The Odd Couple - A Movie Review

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"The Odd Couple" is a comedy that was released in 1968. It was written by Neil Simon and based on a play by the same name by Neil Simon and directed by Gene Saks. The movie was a critical and financial success. The budget was $1.2 million; and the box office receipts were $44.5 million. CAST Jack Lemmon - Felix Unger Walter Matthau - Oscar Madison Herb Edelman - Murray John Fiedler - Vinnie David Sheiner - Roy Larry Haines - Speed Monica Evans - Cecily Pigeon Carole Shelley - Gwendolyn Pigeon Felix Unger's wife kicks him out of the house; and he checks into a hotel on Times Square. He attempts to kill himself; but as he tries to open the window, he pulls a muscle in his back. Back on the street he tries to get drunk at a nearby bar but hurts his neck when he throws down a shot. He stands on a bridge thinking about jumping into the river. Divorced sportswriter Oscar Madison lives in an apartment on the Upper West Side. He is playing poker with his friends Roy, Murray, Speed and Vinnie. They are discussing Felix and why he's so late coming to the game. Murray's wife calls and tells them that Felix is missing. Oscar calls Felix's wife, Frances; and she tells him that they have split up. While they are discussing the fact that Felix could commit suicide, he walks in. Felix starts crying; and Oscar suggests that he move in with him. Oscar broke up with his own wife, Blanche, a few months prior. Felix tells Oscar to be sure to let him know if he's getting on his nerves; and Felix drives Oscar crazy in less than a week. Felix follows Oscar around the apartment cleaning up after him and calling him a slob. He spends most of his time thinking about Frances and doesn't want to have any fun. If you'd like to find out what happens, you'll have to watch the movie. Jack Lemmon does a fine job of portraying the obsessive-compulsive and neurotic Felix; and Walter Matthau does a more than adequate job of playing the slob, Oscar Madison. I recommend this movie...It's a classic. This movie is rated PG. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons (Jack Lemmon)