Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Neil Simon's The Odd Couple is Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau at the top of their "buddy" game. The movie has some grown-up plot elements (divorce, contemplation of suicide), but it's always lighthearted, focusing on character rather than jokes, and the farcical moments are very funny without being highly exaggerated. Though there's a certain amount of sophistication to the snappy dialogue and opposites-attract humor, the perennial slob and the fastidious hypochondriac are amusing on many levels. Older kids and teens who appreciate classic comedies and wonderful performances will find much to like. Made in the 1960s, the movie has smoking (both cigars and cigarettes), a brief scene with scantily clad go-go dancers, and some mild sexual innuendo, and "hell" and "damn" are heard several times.

Sexual Content

Go-go dancers are seen in skimpy outfits in one bar scene; a brief shot focuses on a woman's derriere. Some mild sexual jokes and innuendo (for example, a man is hoping to seduce two pretty women).

Violence

A character contemplates and prepares to commit suicide, but it's clearly with comic intent and is never seriously attempted. A humorous indoor chase results in one man being dragged into a shower.

Language

A few "hells" and "damns."

Social Behavior

Comically shows two disparate people finding a common bond; encourages getting along with others who are different from oneself. A man who is saddened by a life-changing event learns to cope with his depression and renew his positive feelings about life.

Consumerism

Pepsi-Cola. Visual glimpses of several well-known New York City hotels (Hilton, Carlisle, Warwick).

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Characters are shown drinking wine, beer, and Scotch whiskey in some scenes, all in moderation. No drunkenness. Several characters smoke both cigars and cigarettes.