Appearance
The Odd Couple
Directed by Gene Saks and adapted by Neil Simon from his own smash-hit Broadway play, The Odd Couple (1968) is a definitive American comedy. The film stars Jack Lemmon as the neurotic, obsessive-clean Felix Ungar and Walter Matthau as the slovenly, easy-going Oscar Madison. After Felix’s wife throws him out, he moves in with the recently divorced Oscar, leading to a hilarious clash of personalities as they struggle to live together without driving each other crazy.
The film is a masterclass in comedic timing and character dynamics, spawning a legendary television series and cementing the Lemmon-Matthau pairing as one of cinema's greatest duos.
Locations
Set entirely in New York City, the film utilizes the Upper West Side and various Manhattan landmarks to ground the theatrical dialogue in a real, bustling 1960s urban environment.
Oscar’s Apartment (The El Dorado), Manhattan
The exterior of the grand apartment building where Oscar Madison lives is The El Dorado, located at 300 Central Park West. Its iconic twin towers are visible in several establishing shots. The spacious, high-ceilinged interiors seen in the film were designed to mimic the layout of these prestigious pre-war apartments. Map Location
Riverside Drive & 83rd Street, Manhattan
The opening sequence, featuring a despondent Felix wandering through the city after his breakup, was filmed along Riverside Drive. The shot of Felix unsuccessfully trying to throw his back out while checking into a cheap hotel was filmed near the intersection of West 83rd Street. Map Location
Shea Stadium, Queens
In a classic sequence showcasing Oscar's life as a sportswriter, he is seen in the press box at Shea Stadium during a New York Mets game. The scene where he misses a historic triple play because Felix calls him to discuss dinner remains a fan favorite. Though the stadium was demolished in 2009, it remains an iconic piece of New York history. Map Location
Central Park, Manhattan
Several scenes of the duo walking and arguing were filmed on the paths of Central Park, particularly the sections near the Upper West Side. The greenery provides a brief respite from the claustrophobia of their shared apartment life. Map Location
The Nathan's Famous (Times Square), Manhattan
The neon-lit streets of Times Square in 1968 are captured during Felix’s night-time wanderings. The production filmed near the old Nathan's Famous and other mid-century storefronts, providing a gritty, authentic snapshot of the "pre-Disney" era of the crossroads of the world. Map Location
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Director
Gene Saks
Cast
Jack Lemmon
Walter Matthau
John Fiedler
Herb Edelman
Monica Evans
Carole Shelley
IMDB
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