In a nutshell:
Roger Willoughby (Rock Hudson), engaged to beautiful Tex Connors (red-haired Charlene Holt), is a very successful seller for fishing items - he also wrote a popular book about fishing. Now his boss Mr. Cadwalader (John McGiver - doing just wonderful things with his toupee..) wants him to do some promotion and attend a fishing tournament set at a nearby Lake at the lodges of Isolde “Easy” Mueller’s (blonde Maria Perschy) father. Also attending the tournament are Roger’s customers Skaggs (Forrest Lewis) and Major Phipps (Roscoe Karns) – who are avid to compare their skills with Roger’s.
Easy’s happy-go-lucky friend Abigail Page (brunette Paula Prentiss) – who in Roger’s opinion is way too pushy – is to take care of him – much to his dislike. And while she considers him attractive he simply is overran by her..
Plus: Roger has a dark and treasured secret: In his whole life he didn’t catch a single fish…
~ another confession to make: I am not so good with 60s hats.. - I think to this one you should also carry a horse.. ~
Watch out for:
- Norman Alden as John Screaming Eagle – frequently telling about "Big Chief Confucius" - making fun of tourist's prejudices.. In AC Delco commercials he played a mechanic – people used to turn up to him to ask for advice because they believed he wasn’t acting.
A nodding acquaintance:
- Charlene Holt’s best know role might be Maudie from EL DORADO (1966). She was Miss Maryland in 1956.
Schmooze:
- The part of Roger Willoughby was meant to be performed by Cary Grant – but he felt that the distance of age between his being 59 and Paula Prentiss being 24 was too big.
- Howard Hawks also wanted Katharine Hepburn for the female lead..
~ Oh - I wish for a copy of that nightgown Miss Perschy wears here - but in another color, please.. ~
Not sooo far away from Hollywood:
- The German title is EIN GOLDFISCH AN DER LEINE (= A goldfish on the string/fishing rod)
- In the German version Miss "Mueller" (though it is obviously a German name..) is changed into "Miller". Maybe that’s so because her accent doesn’t work in the German version - there she speaks French if needed..
- Maria Perschy did her own dubbing for the German version - she has (just by the way) an Austrian accent.
- The nickname “Easy” seems (for me) to arise from the affectionate form of Isolde: “Isi” – which would be pronounced like “easy” – well, she also seems to be the easiest girl-character in this film – really a nice girl.
Let’s face the music..
- The theme song MAN’S FAVOURITE SPORT was composed by Henry Mancini – the lyrics are by Johnny Mercer.
You should watch this film if you…
- … are a fan of fishing..
- … would like to know how it is to watch a Doris Day/ Rock Hudson film – without Doris Day..
- … all your life wished for hearing Rock Hudson say “itty bitty bird” ..
- … like “domineering females” like Roger Willoughby calls them..
- … always dreamt of seeing that Cary Grant/Katharine Hepburn walk out of the night club scene of BRINGING UP BABY – redone by Maria Perschy and Rock Hudson...
...on the other hand – you can do that right now:
Buttons and Bows:
- The costumes were designed by Edith Head – which means: They're great. I love the simple black dress Maria Perschy wears in that scene...
“That girl is a walking disaster.”
That girl meant in this sentence is Paula Prentiss' character Abigail - and I must confess that there are times where I just am annoyed by that woman (Abigail - I like Paula Prentiss..) I had tough times with Rock Hudson, too - just because I can't stand his German voice.. So I needed some time to like that film - and there are moments in which I am still feeling unconfortable with it.. But when I am in the right mood (and thanks to DVD I can watch the original version anytime I want to..) I really enjoy this movie.
“Come on, Napoleon – this way to Waterloo.”
OK I have to see this film ASAP. Terrific post Irene. You had me when I saw the poster and Paula was making that facial expression while playing with Rock's ear. And then the pic of her messy but lovely hairstyle and then the video clip. I will add this to my must see list since it has your seal of approval.
ReplyDeleteI think it could be exactly the kind of film you like, Monty..
ReplyDeleteHer hairstyle is awesome, isn't it? Love it.
Hope you'll enjoy this film!
I really enjoyed this post! You have a lot of great trivia. It's not one of my favorite Rock Hudson movies but still a really cute film.
ReplyDelete