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: Felix, I'd like you to meet two elevator acquaintances of mine. Gwendolyn and Cecily.
Cecily Pigeon: No, Cecily and Gwendolyn.
Oscar Madison: Oh, Terribly sorry, Cecily and Gwendolyn. Eh, don't tell me. Eh, Robin? No, Cardinal?
Gwendolyn Pigeon: No, Wrong both times, It's Pigeon.
Oscar Madison: Cecily and Gwendolyn Pigeon, The Pigeon sisters.
Gwendolyn Pigeon: Or as our friends at Chelsea use to call us, the Cuckoo Pigeon sisters.


Cop in squad car: Hey, what are you doing, Murray?
Murray: Off-duty arrest. Caught them gambling.


Oscar Madison: I'm $800 behind in alimony. Let's raise the stakes.
Roy: They can do it, you know.
Oscar Madison: Do what?
Roy: Throw you in jail.
Oscar Madison: Never. If she can't call me up once a week to aggravate me, she's not happy.
Murray the Cop: Aren't you worried about the kids?
Oscar Madison: Murray, the kids are living in their grandfather's house with a swimming pool in California. Can we just play cards?
Roy: I told you you'd get into trouble. It's because you don't know how manage anything. I should know - I'm your accountant.
Oscar Madison: If you're my accountant, how come I need money?
Roy: If you need money, how come you play poker?
Oscar Madison: 'Cause I need money.
Roy: But you always lose.
Oscar Madison: That's why I need the money.
Roy: Then don't play poker.
Oscar Madison: Then don't come to my house and eat my potato chips.
[grabs the bag of potato chips on the poker table and flings the entire contents all over the living room]
Oscar Madison: You see, wise guy? Potato chips!
Murray the Cop: Oh, beautiful, beautiful.
[an argument ensues with everyone bickering all at once]
Murray the Cop: What are you yelling about? We're playing a friendly game!
[the bickering continues]
Murray the Cop: All right, all right, ALL RIGHT! Calm down, calm down, take it easy. I'm a cop, you know - I can arrest the whole lousy game.
[they all quiet down]
Oscar Madison: My friend Murray the cop is right. Let's just play cards and please hold them up. I can't see where I marked them.
Roy: He owes money to his wife, his government and his friends and he still won't take it seriously.
Oscar Madison: Life goes on even for tho

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Facts about

The original Broadway production of "The Odd Couple" by Neil Simon opened at the Plymouth Theater on March 10, 1965, ran for 966 performances and was nominated for the 1965 Tony Award as Best Play. Walter Matthau won the 1965 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor.
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.
Monica Evans and Carole Shelley also reprise their roles in Disney's The AristoCats as a pair of English geese on a walking tour of France.
read more facts about The Odd Couple...
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Also directed by Gene Saks




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