Main Cast: Frank Sinatra, Lee J. Cobb, Molly Picon, Barbara Rush, Jill St. John
Release Year: 1963
Country: US
Run Time: 115 minutes
Plot
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. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Review
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. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
Tony Bill - Buddy; Dan Blocker - Mr. Eckman; Phyllis McGuire - Mrs. Eckman; Herbie Faye - Waiter; Romo Vincent - Barber; Charlotte Fletcher - Manicurist; Greta Randall - Tall Girl; Joyce Nizzari - Snow; Grady Sutton; Carole Wells - Eunice; Dean Martin - The Bum
