Age difference...

From what Ive read, he relished the idea of making a movie with Grace Kelly for Hitchcock. I believe he came out of early retirement to make it. I always thought it was odd that most of Grace Kellys' movie husbands and lovers were noticeably older than her: Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby, etc. Of course-in real life she was attracted to them-so I guess it all comes full circle.

I know what you mean, and this seems prevalent in so many films especially of this era. In all fairness though this does seem part of real life aswell, across class, cultures & history.

I guess ultimately a woman is seen at her traditional peek in her twenties, exuding raw natural out going sexuality, confidence, innocence, charm & health. A lot of things considered attractive to men. After all she's going to be lumbered with children for the rest of life so at least let her have the upper hand in choosing a decent partner.

Whilst a man of the same age can offer very similar qualities, this is not ultimately what a woman needs. She's got to be looking for a supportive stable environment to help provide for her and the children, especially as she's going to love the children more than the man.

So these qualities are going to become much more apparent with men when they are in their forties and had time to mature, becoming wealthy & healthy or poor & unreliable.

Think about it. A penniless spotty mumbling shoe gazer, with little confidence & rude sarcasm, verses a rich handsome, worldly wise, funny cool guy, I know who I'd choose (& I'm a bloke).

Plus he lasts longer.

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The thing is that in most of Grant's films, the women are chasing/pursuing him. That's why the info on Charade has always been amusing to me. Perhaps Cary had this in mind about some of his other films and leading ladies before working with Audrey.

Cary was 50 when he made To Catch a Thief, and was still in great shape. He was nearing 60 when he made Charade. Perhaps Grant became a bit more self-conscious about his age and what people would think about him "chasing" Hepburn thoughout the film.

I've also read that Grant didn't like to see an older man romancing a much younger woman on-screen (and other male actors during Grant's era felt the same way). Cary didn't want to be seen as a "dirty old man." Of course, he had no problem off-screen romancing very young women.

It may have been studio execs and directors who placed the older male actors with the very young actresses instead of getting actors near the same age. Grant was one of the few stars who could pull off the age difference since he looked much younger than his actual age, and had immense charm.

"Watch me run a 50-yard dash with my legs cut off!"

oh....give it a break, will you?? I would have pursued Cary Grant at any age :)) !!!!

Frankly, I find the age difference rather repellent.

The immature Frances Stevens characater may have been a vampish personification of the almost-60-year-old Hitchcock's private needs. And 50 year-old Grant may also have had own private desires.

But, as I say, I find it repellent.

I find Grace Kelly utterly boring-looking and I think Grant looks great. He looks vital, virile, and dynamic, and still does when we get to North By Northwest. I've got no problem with his age but they should have had an older, more interesting leading lady for this.

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Reason is a pursuit, not a conclusion.

It does not bother me. I like Grace Kelly and Carey Grant. As GC fan it should not bother you. A lot of her leading men are way older than her. Grace liked older men in real life anyway. I’m 24. I would have pursued Carey Grant at any age.