OST: "CHARADE"

You can expect the unexpected when they play..."Charade"

Original released as LP RCA VICTOR LSP 2755 (1963)

Reflecting the European setting of Stanley Donen's comedy thriller Charade, Henry Mancini's soundtrack provides an easy listening tour of continental musical history: Parisian café songs on "Bistro," Eastern European gypsy music on "Bateau Mouche," Schubert quartets on "Bye Charlie," and some beer barrel polka on "Punch and Judy." Thrown in for variety's sake are dashes of Bond soundtracks, Cossack songs, and Strauss waltzes. With Mancini's typically cohesive approach, though, Charade doesn't become a messy pastiche (even with his mix of Latin rhythms and classical music on some tracks). And in the spirit of inclusiveness, Mancini also shows his south of the border touch on "Mambo Parisienne" (picture Perez Prado sporting an accordion), "Latin Snowfall" (transcendentally gorgeous bolero, one of his best), and "Mégève" (bossa nova for the Biarritz set). Also don't overlook one of his biggest hits and finest melodies, "Charade" (done here in instrumental, vocal, and carousel? versions). A great Mancini recording made during the same fruitful, early-'60s period that produced two other fine soundtracks of his, Breakfast at Tiffany's and The Pink Panther. (Stephen Cook in AllMusic)

If you've seen the movie you don't have to be convinced that this is one of the most effective soundtracks ever produced. What you may not realize is how strong these pieces are individually. Often without the visuals and storyline of the film soundtracks can be a little mundane. They are written to compliment the movie not take it over. Charade is one of the strongest movies ever made. The cast, director, writers and crew all were at peak when this film was done. So was Mancini. The pounding and complex title theme is a brilliant intro to the plot twists that will baffle all first time viewers.The same song played later and softer with the beautiful lyrics barely touching our conciousness, is proof of how versatile the piece is as Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn fall in love in Paris to the same tune that a short while ago was signalling menace and danger.And maybe it still is signalling caution to Audrey. Does she really know any thing about this handsome stranger? Watch the film and find out! So many other works on this album are so affecting and effective. If you need a romantic piece for candlelight dinner try "Bateau Mouche" and the vocal rendition of the theme. You'll get points for romance every time. (Amazon's review)