In the style of classic screwball comedies (with Bringing Up Baby as a key influence), What’s Up Doc? is an uproarious throwback and an ode to the craftsmanship of cinematic comedy.
When befuddled musicologist Howard Bannister (Ryan O’Neal) finds himself in the same hotel as free spirit Judy Maxwell (Barbara Streisand), he is pulled into a series of escalating catastrophes involving jewel thiefs, top secret government documents, and a likely jeopardized research grant.
What’s Up Doc? is a shot of pure escapism, but has been lovingly crafted by director Peter Bogdanovich to stand the test of time, both with its witty dialogue and the impressively dangerous physical slapstick on display, particularly in its showstopping chase scene that parodies Bullit. A joyous reminder that it's not all doom and gloom!
