Roger Willoughby (Hudson) is the fishing expert at Abercrombie and Fitch. He is well respected and literally wrote the book on fishing. His expertise is sought by many. But he has a secret: he doesn't know how to fish.
The annual Lake Wakapoogee fishing tournament is coming up. The tournament organizers, Abigail Page (Prentiss) and the lodge owner's daughter Isolde "Easy" Mueller (Perschy), want Willoughby to enter the tournament. His boss, Mr. Cadwalader (McGiver) agrees that it is a good idea and provides all of the gear.
Willoughby reluctantly tells Abigail and Easy the truth and they offer to teach him to fish. Can Willoughby survive the lessons, fool everyone, and keep his job?
Based on "The Girl Who Almost Got Away" by Pat Frank.
The Good:
This film is an homage to the screwball comedies of the 1930s. It embraces the slapstick (at least in the case of Rock Hudson's character). Paula Prentiss is funny as Abigail and has decent chemistry with Hudson.
The Bad:
Director Howard Hawks wrote the character of Roger Willoughby for Cary Grant, who starred in several of Hawks' earlier comedies. Grant turned down the role, citing the age difference with Prentiss, but watching the film it is clear that Grant was the model for the character. Hudson is fine, except for the physical comedy.
Other Comments:
-Norman Alden's John Screaming Eagle doesn't age well... as a whole, his character is focused on conning guests at the lodge, but some aspects of his character are cringy now.
-There is a bear riding a motorbike - yes it's ridiculous, but it's also funny.
-The side characters are fine, they work well in the story and don't overshadow the stars.
-Enjoyable, with some solid laughs, but not Hawks best.
Man's Favorite Sport? (1964) 120 minutes
Director: Howard Hawks
Starring: Rock Hudson as Roger Willoughby
Paula Prentiss as Abigail Page
Maria Perschy as Isolde "Easy" Mueller
John McGiver as Cadwalader
Charlene Holt as Tex
Roscoe Karns as Major Phipps
Norman Alden as John Screaming Eagle
Forrest Lewis as Skaggs
Regis Toomey as Bagley
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