I am reviewing the DVD I saw, which combined two "Rock Hudson" movies under the heading "Rock Hudson collection". 2 movies for the price of 1? Bring'em on! The first film: "Any Body Seen My Gal", is a Douglas Sirk comedy I had never heard of. Yet I found this film to be a pleasure from beginning to the end! It is 1952 and Rock Hudson is very handsome and so young, and the whole movie (story, 1930s setting, colors, the ensemble cast of actors) is a delight to watch. What an enchanting piece of movie-making, with dark existential realities behind the apparent lightness. The second film ("A Very Special Favor") is a mixed bag. Because it was made in 1965, its first 30 minutes are a must-see priceless candy bordering on parody (except it is the real stuff, ah ah!): 60s decor, 60s orchestral music, Pink Panther-style opening credits, rear view projections in "Paris" or "New York", sexual banter, witty dialogue, split screens, Yves Saint Laurent dresses. After these first 30 minutes, however, the story line veers off into a war of the sexes theme that makes a modern viewer cringe, even though the film still has some very funny scenes. Rock Hudson, Charles Boyer and Walter Slezak are excellent. Leslie Caron is probably miscast.
... View MoreI've been reading the other reviews with interest. I saw this film on TV about 45 years ago when I was about 8 years old. Around this time I used to watch two back-to-back films on a Saturday or Sunday and I remember this film because it was absolutely hilarious. All the other good films have been repeated on TV - but I have only ever seen this once. I remember laughing and laughing when watching the film. I didn't know anything about sex at that age. I just saw it as a father trying to get his daughter to 'lighten up', to 'live', and to have an interest in finding a male companion in life, instead of an existence of continual work. I didn't see anything odd about Rock Hudson's character pretending to be a patient with his 'problem'. This subterfuge was a key part of romantic comedy films of the time. I certainly didn't see the 'set-up' scene as anything to do with sex - I just remember it as a slightly naughty prank. In some ways the film does remind me of 'pillow talk' and this isn't surprising as one of the writers is the same. I am very pleased to hear that it is now on DVD and I will be very interested to see it again.
... View MoreThis is a flick that will definitely not leave a bad taste in your mouth. There are lots and lots of slapstick laughter. The casting is perfect: Rock Hudson, Leslie Caron, Charles Boyer, Walter Slezak & Dick Shawn among others that are all long gone. What makes me so upset is it is the only Rock Hudson Romantic Comedy that hasn't been put on video. Posters & movie stills are floating around for people to purchase, but the video is positively not available. If all of this memorabilia is available, then why not the video? Pillow Talk, Lover Come Back, Send Me No Flowers & Man's Favorite Sport have all been made available. These are often shown on television too. This hysterical romantic comedy has only been at the theaters and shown only on television just ONE time. It is a feel good story that will most certainly warm everyone's hearts. We need more happiness today to be able to feel good. It will most assuredly make you split your sides laughing to the point of tears. I have been looking for the video forever. Fortunely I was able to find the book; which is the next best thing to being able to see the movie. So the book will have to do until they decide to come out with the video.
... View MoreRock Hudson is at his best when it comes to romantic comedy. Their is excellent chemistry with the cast of this film. This movie should be on everyone's agenda to see if ever it becomes available. There are a lot of enjoyable laughs and you come away from it feeling good. It will definitely lift your spirits.
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