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, what about next Friday night? You're not gonna break up the poker game, are you?
Felix Ungar: Me, never! Marriage may come and go, but the game must go on. So long, Frances.
[leaves]
Oscar Madison: So long, Blanche.
[sits down at the poker table]
Oscar Madison: Well, what are we gonna do, are we just gonna sit around or are we gonna play poker?
Roy: [they all chime in] Let's play some poker!
Felix Ungar: Hey boys, boys, boys, let's watch the cigarette butts, shall we? This is my house, not a pigsty.


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.


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]


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Facts about

Neil Simon based the character of Felix on his older brother, Danny Simon.
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.
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.
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Also directed by Gene Saks




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Also produced by Howard W. Koch




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