new python install

[monkeys paw]

Upon invoking python, it hangs
until Ctrl^C is typed, and then the
 >>> interactive shell begins.

Like so:

joemoney% python
Python 2.4.6 (#1, Dec 13 2009, 23:45:11) [C] on sunos5
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
# Hangs ^^^ at this point until ^C is typed
^C

 >>>


I've seen this in other new installs and wondered if there is
a common problem that would cause this? It's on a sun os box