Come Blow Your Horn

Frank Sinatra stars in the 1963 coming-of-age comedy Come Blow Your Horn, playing the part of swinging bachelor Alan Baker. Directed by Bud Yorkin, this movie is based on a play written by Neil Simon, one of America's most prolific playwrights. The film also includes a robust cast of accomplished actors, including Lee J. Cobb and Molly Picon.

Sinatra's character, Alan, leads a carefree life, revelling in New York's opulent bachelor scene of the 60s. He lives in a luxurious apartment, adorned with all the trappings of his bachelor lifestyle. Being the older son of a traditional Jewish family, his ways are far from the conservative valuesimparted to him. Much to the dismay of his father, played immaculately by Lee J. Cobb, Sinatra's Alan has a constant stream of beautiful women coming in and out of his apartment, much like a revolving door at a busy hotel.

In contrast to his older brother's flamboyant life, the younger son, Buddy, portrayed by Tony Bill, is an obedient son who follows his father's wishes. Living under the shadow of an overbearing father, and a mother, played by Molly Picon, who showers him with excess attention, Buddy is subdued and compliant, working hard in the family’s artificial fruit company. He is the epitome of a dutiful son, living in immediate contrast to Sinatra's Alan.

Things take an interesting turn when Buddy, inspired by his brother's debonair personality, lands up at Alan's apartment, deciding to eschew his disciplined life. Sinatra's Alan, always seeking a partner in crime, happily takes him under his wing. The rest of the story revolves around the conflict between family expectations and individual freedoms, the predictable life and the audacious, and between tradition and modernity.

The riveting screenplay is woven carefully to capture the complex dynamics of a family struggling with changing times and values. The script features Neil Simon’s trademark dry wit and humor as it ventures into the deeper themes of familial love, obligation, identity, and acceptance. The underlying motifs in the comedy are an accurate depiction of the cultural transition of the 60s – younger generations departing from the traditional family routes and embracing the bachelor lifestyle, searching for their identity and place in the newly emerging world.

As the patriarch, Lee J. Cobb gives an excellent performance of a father grappling with his sons' life choices. His character, Harry, oscillates between anger and sadness as he watches his sons rebel against his traditional values and expectations. Molly Picon, as the doting Jewish mother, adds an extra layer to the storyline with a performance that masterfully balances comedy and emotion.

Tony Bill as Buddy, the typical good-boy-turned-rebellious, convincingly fits into his character, capturing the transition of a gawky, inexperienced young man into a more assured, confident persona. However, the thread which ties the movie and brings out the colors of all the characters is Sinatra’s Alan. Frank Sinatra perfectly portrays a suave, charismatic bachelor who is, beneath all the confidence and charm, enduring his own battle about commitment and responsibility.

The technical aspects of the movie, too, stand out. Elmer Bernstein’s musical score adds a lively background to the unfolding comedy, while William H. Daniels does a stunning job with the cinematography. The beautiful décor of Sinatra’s bachelor pad and the vibrant portrayal of New York in the 60s, add visual richness to the narrative.

Come Blow Your Horn is a peek into the swinging sixties – a time of radical transformations. It's a hilarious yet earnest family saga which humorously explores timeless themes. The engaging narrative, crisp dialogues, and standout performances make it a viewing pleasure. The film is a charming trip down memory lane that holds a mirror to familial ties and resonates with viewers even today with its enduring subject matter. If you enjoy watching delightful classic comedies with a robust cast of characters painted in the culturally vibrant era of the 60s, Come Blow Your Horn makes for an enjoyable watch.