Director Michael Ritchie was known for comedies but made one of the best sports movies of the 1970s, Downhill Racer about a selfish, self obsessed Olympic skier played by Robert Redford.
Semi-Tough is a satirical light romantic comedy. Billy Clyde (Burt Reynolds) and Shake Tiller (Kris Kristofferson) are football stars who are both involved in a relationship with Barbara Jane (Jill Clayburgh) the daughter of their team owner.
Inspired by a self help guru Friedrich Bismark (Bert Convy) it is Shaker who gets engaged to Barbara Jane which makes Billy Clyde realise that he also loves her.
This is an engaging look at two egocentric men, the influence of lifestyle gurus. There is a scene where an argument between two rival football players ends up being a discussion between rival self help courses.
Ritchie brings an almost anarchic style to the film yet has a cutting edge on the lifestyles of the rich and famous sports stars.
There is a famous scene where Billy Clyde gets involved in a 48 hours intensive find yourself seminar run by Bismark in a locked hotel room. Participants cannot leave even to go to the toilet but Billy Clyde has attached a device where he could relieve himself.
Burt Reynolds gives an engaging fun performance. Bert Convy is also effective as the shallow guru. He is a hoot when he discusses mixed marriages with Shaker. He always reminded me of Tom Jones when I was a kid. It must have been the perm.
Semi-Tough is a satirical light romantic comedy. Billy Clyde (Burt Reynolds) and Shake Tiller (Kris Kristofferson) are football stars who are both involved in a relationship with Barbara Jane (Jill Clayburgh) the daughter of their team owner.
Inspired by a self help guru Friedrich Bismark (Bert Convy) it is Shaker who gets engaged to Barbara Jane which makes Billy Clyde realise that he also loves her.
This is an engaging look at two egocentric men, the influence of lifestyle gurus. There is a scene where an argument between two rival football players ends up being a discussion between rival self help courses.
Ritchie brings an almost anarchic style to the film yet has a cutting edge on the lifestyles of the rich and famous sports stars.
There is a famous scene where Billy Clyde gets involved in a 48 hours intensive find yourself seminar run by Bismark in a locked hotel room. Participants cannot leave even to go to the toilet but Billy Clyde has attached a device where he could relieve himself.
Burt Reynolds gives an engaging fun performance. Bert Convy is also effective as the shallow guru. He is a hoot when he discusses mixed marriages with Shaker. He always reminded me of Tom Jones when I was a kid. It must have been the perm.