When I bought 4 DVDs for £5.oo in a local shop it should have been warning enough that this movie was not up to the usual standard of David Selznick Productions. With a cast containing such names as James Stewart and Carole Lombard I was looking forward to a real treat. As many other commentators have said it is an odd mixture of plot and scenes that doesn't quite convince. HOWEVER, I am so glad that I did view this film as I now have the memorable saying 'Never let the seeds stop you from enjoying the watermelon.' to live by. This should sum up everyone's life. Pick out those seeds or spit them out or swallow them - and then enjoy the watermelon - life itself.
Reviews
5 Reviews
Man's Favorite Sport?
(1964)
Rock Hudson is always worth watching for his comedy touch.
4 March 2001
Rock Hudson was a wonderfully versatile actor who played a wide range of roles from light comedy to drama. He is one of may favourite actors and I think he is somewhat underrated. I sat down with eager anticipation when this film was shown recently on BBC television. I also sat down to watch it with conflicting recommendations. My Radio Times Guide to Films' gave it 4 out of a possible 5 stars but Halliwell's Film Guide' gave it one out of a possible 5 stars. So what would I make of it?
I did enjoy this film but it was not as good as it should have been. There were a wealth of humorous situations but they did not fit into the plot skilfully enough. The scene in the piano museum, the erecting of the tent, the bear on the motorbike, the inflatable waders, and the torn zip scene were all very funny in themselves BUT all seems like add-ons' to the story rather than part of the smooth flow of the action.
In this film Rock Hudson demonstrated what a consummate light comedy actor he was, always thoroughly convincing but for me there was not quite the sexual chemistry with Paula Prentiss that he had with Doris Day.
I strongly urge film fans to go back to the original Howard Hawks films to see some of the scenes as they were first filmed. As good as Rock Hudson was in the scene when he was fishing whilst reading a book with his rod over his shoulder, in Libeled Lady' William Powell did the exact same scene and was a hundred times funnier. Similarly, the torn dress scene was first used in Bringing up Baby' with Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn which was again, much more amusing.
If Man's Favourite Sport' had been edited to about 100 minutes instead of 120 and had had a good musical score, instead of those irritating jingles, it would have been a winner. My film guides were, I believe both wrong. I would give it 3 out of 5 stars.
I did enjoy this film but it was not as good as it should have been. There were a wealth of humorous situations but they did not fit into the plot skilfully enough. The scene in the piano museum, the erecting of the tent, the bear on the motorbike, the inflatable waders, and the torn zip scene were all very funny in themselves BUT all seems like add-ons' to the story rather than part of the smooth flow of the action.
In this film Rock Hudson demonstrated what a consummate light comedy actor he was, always thoroughly convincing but for me there was not quite the sexual chemistry with Paula Prentiss that he had with Doris Day.
I strongly urge film fans to go back to the original Howard Hawks films to see some of the scenes as they were first filmed. As good as Rock Hudson was in the scene when he was fishing whilst reading a book with his rod over his shoulder, in Libeled Lady' William Powell did the exact same scene and was a hundred times funnier. Similarly, the torn dress scene was first used in Bringing up Baby' with Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn which was again, much more amusing.
If Man's Favourite Sport' had been edited to about 100 minutes instead of 120 and had had a good musical score, instead of those irritating jingles, it would have been a winner. My film guides were, I believe both wrong. I would give it 3 out of 5 stars.
Indiscreet
(1958)
These incomparable movie stars are always worthwatching
15 February 2000
It is more than a little irritating that many men improve in looks with age but that only a few women do. Cary Grant, James Stewart, Paul Newman, Sean Connery, Gregory Peck and many other male movie stars ( not Clark Gable though) seem to develop more charm and sex appeal along with the wrinkles and grey hair. This preamble is by way of saying that Cary Grant is convincingly cast in 'Indiscreet' as a middle aged Romeo (he was 54) whereas the beautiful Ingrid Bergman is a tad too old at 43 to be playing the role of a beautiful theatrical star with whom Cary Grant falls instantly in love and gives up his bachelor life for. I could not help but compare 'Indiscreet ' with their last pairing together in 'Notorious' in 1946 twelve years earlier. Cary Grant is as suave, debonair and handsome as ever in 'Indiscreet '. Ingrid Bergman's beauty though, has by no means waned but rather matured into middle age - as well as becoming a size bigger. Or perhaps it is just that every movie star looks better in black and white.
No matter, it is still an endearing film with elegant sets and costumes. If only the comedy element had been played up more and the dewy romance element played down - in the style of the 1930s films such as 'My Favourite Wife' and 'The Awful Truth'. Cary Grant is at his supreme best in this type of comedy. The best part in 'Indiscreet' for me was the comedy scene when Cary Grant danced in a highland reel - it was hilarious. I am sure that with more emphasis on the comedy side and with better lines, Ingrid Bergman could have been a match for Irene Dunne or Rosalind Russell.
Don't let my comments put you off. Any film starring these two incomparable and much loved stars is worth a watch.
No matter, it is still an endearing film with elegant sets and costumes. If only the comedy element had been played up more and the dewy romance element played down - in the style of the 1930s films such as 'My Favourite Wife' and 'The Awful Truth'. Cary Grant is at his supreme best in this type of comedy. The best part in 'Indiscreet' for me was the comedy scene when Cary Grant danced in a highland reel - it was hilarious. I am sure that with more emphasis on the comedy side and with better lines, Ingrid Bergman could have been a match for Irene Dunne or Rosalind Russell.
Don't let my comments put you off. Any film starring these two incomparable and much loved stars is worth a watch.
77 Sunset Strip
(1958–1964)
It influenced my life!
5 February 2000
As an English prepubescent girl in the early 1960s I loved all American TV series and my favourite was 77 Sunset Strip. Unlike my friends who swooned over Edd Byrnes I loved the suave Roger Smith with the lovely smile. He has made a lasting impression on my life. If I remember correctly, in the series he used to wear his watch with the face on the inside of his wrist. I adopted this curious habit and have worn my watch this way ever since. I would love to see the series again. Sadly, I read recently that Roger Smith is suffering from a disabling disease and is looked after by his wife Ann Margaret.
The Grass Is Greener
(1960)
Worth watching anyway..
16 January 2000
There is a glittering cast (Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr, Robert Mitchum and Jean Simmons), a witty script and beautiful scenes of the English countryside in superb colour. So why is this film so flat? Whether it is a movie, a play or a novel one has to believe in the characters. Unfortunately Cary Grant is not believable as an English lord. Deborah Kerr is not believable as an unfaithful wife. Robert Mitchum is believable as an American tourist but , seemed uncomfortable in the role. When he walked into the private apartments of Lord and Lady Ryall in their Stately home he looked as if he should have been walking into a Chicago speakeasy. Only Jean Simmons seemed to fit her part. It was a funny script which was wasted. Still, anything with Cary Grant in it is worth watching. See what you think.
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