself. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/18/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Charade

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      Movie Info

      Synopsis Three tales of love and violence: "Portrait of a Murderer," "Duel at Dawn," "The Midas Touch."
      Director
      Roy Kellino
      Screenwriter
      James Mason
      Genre
      Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Runtime
      1h 23m