Composer

:

Henry Mancini

Genre

:

Film

Style

:

Film Score

Compose Date

:

1963

Charade is a 1963 American romantic comedy thriller film directed by Stanley Donen and starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant. The film was released on December 5, 1963, and was a critical and commercial success. The soundtrack for the film was composed by Henry Mancini, who had previously worked with Donen on the hit film, "The Pink Panther." The soundtrack for Charade is a classic example of Mancini's signature style, which blends jazz, pop, and classical music. The score features a number of memorable themes, including the main title theme, "Charade," which is a catchy, upbeat tune that sets the tone for the film. The score also includes a number of romantic themes, such as "Bistro," which features a beautiful melody played on the accordion. The soundtrack for Charade is divided into ten movements, each of which corresponds to a different scene in the film. The first movement, "Main Title," features the iconic "Charade" theme, which is played over the opening credits. The second movement, "Bistro," features the romantic accordion melody, which is played during a scene in a Parisian café. The third movement, "Mambo Parisienne," is a lively dance number that is played during a party scene. The fourth movement, "Bateau Mouche," features a haunting melody played on the flute, which is used to underscore a tense scene on a boat. The fifth movement, "The Happy Carousel," is a playful tune that is played during a scene in a carnival. The sixth movement, "The Drip-Dry Waltz," is a humorous piece that is played during a scene in which Hepburn's character is trying to dry her clothes. The seventh movement, "Punch and Judy," is a dark, ominous piece that is played during a scene in which Grant's character is being chased by a group of thugs. The eighth movement, "The Kiss," is a romantic theme that is played during a scene in which Hepburn and Grant share a kiss. The ninth movement, "Cory's Theme," is a melancholy piece that is played during a scene in which Hepburn's character learns some shocking news. The final movement, "End Title," features a reprise of the "Charade" theme, which is played over the closing credits. Overall, the soundtrack for Charade is a masterful work of music that perfectly captures the mood and tone of the film. Mancini's use of jazz, pop, and classical music creates a unique and memorable sound that has become synonymous with the film itself.

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