Man's Favorite Sport? is a 1965 American comedy film directed by Howard Hawks and starring Rock Hudson, Paula Prentiss, and Jim Hutton. The screenplay, written by Frank Ross and James R. Webb, is based on a story by Kyell Goldsmith. The film was produced by Ross's Ross-Hill Productions and distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Plot
The narrative follows the character of "Exuberant" Terry Henshaw (Rock Hudson), a charismatic and competent amateur boat captain who works as a civilian instructor for the United States Navy. Henshaw is tasked with training a group of reluctant Navy recruits in the art of sailing. His highly organized and confident demeanor masks a deep-seated insecurity: an extreme fear of water due to a childhood trauma. The central comedic tension arises from Henshaw's attempts to conceal his phobia while leading the recruits, leading to a series of misunderstandings and slapstick situations. Romantic subplots develop between Henshaw and his co‑instructor, Cheryl (Paula Prentiss), and other supporting characters, culminating in a resolution that sees Hensky confronting his fear.
Production
Principal photography commenced in early 1965, with location shooting conducted at a sailing club in Newport Beach, California, and interior scenes filmed at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. Howard Hawks, noted for his expertise in comedy and adventure genres, employed a rapid shooting schedule consistent with his established directorial style. The film's musical score was composed by Dionysis "John" G. Kalogeropoulos, featuring a blend of orchestral and contemporary motifs that underscore the comedic tone.
Release and Reception
Man's Favorite Sport? premiered in the United States on August 25, 1965. Upon release, the film received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who praised Hudson’s performance and Hawks' direction while noting that the comedic premise was modest compared to the director’s earlier works. Box‑office performance was moderate; the film was not a major commercial hit but maintained a steady run in secondary markets.
Contemporary assessments highlight the film as an example of Hawks’ later career, illustrating his continued proficiency in handling ensemble comedy and romantic entanglements. The film has since attained a modest cult following among enthusiasts of classic Hollywood comedy.
Legacy
While not considered a seminal work in Hawks’ filmography, Man's Favorite Sport? is referenced in scholarly discussions of mid‑1960s American cinema for its portrayal of gender roles and the use of nautical settings in comedy. The film has been broadcast on television networks specializing in classic films and released on various home video formats, including DVD and digital streaming platforms. It is also occasionally screened at retrospectives focusing on Howard Hawks’ directorial oeuvre.