Despite this being called "The best Hitchcock film Hitchcock never directed" it really isn't on that level. Stanley Donen is not the Master Of Suspense.
It's a pleasant, if sometimes unbelievable, romantic comedy thriller, the benefits of which are two charismatic stars (in their only pairing), a good supporting cast, Parisian locations in color, and occasionally witty dialogue.
There are weaknesses in the story and plot that are somewhat obscured by the charms of Grant and Hepburn. Cary is remarkably well preserved for a 59 year old man. He looks good, and some of the things he's required to do in the film would exhaust a man ten years younger. I don't think there's much sexual chemistry between him and Audrey, but that doesn't seem to bother too many people who see the film.
There are a few good set-pieces, in the Hitchcock vein, like the fight on a hotel roof and the business with the theater trap doors. Though I think if Hitchcock had made a film in Paris, he would have come up with better ideas. I also think he would have made Paris look better than it looks here. Other than the cruise on the river, the locations that are chosen are somewhat drab or mundane.
Overall, the premise seems a bit contrived, and the people don't seem real, but a lot is done to try to hide that fact. The movie is watchable and entertaining and passes the time pleasantly - and there just aren't stars like Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant any more. Though I think Grant might have had more chemistry with the other Hepburn, Katharine.
It's a pleasant, if sometimes unbelievable, romantic comedy thriller, the benefits of which are two charismatic stars (in their only pairing), a good supporting cast, Parisian locations in color, and occasionally witty dialogue.
There are weaknesses in the story and plot that are somewhat obscured by the charms of Grant and Hepburn. Cary is remarkably well preserved for a 59 year old man. He looks good, and some of the things he's required to do in the film would exhaust a man ten years younger. I don't think there's much sexual chemistry between him and Audrey, but that doesn't seem to bother too many people who see the film.
There are a few good set-pieces, in the Hitchcock vein, like the fight on a hotel roof and the business with the theater trap doors. Though I think if Hitchcock had made a film in Paris, he would have come up with better ideas. I also think he would have made Paris look better than it looks here. Other than the cruise on the river, the locations that are chosen are somewhat drab or mundane.
Overall, the premise seems a bit contrived, and the people don't seem real, but a lot is done to try to hide that fact. The movie is watchable and entertaining and passes the time pleasantly - and there just aren't stars like Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant any more. Though I think Grant might have had more chemistry with the other Hepburn, Katharine.