The Odd Couple

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The Odd Couple

G

Released May 2, 1968

1h 45m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

97%

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39 Reviews

89%

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25,000+ Ratings

When fussy Felix (Jack Lemmon) becomes suicidal over his impending divorce, he accepts an offer to move in with his best friend, messy Oscar (Walter Matthau). Felix drives Oscar crazy with his obsession over his soon-to-be ex. Oscar tries to get him out of his funk by arranging a double date with two wacky British neighbors, Cecily (Monica Evans) and Gwendolyn (Carole Shelley). When the plan backfires and Felix grows even more despondent, his friendship with Oscar is put to the test.

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Critics Consensus

Enlivening Neil Simon's crackerjack script with their harmonious rapport, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau are a perfect pairing as The Odd Couple.

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Judith Crist

New York Magazine/Vulture

The Odd Couple, one of the very best comedies to have emanated from Broadway in recent years, arrived on screen not only intact but actually enhanced by the transition.

Jun 7, 2022

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Ray Loynd

Hollywood Reporter

Capitalizing on almost every funny line in the play, and keeping physical setups to a wise minimum, playwright-screenwriter Neil Simon and director Gene Saks have adapted to the screen, fidelity-sharp, the embattled hilarity of The Odd Couple.

May 3, 2019

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TIME Magazine

The Neil Simon comedy that lit up Broadway for more than two years shines again in this flawed but still funny screen adaptation.

Apr 27, 2009

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Edward Porter

Sunday Times (UK)

The two stars go together like scotch and soda, and their rapport lifts every scene.

Oct 4, 2022

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a deliberately-paced and often unabashedly stagy comedy that benefits substantially from the justifiably iconic work of its stars...

Rated: 3/4

Jan 17, 2021

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Lemmon and Matthau have an undeniable chemistry that allows their highly contrasting personalities to generate a fitting camaraderie and plenty of comical conundrums.

Rated: 7/10

Aug 27, 2020

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Leaburn O

This is a pretty dated comedy. There’s little to lack gig at and it feels pretty chauvinistic. Felt like a play out to film. Acting was hammy and slapstick. Not a Lemmon classic. Watched on DVD.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

11/04/24

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Kevin L

Masterful comedic filmmaking. What an excellent adaptation from the stage to the screen. Matthau and Lemon are spot-on stellar. And their timing and delivery of such, rich, rapid-fire dialogue makes for a damn fine comedy that stands the test of time. Great job by most all those in supporting roles as well. Evans and Shelly as the British sisters are a nice break from just the two leads and their poker buddies. incl. Fielder and Edelman. Director Saks, screenwriter Simon, and editor Bracht created for us a classic. There's the terrific long opening scene of Felix in utter despair, the great pacing, and throughout, cinematographer Hauser's eye for knowing how to flesh out the look Saks was going for. Such a good job of making Oscar's apt. like its own character. Lots of laughs at the cinema for this one last night. 4 stars

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/31/24

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KB B

I watched this probably 50 years ago and didn't remember much except I liked it. Obviously it's pretty dated but you can't beat Matthau and Lemmon. Someone should have shown Walter Matthau how to hold a bowling ball. He had his index finger and middle finger in the top holes rather than the middle and ring fingers. It's worth the watch.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/21/23

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Audience Member

Overall, this is an excellent film with snappy dialogue that feels real. At no point was I ever bored while watching. It's filled with amazing performances from Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. I adored witnessing their chemistry, their funny line deliveries and dramatic moments as they bring a strong friendship to life. I had a wonderful time watching this film, and as the credits rolled, I was ready to rewatch it instantly.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/11/23

Full Review

Mark A

This is the film that defined Matthau and Lemon as a team. The writing is perfect.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/16/22

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philip w

Superb —- must see and enjoy

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/13/22

Full Review

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Gene Saks

Director

Jack Lemmon

Felix Ungar

Walter Matthau

Oscar Madison

John Fiedler

Vinnie

Herbert Edelman

Murray

Monica Evans

Cecily Pigeon

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The Odd Couple: Official Clip - Oscar Breaks Down

1:58

The Odd Couple: Official Clip - Stepping on the Vacuum Cord

0:39

The Odd Couple: Official Clip - Brown or Green Sandwich

0:43

The Odd Couple: Official Clip - Break the Lousy Cup!

0:48

The Odd Couple: Official Clip - Clean vs. Dirty

0:59

The Odd Couple: Official Clip - Felix Crying in Bathroom

0:49

The Odd Couple: Official Clip - Clearing Sinuses

1:21

The Odd Couple: Official Clip - I'm Going to Kill You

1:27

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Synopsis

When fussy Felix (Jack Lemmon) becomes suicidal over his impending divorce, he accepts an offer to move in with his best friend, messy Oscar (Walter Matthau). Felix drives Oscar crazy with his obsession over his soon-to-be ex. Oscar tries to get him out of his funk by arranging a double date with two wacky British neighbors, Cecily (Monica Evans) and Gwendolyn (Carole Shelley). When the plan backfires and Felix grows even more despondent, his friendship with Oscar is put to the test.

Director: Gene Saks
Producer: Howard W. Koch
Screenwriter: Neil Simon
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures
Rating: G
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 2, 1968, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2013
Runtime: 1h 45m

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