The Odd Couple Overview:

The Odd Couple (1968) was a Comedy - Romance Film directed by Gene Saks and produced by Howard W. Koch.

SYNOPSIS

Simon's justifiably famous pair was based on the real experiences of his scriptwriting brother living with two bachelors in Hollywood. Lemmon replaced Art Carney from the stage smash in the role of Matthau's new roommate, and the other principals brought finely tuned ensemble work to the film, infusing depth to the characterizations of sloppy, curmudgeonly Madison and his poker-buddy circle. Lemmon brought a shrill neurosis to fussy Felix that is the perfect foil. Watch for cameos by a host of late-'60s baseball greats, ranging from Roberto Clemente and Maury Wills to Bud Harrelson. The basis for the long-running TV series starring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

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Academy Awards 1968 --- Ceremony Number 41 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best Film EditingFrank BrachtNominated
Best WritingNeil SimonNominated
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BlogHub Articles:

The Odd Couple (1968)

By Beatrice on Jan 15, 2020 From Flickers in Time

The Odd Couple Directed by Gene Saks Written by Neil Simon from his play 1968/US IMDb link Repeat viewing/Amzazon Instant Felix Ungar: Take what back? Oscar Madison: “Let it be on your head.” What the hell is that, the Curse of the Cat People? Despite a few now cringe-worthy jokes, the p... Read full article


O legado de “Um Estranho Casal” / The lasting legacy of “The Odd Couple”

By L? on Oct 14, 2018 From Critica Retro

O legado de “Um Estranho Casal” / The lasting legacy of “The Odd Couple” “Voc? ? um Felix ou um Oscar?” Para algumas pessoas, esta quest?o n?o tem significado. Mas, para milh?es de pessoas que conhecem a obra de Neil Simon, ela significa muito. Responder s... Read full article


1968 Fest – An Oddly Abrasive Pairing – The Odd Couple (1968)

By Michael on Apr 23, 2018 From Durnmoose Movie Musings

“I cannot stand little notes on my pillow! ?We are all out of cornflakes, F.U.? It took me three hours to figure out F.U. was Felix Unger.” Of course, most people (or at least those who remember it at all) will remember The Odd Couple as a TV show starring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman. ... Read full article


The Odd Couple (1968)

By Amanda Garrett on Mar 31, 2017 From Old Hollywood Films

Today, I'm reviewing the comedy, The Odd Couple (1968), starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau as battling roommates. This article is part of The Jack Lemmon Blogathon hosted by Critica Retro and Wide Screen World. Actor Jack Lemmon gave countless great performances throughout his long caree... Read full article


The Odd Couple (1968) – Updated

By 4 Star Film Fan on Mar 22, 2015 From 4 Star Films

By now The Odd Couple is rather like returning to an old group of friends. Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau never had a better pairing than their turns as Felix Ungar and Oscar Madison. The roles seem to fit each man to the tee or at least they make them their own. Lemmon is as hilarious as ever playi... Read full article


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Quotes from

Oscar Madison: Getting a clear picture on Channel 2 is not my idea of whoopee.


Murray: A suicide telegram? Who sends a suicide telegram?
Oscar Madison: Felix, the nut, that's who! Can you imagine getting a thing like that? She even had to tip the kid a quarter.


Murray: I'm telling you, I'm worried. I know Felix. He's going to try something crazy.
Vinnie: You mean you just threw him out?
Oscar Madison: That's right, I threw him out. It was my decision. All right, I admit it. Let it be on my head.
Vinnie: Let what be on your head?
Oscar Madison: How should I know? Felix put it there. Ask him.
Speed: He's out there somewhere.
Oscar Madison: Listen, he was driving us all crazy with his napkins and his ashtrays and his bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches. All of you said so.
Roy: We didn't say kick him out, Oscar.
Oscar Madison: Well, who do you think I did it for? I did it for us!
Roy: Us?
Oscar Madison: Yes, that's right. Do you know what he was planning for next Friday night's poker game as a change of pace? Do you have any idea?
Vinnie: What?
Oscar Madison: A luau! A Hawaiian luau! Roast pork, fried rice, spareribs - they don't play poker like that in Honolulu!


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Facts about

At one point in the story (set in New York), Oscar says "Getting a clear picture on Channel 2" is not his idea of a fun evening. For years through the mid- to late 70s and early 80s, this movie was a staple of WCBS Channel 2's "Late Show" movie in New York City.
The two great friends, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, are paired in a movie for the second of ten times.
The baseball sequence was filmed at Shea Stadium before a regularly scheduled contest between the New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates on June 27, 1967. Originally, Roberto Clemente was supposed to hit into the triple play. However, the fleet-footed Pirate kept beating the throw to first base. After several takes, Clemente slowed so much he appeared to be walking. Bill Mazeroski, a more lead-footed athlete, was offered the part instead.
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Also directed by Gene Saks




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Also produced by Howard W. Koch




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