The Odd Couple (1968) | |
| Director(s) | Gene Saks |
| Producer(s) | Howard W. Koch |
| Top Genres | Comedy, Film Adaptation, Romance |
| Top Topics | Based on Play, Divorce, Friends, New York |
Featured Cast:
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)
| Award | Recipient | Result |
| Best Film Editing | Frank Bracht | Nominated |
| Best Writing | Neil Simon | Nominated |
BlogHub Articles:
The Odd Couple (1968)
By Beatrice on Jan 15, 2020 From Flickers in TimeThe 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 RetroO 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 FilmsToday, 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 FilmsBy 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
Murray: You didn't.
Oscar Madison: You got a big mouth, Murray. Just for that, lend me twenty dollars.
Murray: I just loaned you twenty dollars. Borrow from somebody else, I keep winning my own money back.
Roy: You owe everybody in the game. If you don't have it, you shouldn't play.
Oscar Madison: All right, I'm through being a nice guy, you owe me six dollars apiece for the buffet!
Vinnie: What Buffet?
[they all chime in]
Vinnie: What buffet?
Speed: What buffet? Hot beer and two sandwiches left over from when you went to high school.
Oscar Madison: What do you want at a poker game, a tomato surprise? Murray, lend me twenty dollars or I'll call your wife and tell her you're in Central Park wearing a dress.
Murray: How many cards you got, four?
Speed: Yes, Murray, we all have four cards. When you give us one more, we'll all have five. If you gave us two more, we'd all have six. Do you see how that works now?
Murray: Is Oscar playing or not? Hey, Oscar!
Oscar Madison: [from the kitchen] Yeah?
Murray: Hey Oscar, are you in or out?
Oscar Madison: [blows on a slice of bread he'd dropped on the floor] Out pussycat, out!
Felix Ungar: I was just repeating what I thought you said.
Oscar Madison: Well, don't repeat what you THOUGHT I said, repeat what I said! My god, that's irritating!
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Facts about
According to former Paramount production chief Robert Evans in his memoir "The Kid Stays in the Picture", producer Howard Koch originally wanted to use the Broadway cast, Walter Matthau (Oscar) and Art Carney (Felix) in the movie. Evans wanted Jack Lemmon for Felix. Evans also wanted Billy Wilder, who directed Lemmon and Matthau in The Fortune Cookie, as writer-director. The cost for the Lemmon-Matthau-Wilder package was $3 million plus 50% of the profits. Paramount owner Charlie Bluhdorn balked at the demands and personally took over negotiations. Wilder eventually dropped out. Lemmon was signed for $1 million against 10% of the gross and Matthau got a straight salary of $300,000.
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.
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