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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:

Gwendolyn Pigeon: I'm sorry, I've forgotten your name.
Felix Ungar: Felix.
Gwendolyn Pigeon: Oh, right, Felix.
Cecily Pigeon: Like the cat.
Gwendolyn Pigeon: Oh, well, the Pigeon sisters had better beware of the cat.
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.
Oscar Madison: Can't you keep it warm?
Felix Ungar: Who the hell do you think I am, the Magic Chef? I'm lucky I got it to come out at eight o'clock. Wh-wh-what am I gonna do?
Oscar Madison: I dunno, keep pouring gravy on it.
Felix Ungar: Gravy? What gravy?
Oscar Madison: Don't you have any gravy?
Felix Ungar: Where the hell am I gonna get gravy at eight o'clock?
Oscar Madison: I dunno, I though it comes when you cook the meat.
Felix Ungar: [under his breath] Comes when you cook the meat.
[stares at him for a moment]
Felix Ungar: You don't know what you're talking about, Oscar. You just don't know, because you have to MAKE gravy, it doesn't come!
Oscar Madison: Well, you asked my advice...
Felix Ungar: [explodes] Your advice? You didn't even know where this kitchen was until I came hear and showed it to you.
Oscar Madison: Listen buddy, if you're going to argue with me, put down that spoon.
Felix Ungar: Spoon? Haha, you dumb ignoramus, that is a ladle! You did not know that's a ladle!
Oscar Madison: Get a hold of yourself, will ya?
Felix Ungar: You think it's so easy? Go ahead, kitchen's yours, all yours, you make a meatloaf for four people who come a half-hour late. Go on.
Oscar Madison: I can't believe I'm arguing with him over gravy.
Felix Ungar: [doorbell rings] They're here - the dinner guests. I'll get a saw and cut the meat!
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!
Oscar Madison: Murray, I'll give you $200 for your gun.
See More Quotes from The Odd Couple
The Odd Couple Facts
Neil Simon based the character of Felix on his older brother, Danny Simon.
Despite the fact that a number of key scenes involve poker games, and the fact that the five male lead characters are all poker buddies, Felix is never seen actually playing poker.
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.
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.
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.
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