Boys' Night Out (1962)

JAMES GARNER's handsome presence adds dignity and charm to a sex farce about wannabe playboys TONY RANDALL, HOWARD DUFF and HOWARD MORRIS who want some playtime away from their wives. His natural skill as a light comic actor is sharply in focus for all the scenes where he plays opposite JESSIE ROYCE LANDIS who plays his addle-brained mother.

KIM NOVAK is the blonde dish who is doing a sex survey on American men and decides to use these men as her lab subjects. But when the men's wives find out about their hubbies' boys night out, the fur flies leading to an overly energetic scene where all hell breaks loose.

Garner and Novak are so appealing in their prime that it's easy to overlook the deficiencies of some situations, none of which are remotely credible. It doesn't help that Novak plays her role in a dreamy, trance-like manner out of sync with comedy roles. She's utterly charming but a bit out of her depth when it comes to the light touch.

Howard Duff and Howard Morris do nicely in amusing roles and Jessie Royce Landis seems to be enjoying herself immensely as Garner's overly concerned mother. But the laugh lines seem a bit forced and you can't help wishing the whole project had a brighter script. The wives are well played by Patti Page, Ann Jeffreys and Janet Blair.

There's a datedness about the sets and wardrobe that can be a bit distracting at times, but Novak is always a pleasure to look at and her chemistry with Garner is an asset.