The Odd Couple

cohabit. It's pretty clear from the outset that "Oscar" is not exactly house-proud and as the story develops their relationship starts to creak. Neil Simon has created a wonderfully witty, pithy and humorous dialogue which both men deliver with a great deal of natural timing; they immerse themselves in the roles - an unusual narrative for two men - and deliver quite an engaging observation on how these two friends simply cannot cope with each other full time. Aside from a few scenes from their card-playing buddies and a rather difficult double date with posh Brits "Gwendolyn" (Carole Shelley) and "Cecily" (Monica Evans) - which follows a scene of domestic petulance over some tardiness and meatloaf that is instantly recognisable to most of us, this is a fine example of two actors who gel really well on screen. Oddly enough, I think this is a bit of a love story. Not in the conventional, romantic, sense - but despite their bickering and squabbling these men do care for each other. The theme tune is pretty good, too.