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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).

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

AwardRecipientResult
Best Film EditingFrank BrachtNominated
Best WritingNeil SimonNominated
See More Oscar Winners

The Odd Couple 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 Lê on Oct 14, 2018 From Critica Retro

O legado de “Um Estranho Casal” / The lasting legacy of “The Odd Couple” “Você é um Felix ou um Oscar?” Para algumas pessoas, esta questão não tem significado. Mas, para milhões de pessoas que conhecem a obra de Neil Simon, ela significa muito. Respon... 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 Klugm... 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

Review: The Odd Couple (1968)

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

See More The Odd Couple Articles

The Odd Couple Quotes:

Sports Writer: Well, that's the ballgame.
Oscar Madison: It's not over yet.
Sports Writer: Bases loaded, Mazeroski up, ninth inning - you expect the Mets to hold a one-run lead?
Oscar Madison: What's the matter? You've never heard of a triple play?
Roy: What if he's laying in a gutter somewhere ? Who would know who he is?
Oscar Madison: He's got 92 credit cards in his wallet. The minute something happens to him, America lights up.
Chambermaid: [to Felix as he walks by] Goodnight.
Felix Ungar: Goodbye.
Roy: [sniffs] What's the smell? Disinfectant?
[smells his cards]
Roy: It's the cards. He washed the cards.
[gets up from the table]
Roy: I'm getting out of here. I can't stand any more.
Oscar Madison: Wait a minute, Roy. Where are you going?
Roy: I've been sitting here, breathing cleaning fluid and ammonia for three hours! Nature didn't intend for poker to be played like that.
[leaves]
Vinnie: If you need me, I'll be at the Meridian Motel in Miami Beach.
Oscar Madison: You'll be the first one I call, Vinnie.
See More Quotes from The Odd Couple
The Odd Couple Facts
The names of the English sisters, Cecily and Gwendolyn, are taken from Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance of Being Earnest".
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.
The two great friends, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, are paired in a movie for the second of ten times.
Walter Matthau, who played Oscar in both the original Broadway play and the movie, asked the play's author, Neil Simon, if he could play Felix instead. This was because Matthau thought Oscar's personality was too similar to his own and the role would be too easy; whereas playing the persnickety Felix would be a real acting challenge. Simon replied, "Walter, go and be an actor in somebody else's play. Please be Oscar in mine." Matthau finally agreed to it.
The play starred Walter Matthau as Oscar, and Art Carney as Felix. When they were making it into a movie, they felt Carney didn't have enough box office punch, so they cast Jack Lemmon instead.
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