Come Blow Your Horn [Blu-ray]

Director: Bud Yorkin Bud Yorkin

Overview

This filmization of Neil Simon's first Broadway hit was adapted for the screen by Norman Lear. Once we get past the illogical casting of middle-aged Frank Sinatra and twentysomething Tony Bill as brothers, we're home free. Sinatra, a swinger supreme, uses his New York apartment as a harem of sorts for his legion of lady friends. Bill, wishing to break loose from his protective parents (Lee J. Cobb and Molly Picon), moves in with older brother Sinatra, hoping to emulate his sibling in the sex department. Sinatra teaches Bill the tricks of the trade--to his everlasting regret, since Bill soon wins such prizes as Jill St. John and Barbara Rush away from Sinatra. The third act finds Sinatra behaving more like a parent than his parents, steering Bill on the straight and narrow and finally settling down with Rush. Also appearing in Come Blow Your Horn is singer Phyllis McGuire (an offscreen Sinatra vis-a-vis), Dan Blocker, and, in the uncredited role of a wino, Dean Martin.

Product Details

Release Date:	03/27/2012
UPC:	0887090036603
Original Release:	1963
Rating:	NR
Source:	Olive
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Language:	English
Time:	1:52:00
Sales rank:	20,056

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Frank Sinatra	Alan Baker
Lee J. Cobb	Harry R. Baker
Molly Picon	Mrs. Sophie Baker
Barbara Rush	Connie
Jill St. John	Peggy John
Tony Bill	Buddy Baker
Dan Blocker	Mr. Eckman
Phyllis McGuire	Mrs. Eckman
Carole Wells	Eunice
Herbie Faye	Waiter
Romo Vincent	Barber
Charlotte Fletcher	Manicurist
Greta Randall	Tall Girl
Dean Martin	The Bum
Joyce Nizzari	Snow
Grady Sutton	Actor

Technical Credits

Howard W. Koch	Executive Producer
Norman Lear	Producer
Paul K. Lerpae	Special Effects
Bud Yorkin	Director,Producer

Editorial Reviews

Although Come Blow Your Horn could never have been a great movie -- the Neil Simon play that serves as its basis is simply too lightweight for that -- but it could have at least been a snappier, peppier one. Not that it's not mildly enjoyable; it has a number of solid one-liners in the traditional Simon mode, there's some swinging Nelson Riddle arrangements and some delightful oh-so-period bachelor-pad touches, and Frank Sinatra's around for the star part of a swinging bachelor who really needs to stop swinging. But the film lacks sparkle; worse, it adds a touch of smarminess to the proceedings. That smarminess is there in the original material, but it's kept underneath the surface. Screenwriter Norman Lear and director Bud Yorkin let it peep out too often. Sinatra is also a problem -- his performance is appropriately effortless, but a tad lifeless. And the role doesn't really call for a star; having one in the part throws things off balance. Still, Come Blow Your Horn is funny enough, and it does boast an excellent scene-stealing performance from Lee J. Cobb, delightful support from Molly Picon and Jill St. John, and an appealing (if a little too lightweight) contribution from Tony Bill. It all adds up to a minor but decently enjoyable comedy.

All Movie Guide - Craig Butler