Produced in 1968 and directed by Gene Saks, this hilarious film was originally slated for Billy Wilder to direct. Based on an earlier play of the same name written by genius, Neil Simon, this classic movie is one of the funniest ever made. In the Broadway version, Walter Matthau played the part of messy Oscar Madison, but Art Carney was the fastidious Felix Unger, a role which was so deftly portrayed in the film by Jack Lemmon. The story of these two unlikely roommates is based largely on the experiences of Neil Simon’s brother when he got divorced. The lines are fast, furious and hysterical no matter how many times they are seen and heard.
In the opening scene, most of the cast is playing poker. It is mid-August in New York City and Christmas stockings are still seen hanging from Oscar Madison’s chimney mantle. He brings sandwiches into the room and the men are asked whether they want green ones or brown. When someone asks what they are, the response is, “they are either very old cheese or very new meat.”
The cast is brilliant, headed by Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon, Herb Edelman, John Fieldler, David Sheiner, Monica Evans and Carole Shelley. The two Pidgeon sister’s names, Cecily and Gwendolyn, were taken from Oscar Wilde’s play, “The Importance of Being Earnest.” The baseball sequence was filmed on June 27, 1967, at Shea’s Stadium just before a game between the New York Mets and The Pittsburgh Pirates. Oscar Madison (Matthau), who is a sports writer, is interrupted from a triple play in the game by Felix Unger (Lemmon) calling to inquire what he would like for dinner! Actually, Roberto Clemente was supposed to hit the famous move, but when he refused, Bill Mazeroski took his place.
The film won several Oscars and is a classic comedy that should not be missed by anyone who ever needs a laugh.
Have you seen this movie? What are some of YOUR favorite moments from this very funny film?