Paula Prentiss, Man’s Favorite Sport (1964)
Paula Prentiss has become one of my favorite actresses. I have to say “has become” because, until recently I wasn’t familiar with her films. Once I saw her in Man’s Favorite Sport (Amazon link), however, I’ve been on a mission to see every film she ever made.
Man’s Favorite Sport (1964) stars Rock Hudson, Paula Prentiss, Charlene Holt (best known as the wonderful Maudie in El Dorado), John McGiver, and Maria Perschy. It was directed by the outstanding Howard Hawks (Bringing Up Baby, Rio Bravo, Only Angels Have Wings, El Dorado, The Big Sleep, Ball of Fire…).
Man’s Favorite Sport was actually a “loving nod” of sorts to Hawks’ Bringing Up Baby (1938). In fact, the great director even wanted Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant to star in this movie. Personally, I’m glad Rock Hudson and Paula Prentiss got the roles because this gives us two distinct and fun movies instead of just a continuation (more or less) of one.
You can find Man’s Favorite Sport (Amazon link) on Amazon. It’s very much worth watching – especially for Rock Hudson. He just doesn’t get enough credit for his comedic roles. He was perfectly wonderful!