The Odd Couple (1968)
92%RT Audience Score: 89%
Awards & Nominations: NA
The Odd Couple, a timeless comedy that has stood the test of time, is a masterclass in witty writing and impeccable comedic timing. Neil Simon’s script, brought to life by the dynamic duo of Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, is a perfect blend of smart writing and adult themes that still resonate with audiences today. Director Gene Saks wisely keeps the physical setups to a minimum, allowing the sharp dialogue to take center stage. Lemmon and Matthau’s chemistry is undeniable, and their rapport lifts every scene to new heights. While some may find the tour repetitive and superficial, the iconic work of its stars and Simon’s clever writing make The Odd Couple a must-see for any fan of classic comedy.
The Odd Couple is like the perfect cocktail – a little bit of scotch, a little bit of soda, and a whole lot of laughs. Lemmon and Matthau are the ultimate duo, bouncing off each other with ease and making every scene a comedic gem. Sure, the plot may be a bit repetitive, but who cares when you’re having this much fun? It’s proof that even adult themes can be hilarious, as long as you have the right ingredients. So grab a drink, sit back, and enjoy the ride. Cheers to The Odd Couple!
Production Company(ies)
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Release Type
Streaming
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
1968
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Dolby
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Aspect ratio:NA
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Runtime:1h 45m
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Language(s):English
ALL CAST, AUSPICES, AND BELOW THE LINE
SEASON 3 (2016-2017)
SEASON 2 (2015-2016)
SEASON 1 (2014-2015)
DEVELOPMENT (2014-2015) -
Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): May 2, 1968 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 12, 2000
Genre(s)
Comedy
Keyword(s)
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Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Walter Matthau – Oscar Madison
John Fiedler – Vinnie
Herbert Edelman – Murray
Monica Evans – Cecily Pigeon
Carole Shelley – Gwendolyn Pigeon
Director – Gene Saks
Producer – Howard W. Koch
Writer – Neil Simon
Director(s)
Gene Saks
Writer(s)
Neil Simon
Producer(s)
Howard W. Koch
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (40) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (39) | Rotten (1)
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.
June 7, 2022
Judith Crist
New York Magazine/Vulture
TOP CRITIC
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
Ray Loynd
Hollywood Reporter
TOP CRITIC
…a durable classic, the sort of comedy that doesn’t try to yank laughs by cramming its fist down our throats.
March 18, 2009
Mark Bourne
Film.com
TOP CRITIC
Lemmon and Mathau’s finest hour.
April 1, 2008 | Rating: 5/5
Kim Newman
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
For all its overfamiliarity, this is a good play, easily Simon’s best, and Matthau and Lemmon inhabit it with grace and style.
April 1, 2008
Dave Kehr
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
An irresistible double act from Lemmon and Matthau.
January 26, 2006
Tom Milne
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
The two stars go together like scotch and soda, and their rapport lifts every scene.
October 4, 2022
Edward Porter
Sunday Times (UK)
…a deliberately-paced and often unabashedly stagy comedy that benefits substantially from the justifiably iconic work of its stars…
January 17, 2021 | Rating: 3/4
David Nusair
Reel Film Reviews
Lemmon and Matthau have an undeniable chemistry that allows their highly contrasting personalities to generate a fitting camaraderie and plenty of comical conundrums.
August 27, 2020 | Rating: 7/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
I enjoy some moments of this comedy directed by Gene Saks when I see the fabulous pair of Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, although the tour is somewhat repetitive and superficial. [Full review in Spanish]
July 24, 2020 | Rating: 6/10
Yasser Medina
Cinemaficionados
Simon’s The Odd Couple is proof that smart writing and adult themes can still make for a fun evening at your family home theater, if your children are older than 10.
March 30, 2016 | Rating: B
James Plath
Family Home Theater
Classic buddy comedy finds hilarity in its mature themes.
July 8, 2014 | Rating: 4/5
Renee Schonfeld
Common Sense Media…
Plot
When Felix becomes suicidal over his impending divorce, he moves in with his best friend Oscar, but his obsession over his ex drives Oscar crazy and puts their friendship to the test in The Odd Couple.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels doesn’t have anything goofy or funny or odd to say about the film Signed in.
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