Man's Favorite Sport? (1964)

Director Howard Hawks gave Hollywood some of its most memorable comedies (and dramas, for that matter), but by 1963 his best days were behind him. Still, Man's Favorite Sport? has some flashes of the dependable old Hawks, and the basic theme -- strong willed woman hunts down reluctant man -- is a familiar one that worked well for him before (as in Bringing Up Baby, for example). There's some good physical comedy and a few funny lines, although the movie goes on too long and lacks the snappy pace we expect of the director. Rock Hudson is appealing in the kind of light comedy role at which he excelled; it's not an outstanding performance, but it's smooth and professional. Paula Prentiss, on the other hand, is exceptional, never falling into the trap of playing scenes like other Hawks women (Hepburn, Russell), even when it would seem inevitable. She plays the physical comedy with assurance and expert timing, and creates a character that is winsome and lovable in spite of her over aggressiveness; the audience realizes the character can't help being the way she is and so forgives her the occasional excess. When she interrupts Hudson in mid-sentence, it's because she can't help herself, and Prentiss makes that flaw almost commendable. A decent film, Sport as a whole is no one's favorite -- but Prentiss is hard to resist. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide