The Odd Couple

1968, Comedy, 1h 45m

40 Reviews 25,000+ Ratings

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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. Read critic reviews

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Movie Info

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.
  • Rating:
    G
  • Genre:
    Comedy
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Gene Saks
  • Producer:
    Howard W. Koch
  • Writer:
    Neil Simon
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    Paramount Pictures

Cast & Crew

Jack Lemmon
Jack Lemmon
Felix Ungar
Walter Matthau
Walter Matthau
Oscar Madison
John Fiedler
John Fiedler
Vinnie
Herbert Edelman
Herbert Edelman
Murray
Monica Evans
Monica Evans
Cecily Pigeon
Carole Shelley
Carole Shelley
Gwendolyn Pigeon
David Sheiner
David Sheiner
Roy
Larry Haines
Larry Haines
Speed
Gene Saks
Gene Saks
Director
Howard W. Koch
Howard W. Koch
Producer
Neal Hefti
Neal Hefti
Original Music
Robert B. Hauser
Robert B. Hauser
Cinematographer
Frank Bracht
Frank Bracht
Film Editing
Hank Moonjean
Hank Moonjean
Assistant Director
Neil Simon
Neil Simon
Screenwriter
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Critic Reviews for The Odd Couple

All Critics (40) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (39) | Rotten (1)
Full Review… Judith Crist New York Magazine/Vulture Full Review… Ray Loynd Hollywood Reporter Full Review… Mark Bourne Film.com Full Review… Kim Newman Empire Magazine Full Review… Dave Kehr Chicago Reader Full Review… Tom Milne Time Out Full Review… Edward Porter Sunday Times (UK) Full Review… David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Full Review… Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Full Review… Yasser Medina Cinemaficionados Full Review… James Plath Family Home Theater Full Review… Renee Schonfeld Common Sense Media
View All Critic Reviews (40)

Audience Reviews for The Odd Couple

  • Jul 11, 2013
    Tonally, it's inconsistent, and its characters behave in seemingly random ways, but The Odd Couple contains just enough comedic starpower and underlying progressiveness to ensure it's a worthy watch.
    Isaac H Super Reviewer
  • May 29, 2013
    Neat-freak Felix rooms with the messy Oscar. Classic, funny, and enjoyable, <i>The Odd Couple</i> works primarily because of the strong performances by the two leads, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. Both make their characters both likeable and annoying, and both deliver Neil Simon's lines with a high-energy, <i>His Girl Friday</i> wit. This film is more fun than profound, more madcap than sober, and while I rarely laugh out loud at most comedies, I found myself chuckling and smiling now and then at the film's clever repartee. Overall, this film is a classic for a reason -- a very good reason.
    Jim H Super Reviewer
  • Feb 05, 2013
    "The Odd Couple" isn't completely successful in its transfer from stage to screen, but the humor is still as ripe as ever and there are two great lead performances from Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. The main problem is that Gene Saks' direction doesn't elevate the "The Odd Couple" the way that it should, making the film often feel like nothing more than a filmed play. However, it's enjoyable and there's an honest message at its center, and, above all, it's funny.
    Super Reviewer
  • Apr 03, 2011
    Hilarious and acted to perfection.
    matt s Super Reviewer
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