For Pete's Sake (1974)

Essentially a "contractual obligation" film for Barbra Streisand, For Pete's Sake was surprisingly popular in its initial release. Mining territory they had visited earlier (if perhaps more subtly) in their Doris Day sex comedies, screenwriters Shapiro and Richlin set up a series of incidents that allow the star to show off her lighter, screwball side. She seems to be having a lot of fun, as if she realizes that this is a ridiculous lark. As a result, it's one of her freer and easier performances. Molly Picon is also a ghoulish little delight, and Estelle Parsons and William Redfield turn in dependably professional performances. Michael Sarrazin is fine, doing the best he can with a thankless part. The film is enormously uneven, with some fairly amusing segments followed by dull stretches. The ending, at least, is enjoyably goofy and appropriately chaotic (perhaps because structurally it can be compared to an action chase scene, with which he is famously associated), but director Peter Yates in general seems to be operating on cruise control. For Pete's Sake is a mediocre film, but viewers can get extra entertainment from observing the mid-'70s fashions and mores on parade herein. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide