PAT AND MIKE is a disappointment largely because Katharine Hepburn is so dreadfully miscast as the female super-athlete. While she has always looked younger than her age, there's no getting around the fact that she was in her mid-forties when this was made. She is simply too thin and frail to have the bearing or appearance of a super-athlete, not to mention the fact that it runs entirely contrary to her personality. On top of that, she really seems to lack enthusiasm for the role on the screen.
Spencer, OTOH, who could play just about any role with success, is at least adequate in his part. Aldo Ray is perfect as the boxer. It's interesting to see real athletes like Didrickson and Budge in "action" (so to speak), but the remaining supporting cast is really insignificant apart from a few short scenes.
Finally, the script is strewn with cliches and drags from one scene to another until coming to an abrupt and rather inconclusive ending. Clearly, the producers were banking on the star power to attract the gate, and didn't pay a whole lot of attention to the screenplay.
Spencer, OTOH, who could play just about any role with success, is at least adequate in his part. Aldo Ray is perfect as the boxer. It's interesting to see real athletes like Didrickson and Budge in "action" (so to speak), but the remaining supporting cast is really insignificant apart from a few short scenes.
Finally, the script is strewn with cliches and drags from one scene to another until coming to an abrupt and rather inconclusive ending. Clearly, the producers were banking on the star power to attract the gate, and didn't pay a whole lot of attention to the screenplay.