"I wouldn't know what to do in the bathroom all day!"
Sir William Rutland (Grant) arrives in Tokyo, Japan a few days early for his business trip. When he arrives, all the hotels are booked for the 1964 Olympics, and there are no options. While waiting for the American Embassy to help, he finds an advertisement to share a room. The owner of the apartment is a British transplant, Christine Easton (Eggar), who is not excited about sharing her home with a man: what will people say?
The next morning, after surviving a strict morning bathroom schedule, Sir William meets Olympian Steve Davis (Hutton), who also arrived in Tokyo early and also needs a place to stay. He convinces Sir William to rent out a portion of his room. With all three under one roof, Sir William starts match-making the pair.
Cary Grant hand-picked this film, shot on location, as his final film. It is the first in his film career where he is not playing the romantic male lead. He is still the best part of the film. His reactions and physical comedy are hysterical and remind you why he had a long and prosperous career in comedy films. Pay attention to the morning scene after all three leads are living in the apartment... Grant owns the film, and it is apparent by just watching that scene.
Samantha Eggar and Jim Hutton (father of Timothy Hutton) are well matched as the romantic leads. They interact well / have good chemistry, and play off each other well. The rest of the supporting characters work well in their respective roles.
It's a gem... is it the best film in Cary Grants repertoire? No, but it is a good way to leave a stellar career. A must see for any Cary Grant enthusiast... and let's face it, who doesn't love Cary Grant movies?
Walk, Don't Run (1966) 114 minutes
Director: Charles Walters
Starring: Cary Grant as Sir William Rutland
Samantha Eggar as Christine Easton
Jim Hutton as Steve Davis
John Standing as Julius D. Haversack
Miiko Taka as Aiko Kurawa
Ted Hartley as Yuri Andreyovitch
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