Week of Nov. 21: Saluting "The Odd Couple"

Can two divorced men share an apartment without driving each other crazy?

No.

And because they couldn't, the saga of Felix Unger and Oscar Madison kept viewers laughing at the television version of "The Odd Couple" for five seasons (1970-75) on ABC. All five seasons are now available on DVD, with the release of the final season this week.

Few television stars have ever had better buddy chemistry than Tony Randall as Felix and Jack Klugman as Oscar. Randall had established himself as one of the best second-banana film actors in various comedies, including "Pillow Talk" with Doris Day and Rock Hudson. Klugman had also been featured in films, including the classic drama "12 Angry Men." Both men won Emmys for their "Odd Couple" roles.

Neil Simon, who wrote the play that begat the movie that begat the series, wrote various episodes. Jerry Belson, writer of various films and television shows, and Garry Marshall co-created the series; Marshall would go on to become a TV producing legend with shows like "Happy Days" and "Laverne and Shirley," before he directed comedies like "Pretty Woman."

Penny Marshall also cut her teeth on this program, as Oscar's secretary.

Here's a fan site with show information:

http://www.oddcouple.info/

And here's a link to the opening credits, which are also funny:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af1h4ibpKJA

See you next week. Until then, Happy Viewing - and Happy Thanksgiving!