The Odd Couple (1968)

Cast: Jack Lemmon (Felix Ungar), Walter Matthau (Oscar Madison), Herb Eldeman (Murray), John Fielder (Vinnie), David Sheiner (Roy), Larry Haines (Speed), Monica Evens (Cecily Pigeon), Carole Shelley (Gwendolyn Pigeon)

Director: Gene Saks

Genre: Comedy


There's something about this film I’ve always liked. Perhaps the life of two “bachelors” acting like so is appealing- I don't know. Maybe it’s the simple complexity that comes from the mind of Neil Simon. Despite a couple of moral problems, this is still an enjoyable movie. Based on the play by the famous play write Neil Simon, this almost classic story is about Felix Unger (Jack Lemmon) comes to live with his already divorced, broke, and sloppy poker pal, Oscar Madison (Walter Matthau). After twelve years of a supposedly happy marriage, Felix and his wife go splitsville and Oscar takes pity on his buddy. The two try to come to terms with their completely opposite idea of perfect living conditions and housekeeping. Oscar prefers a house were disarray is no big deal. His is a typical living condition for the average bachelor. He's a typical guy and all that’s important is paying the rent (eventually), keeping the ex happy with her alimony, having enough food in the fridge as long as it resembles food, and making sure there is just enough money left over for weekly Friday night poker with the guys. Felix on the other hand prefers a dust free, spotlessly clean, orderly, dehumidified, hot cooked meal way of life. With his recent divorce, he is struggling to get his life back together and hopefully move on with his duties as a single. Oscar happily let’s him stay in his apartment thinking the two will get along just fine. He's willing to do all he can to help his buddy Felix despite the fact that there isn't much help he gives to himself. He quickly finds out that not only are their ideal living ideas completely opposite but if something isn’t worked out fast, he's going to kill Felix. The movie has a lot of good laughs and the main characters have qualities that anyone can relate to in some way or another. This is one of those movies that make people consider themselves to be a "Felix" or an "Oscar." I think the story line is really clever. It’s so original and can be molded in many ways.