I always thought she brightened up any film she was in.... natural comedic talent, better than most of the female comedic talents who have gotten more praise!
Howard Hawks' best work was well behind him when he directed this mediocre farce in 1964. It's made watchable mostly by the chemistry between stars Rock Hudson and Paula Prentiss, with Hudson's comic underplaying and Paula's quirky screen persona perfectly playing off each other.
This film was one of many recurring "regulars" of the lineup of New York station WNBC-TV's "Movie 4" in that show's last few years on the air (it was cancelled in 1974). A few have mentioned that Channel 4 cut some scenes out. After WNBC's rights to this and other Universal titles expired (upon "Movie 4's" cancellation), they all went to WPIX where they got more play for the next few years.
Life hasn't been so good lately for her younger sister, Ann Prentiss, who was also an actress. She is currently in prison, having been sentenced in 1997 to 19 years for various offenses, including assault with a deadly weapon and solicitation of murder of both her father and her brother in law, Richard Benjamin.
you're kidding!! i used to enjoy ann prentiss (she looked so much like her sister). i had no idea she was in prison! i have to look that up. thanx for that info!
Also, I'm reluctant to pass along hearsay, but I was watching an interview here on youtube by a producer or director (I can't remember who, exactly) who praised Paula Prentiss as being really talented, but he was perplexed as to why she had stopped working. He didn't go into detail about why she stopped, but he said he realized she had some "problems." He wasn't specific, but I came away with the impression that Paula also had psychological problems.
From what I've read, Ms. Prentiss suffered a nervous breakdown not long after the making of "What's New, Pussycat?" and didn't make another movie for five years. The 1967-68 TV series "He & She" seemed a comeback of sorts for her at the time.
She did a cameo a couple years ago in a film, and also did a run in a play of A Majority of One in the Roz Russell role. And still occasionally goes out. Not sure on the whole story of course, but she has probably just been semi retired past 2 decades and only works when she finds a project to her liking.
Texan Paula Prentiss was a great star in the 1960's groomed by MGM and made several wonderful comedies at Metro with her oft co star Jim Hutton.
Prentiss was also loaned out for "Man's Favorite Sport" directed by Howard Hawks and co starred Rock Hudson, "What's New Pussycat"
"World Of Henry Orient" "In Harm's Way"
after a great career working with Warren Beatty among others, Prentiss returned to MGM to do Billy Wilder's comedy "Buddy Buddy" with Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau and retired.
I always thought she brightened up any film she was in.... natural comedic talent, better than most of the female comedic talents who have gotten more praise!
Lewis1key 5 months ago
So glad she gave us more of that quirky talent in "Catch 22". She is brilliant.
MrDarwinsDog 6 months ago
Paula Prentiss was the best! She was just grand and I am a proud Paula Prentiss fan girl.
philbertwormly 1 year ago
Howard Hawks' best work was well behind him when he directed this mediocre farce in 1964. It's made watchable mostly by the chemistry between stars Rock Hudson and Paula Prentiss, with Hudson's comic underplaying and Paula's quirky screen persona perfectly playing off each other.
scotpens 3 years ago
This film was one of many recurring "regulars" of the lineup of New York station WNBC-TV's "Movie 4" in that show's last few years on the air (it was cancelled in 1974). A few have mentioned that Channel 4 cut some scenes out. After WNBC's rights to this and other Universal titles expired (upon "Movie 4's" cancellation), they all went to WPIX where they got more play for the next few years.
wmbrown6 2 years ago
Paula was lovely and talented.
Life hasn't been so good lately for her younger sister, Ann Prentiss, who was also an actress. She is currently in prison, having been sentenced in 1997 to 19 years for various offenses, including assault with a deadly weapon and solicitation of murder of both her father and her brother in law, Richard Benjamin.
kolst8406 3 years ago
you're kidding!! i used to enjoy ann prentiss (she looked so much like her sister). i had no idea she was in prison! i have to look that up. thanx for that info!
moviefly 2 years ago
Also, I'm reluctant to pass along hearsay, but I was watching an interview here on youtube by a producer or director (I can't remember who, exactly) who praised Paula Prentiss as being really talented, but he was perplexed as to why she had stopped working. He didn't go into detail about why she stopped, but he said he realized she had some "problems." He wasn't specific, but I came away with the impression that Paula also had psychological problems.
kolst8406 2 years ago
From what I've read, Ms. Prentiss suffered a nervous breakdown not long after the making of "What's New, Pussycat?" and didn't make another movie for five years. The 1967-68 TV series "He & She" seemed a comeback of sorts for her at the time.
wmbrown6 2 years ago
She did a cameo a couple years ago in a film, and also did a run in a play of A Majority of One in the Roz Russell role. And still occasionally goes out. Not sure on the whole story of course, but she has probably just been semi retired past 2 decades and only works when she finds a project to her liking.
cmcb09 2 years ago
Texan Paula Prentiss was a great star in the 1960's groomed by MGM and made several wonderful comedies at Metro with her oft co star Jim Hutton.
Prentiss was also loaned out for "Man's Favorite Sport" directed by Howard Hawks and co starred Rock Hudson, "What's New Pussycat"
"World Of Henry Orient" "In Harm's Way"
after a great career working with Warren Beatty among others, Prentiss returned to MGM to do Billy Wilder's comedy "Buddy Buddy" with Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau and retired.
ToughXArmy 3 years ago
I'm a huge Paula fan, her performances in What's New,Pussycat? and Man's Favorite Sport? are hilarious!
LoveHowardBanister 3 years ago 2