The Odd Couple holds such a special place in my heart. I learned to appreciate this show at a young age, thanks to my fathers incredible sense of humor. This show was so incredibly funny. These two were special, their chemistry was palpable. Grateful I get to watch them in reruns on my dvr.
Loved these two men I cried when tony Randall passed. And I love jack klugman I believe he is a sweet man .hope both of them rest in peace ☮️. And are able to be together in heaven. I know how much they loved each other. God bless both of you.
Very few actors like that these days or back in the day. James Garner, Clint Eastwood, Bernie Mac, Denzel Washington, Peter Falk and Tom Selleck seem like the same type of dudes.
He also loved gambling in real life as you stated, just like Walther Matthau who we (my mom, pop and I in the 70's) met at Hollywood park and met Klugman at Santa Anita, very down to earth and regular guys! Your comment is 100% correct!
@@lt4324 Although I never met Jack Klugman, I was distantly related (my maternal grandmother and he were first cousins). My father mentioned being on an elevator with him once and he complained about not being able to reach his bookie.
that lame remake of the Odd Couple with Matthew Perry was an insult to the original show---Perry couldn't hold a candle to Jack Klugman's portrayal of Oscar Madison
I agree....I have nothing against Matthew Perry, but the show just wasn't that good, in my opinion....having grown up knowing Jack Klugman and Tony Randall in those rolls....it's hard to picture ANYone else doing them.
If sloppiness and "shoving everything in one place," really worked, I would get an award. Klugman and Randall and The Odd Couple are iconic. Thank you. (Do wish the audio on these shows came through louder).
This was 1970. Would you believe Klugman was only 48 & Randall 50? I think its really true people physically aged faster 50 years ago than today. Randall was and exception (he looks great) but Klugman looks to be about 60. I've noticed this time and again on these old talk shows everyone looks 10 years older than they are.
I saw Kulgman in a play in Burbank, CA shortly before his death, still had great magnitism. I weep for the future as this generation did not have wholesome quality TV. Read his book, TONY AND ME - Pappy
Jack Klugman was amazed how bad the ratings of the Odd Couple were--nevertheless he knew how great the show really was gauged by how the studio audience at Paramount reacted to the tapings--he encouraged Mr. Randall to just take a small weekly salary and instead demand a large portion of the future syndication rights-as he felt the show would become a huge hit when it was showed in reruns when it was finally cancelled---as it turned out--he was absolutely right-the show became a tremendous "cash cow" in syndication--there wasn't a time in the late 1970's-most of the 1980's when you couldn't watch the Odd Couple somewhere
@@Franciscasieri Tony Randall continually fretted about the show's future, as it rarely drew high ratings and was always seemingly on the verge of cancellation. Jack Klugman would often tell Randall not to worry, accurately predicting the show's success and longevity upon its reruns entering into syndication.( this was something posted on a trivia website) please share your insight
@Henry Ficke I heard several stories of the Tony convincing Jack this is why storytelling hurts humanity we probably will never know for sure but if I had to bet I would think Tony was the better businessman very controlling Jack did say on camera he was easy going and Tony always the controlling perfectionist Whose more likely to think of this deal? Tony
....this interview was during the filiming of the first season of THE ODD COUPLE....when they were still using a one camera technique....so Tony was "fibbing" a little, Per later interviews, including a set he did for the Television Foundation, Tony said he wasn't comfortable until the 2nd season....when the 3 camera technique and live audience were in use. They SOARED....and Garry MArshall pulled it all together....wit Jerry Belson. The addition of Penny Marshall as Myrna Turner....magically hilarious. and Al MOlinaro as Murray the cop.
+maurizius27 they were best of friends off stage too---when Klugman was diagnosed with throat cancer in the 70's--Randall helped take care of him and also helped him get back on the stage again
When Randall needed money for his new theater company, Klugman suggested they go on a tour doing stage shows together and gave all the money to Randall. And this was after Klugman battle with throat cancer.
Tony Randall's reason for not going to his class reunion was too funny. Most of my female classmates ballooned up. I'm heavier but not anywhere near that heavy.
Mr Randall mentions that the "reviews were wonderful" when the Odd Couple came out--the reviews were good but the ratings weren't--in fact every year the Odd Couple was on the air it had been cancelled by ABC-only to be brought back the next season when the ratings dramatically improved over the summer--the show was on Friday nights at 9:30--and in the 1970's a lot of people weren't home that night--out to movies, bowling etc etc--during the summer when people may have been switching the dial to find something until the fall season started they discovered how truly great the Odd Couple really was
Hear hear! SPLENDID analysis, Mr. David!... Odd Couple one of my BEST~loved shows. Woefully underrated, even today, as channels like "MeTV" cancel The Odd Couple in favor of.... Gilligan's Island! :'(( (Huhhh??)
Randall said in the interviews is when the show went to syndication that's when the ratings went through the roof and the show became legendary. On the side note, Randall & Klugman had signed contracts make more money from the syndication rights, smart move.
3:08 When you can describe the gorgeous girls who rejected you in high school as being "fat old bats" today, and no one boycotts your TV show, no one starts internet campaigns against you, and no one creates a silly "hashtag" name around what you said. Yup, we certainly rolled differently (and had more backbone) in the 70's.
@elvicare35 I personally couldn't get into the first season, not really laugh track related but just that the show was finding itself. The second season was where they found themselves and Jack and Tony really flourished and that definitely has to do with the audience giving them that energy. But the show just got better and better every year. Rare when that happens.
The first season was based more on the movie/stage show, using the same apartment set, The Pidgeon sisters, the card players. The new apartment set they let Jack and Tony make it their own.
This is like an episode of the odd couple. We see why the odd couple was so successful, because their characters were not so different from their real personalities.
Ultimately "The Mike Douglas Show" was moved to a larger studio in Philadelphia--Group Westinghouse filmed the show at KYW-TV which they owned---I'll will never forget how with the ratings still outstanding-GroupW cancelled the show in the early 80's and replaced it with the "John Davidson Show"-thinking they could attract a younger demographic audience--unfortunately Davidson's show was cancelled within a year
Yeah, but the show 'worked'. I couldn't wait to watch it everyday. After they moved the show to the west coast it just wasn't the same. Not sure what changed, but 'it' was gone.
If an actor called a woman a “Fat Old Bat” Now. His career would be over!. Even death threats, People Are Ridiculously Sensitive, Back then you could say what you pleased. Then just move on”
Compare to the shows and actors of today. There hasn't been a prime time show I will watch in the past 15 years, nothing but wokeBS, dominated by AA's, Hispanics, LGBTQ, other minorities stroking hatred, division, whining 24/7/365. Same with movies, nothing of interest this entire century.
![What's My Line? - Trapp family choir; Tony Randall [panel] (Jul 3, 1960)](/img/n.gif)
"The Odd Couple" is a certifiable classic-RIP Tony Randall & Jack Klugman.
I totally agree !
Great interview with two men that had a chemistry together you don't see too often.
One of the funniest shows in the history of television.
YOU BET, Mr. Johnny!! Hear hear!
Odd cople and "the Honeymooners" greatest shows ever.
Two wonderful geniuses!
Rest In Paradise both Mr. Klugman. And Mr. Randall.
What genuinely delightful people!
Hear hear!!
MY BOYS!! I LOVE THEM!!! ❤ And Miss Them So Much! Such Class, Respect, and Beyond Brilliant Chemistry. It Really was The Greatest Show Ever!! 💖
The Odd Couple holds such a special place in my heart.
I learned to appreciate this show at a young age, thanks to my fathers incredible sense of humor.
This show was so incredibly funny.
These two were special, their chemistry was palpable. Grateful I get to watch them in reruns on my dvr.
I'm telling yeah.😅
They really were their characters in real life. That's why their show and chemistry worked so well.
As I do when I take off my hat, you make a good point !
Loved these two men I cried when tony Randall passed. And I love jack klugman I believe he is a sweet man .hope both of them rest in peace ☮️. And are able to be together in heaven. I know how much they loved each other. God bless both of you.
The great jack kluggman and Tony Randal. Iconic duo.
The Dynamic Duo!
Love these pros...class acts,..RIP..so missed.
What BRILLIANT character descriptions. True actors from the heart.
I certainly have a notion to second THAT emotion !
I love these guys. I’ll watch anything they’re in.
I have enjoyed watching reruns of the Tony Randall/Jack Klugman ABC television "The Odd Couple" since January of 1977!
Miss them all
A friend of mine met Jack Klugman at, where else, a poker game. Said he was a regular Joe, a very down to Earth kind of guy, no Hollywood pretense.
Very few actors like that these days or back in the day. James Garner, Clint Eastwood, Bernie Mac, Denzel Washington, Peter Falk and Tom Selleck seem like the same type of dudes.
He also loved gambling in real life as you stated, just like Walther Matthau who we (my mom, pop and I in the 70's) met at Hollywood park and met Klugman at Santa Anita, very down to earth and regular guys! Your comment is 100% correct!
@@lt4324 Although I never met Jack Klugman, I was distantly related (my maternal grandmother and he were first cousins). My father mentioned being on an elevator with him once and he complained about not being able to reach his bookie.
@@phlmaestro7067 I would not doubt that at all, LOL. Nice short story. The guy was very likeable IMO.
Jack seems like a guy who would have been fun to have a beer or three with.
that lame remake of the Odd Couple with Matthew Perry was an insult to the original show---Perry couldn't hold a candle to Jack Klugman's portrayal of Oscar Madison
I agree....I have nothing against Matthew Perry, but the show just wasn't that good, in my opinion....having grown up knowing Jack Klugman and Tony Randall in those rolls....it's hard to picture ANYone else doing them.
@@Tull1996 🎯
I agree 100 per cent !!
My favorite show, of all-time & my favorite episode......Password
Aristophenes……Ridiculous!!!
If sloppiness and "shoving everything in one place," really worked, I would get an award. Klugman and Randall and The Odd Couple are iconic. Thank you. (Do wish the audio on these shows came through louder).
FANTASTIC!! Thanksss for this
loved them!
You don't see detailed discussions like this on talks shows anymore.
No, it's all about politics...leftist politics now.
Listen to a podcast.
@@davidmitchell6873 I'm referring to commercial TV shows.
They are now either promotional vehicles or opportunists for virtue signaling.
This was 1970. Would you believe Klugman was only 48 & Randall 50? I think its really true people physically aged faster 50 years ago than today. Randall was and exception (he looks great) but Klugman looks to be about 60. I've noticed this time and again on these old talk shows everyone looks 10 years older than they are.
Good observation. I think that was often due to the fact that smoking was so common then.
I saw Kulgman in a play in Burbank, CA shortly before his death, still had great magnitism. I weep for the future as this generation did not have wholesome quality TV. Read his book, TONY AND ME - Pappy
The writers on The Odd Couple were extraordinary.
That's for sure !
It's weird seeing Jack without his Toupee.
bigpoppa 1967 you would never see tony, without his toupee. Jack never minded, he was without it a lot.
Tony was on Carson around this time and he was talking about the price of haircuts. He was definitely in denial.
It is, INDEED!
@@dalebaker9109 He actually did an episode of the Odd Couple without it.
@@Marckymarc71 Much younger were the characters supposed to be than Tony and Jack were
""Fat Old Bats" OMG LOL
Jack Klugman was amazed how bad the ratings of the Odd Couple were--nevertheless he knew how great the show really was gauged by how the studio audience at Paramount reacted to the tapings--he encouraged Mr. Randall to just take a small weekly salary and instead demand a large portion of the future syndication rights-as he felt the show would become a huge hit when it was showed in reruns when it was finally cancelled---as it turned out--he was absolutely right-the show became a tremendous "cash cow" in syndication--there wasn't a time in the late 1970's-most of the 1980's when you couldn't watch the Odd Couple somewhere
Substitute Tony for Jack in this post for the accurate storyline
@@Franciscasieri Tony Randall continually fretted about the show's future, as it rarely drew high ratings and was always seemingly on the verge of cancellation. Jack Klugman would often tell Randall not to worry, accurately predicting the show's success and longevity upon its reruns entering into syndication.( this was something posted on a trivia website) please share your insight
@Henry Ficke I heard several stories of the Tony convincing Jack this is why storytelling hurts humanity we probably will never know for sure but if I had to bet I would think Tony was the better businessman very controlling
Jack did say on camera he was easy going and Tony always the controlling perfectionist
Whose more likely to think of this deal?
Tony
Ty for this info. I never knew that 👍
Being on Fridays hurt the show and the ratings.
....this interview was during the filiming of the first season of THE ODD COUPLE....when they were still using a one camera technique....so Tony was "fibbing" a little, Per later interviews, including a set he did for the Television Foundation, Tony said he wasn't comfortable until the 2nd season....when the 3 camera technique and live audience were in use. They SOARED....and Garry MArshall pulled it all together....wit Jerry Belson. The addition of Penny Marshall as Myrna Turner....magically hilarious. and Al MOlinaro as Murray the cop.
That's right ! In that first season, they used a laugh track. The later episodes with a live audience were much funnier.
Just seeing these two together makes me laugh, I think they were probably very different in real life also .
+maurizius27 they were best of friends off stage too---when Klugman was diagnosed with throat cancer in the 70's--Randall helped take care of him and also helped him get back on the stage again
When Randall needed money for his new theater company, Klugman suggested they go on a tour doing stage shows together and gave all the money to Randall. And this was after Klugman battle with throat cancer.
Tony Randall's reason for not going to his class reunion was too funny. Most of my female classmates ballooned up. I'm heavier but not anywhere near that heavy.
I used to run to see the reruns and honeymooners.
Mr Randall mentions that the "reviews were wonderful" when the Odd Couple came out--the reviews were good but the ratings weren't--in fact every year the Odd Couple was on the air it had been cancelled by ABC-only to be brought back the next season when the ratings dramatically improved over the summer--the show was on Friday nights at 9:30--and in the 1970's a lot of people weren't home that night--out to movies, bowling etc etc--during the summer when people may have been switching the dial to find something until the fall season started they discovered how truly great the Odd Couple really was
Hear hear! SPLENDID analysis, Mr. David!... Odd Couple one of my BEST~loved shows. Woefully underrated, even today, as channels like "MeTV" cancel The Odd Couple in favor of.... Gilligan's Island! :'(( (Huhhh??)
Like myself!!!!!!!!
Randall said in the interviews is when the show went to syndication that's when the ratings went through the roof and the show became legendary. On the side note, Randall & Klugman had signed contracts make more money from the syndication rights, smart move.
3:08 When you can describe the gorgeous girls who rejected you in high school as being "fat old bats" today, and no one boycotts your TV show, no one starts internet campaigns against you, and no one creates a silly "hashtag" name around what you said. Yup, we certainly rolled differently (and had more backbone) in the 70's.
It was a much simpler time. People laughed or didn't laugh and you went on.
Because the liberals have lost their ever loving minds.
@@gtc1961 - AGREE 100%
I'm reading the comment you wrote 4 years ago and thinking about the fact that things have gotten even so much worse than in these last 4 years.
@@cathyizzo7886 Political correctness has been a useful tool in the Marxists toolbox in the compromising and collapsing of our first-amendment rights.
Neil Simon maestro
rare to see klugman without his rug or floppy hat. FUCK!
TOC improved the next year with the studio audience.
+hhhk20 no way..wow
Both Klugman and Randall fucking hated the excessive laugh tracks the 1st season of the show used.
I bought the first season on DVD and laugh track or not, I love it, because of the quality of the show!!!!!!!!
@elvicare35 I personally couldn't get into the first season, not really laugh track related but just that the show was finding itself. The second season was where they found themselves and Jack and Tony really flourished and that definitely has to do with the audience giving them that energy. But the show just got better and better every year. Rare when that happens.
The first season was based more on the movie/stage show, using the same apartment set, The Pidgeon sisters, the card players. The new apartment set they let Jack and Tony make it their own.
Real stars!
This is like an episode of the odd couple. We see why the odd couple was so successful, because their characters were not so different from their real personalities.
Love the Jewish mother comparison!
AstralPixie
I like that and Tony's depiction of Oscar Madison.
❤
It’s a Mona Lisa
South Philly
Nice chat. But that studio layout is dreadful: chairs far too close together; distracting, intrusive microphones and flat lighting. Horrible.
Ultimately "The Mike Douglas Show" was moved to a larger studio in Philadelphia--Group Westinghouse filmed the show at KYW-TV which they owned---I'll will never forget how with the ratings still outstanding-GroupW cancelled the show in the early 80's and replaced it with the "John Davidson Show"-thinking they could attract a younger demographic audience--unfortunately Davidson's show was cancelled within a year
Yeah, but the show 'worked'. I couldn't wait to watch it everyday.
After they moved the show to the west coast it just wasn't the same. Not sure what changed, but 'it' was gone.
@@wallyboy6666 Went Hollyweird for $$$ only, not quality. Predictable.
I always thought Randall was a jerk .
If an actor called a woman a “Fat Old Bat” Now. His career would be over!. Even death threats, People Are Ridiculously Sensitive, Back then you could say what you pleased. Then just move on”
People got upset back then, they just didn't have as many media outlets to vent.
@@770WT - Oh Boo Hoo 😭
Donna must have a yeast infection.
@@770WT That’s the problem. Too many media outlets. Lol😊
Compare to the shows and actors of today. There hasn't been a prime time show I will watch in the past 15 years, nothing but wokeBS, dominated by AA's, Hispanics, LGBTQ, other minorities stroking hatred, division, whining 24/7/365. Same with movies, nothing of interest this entire century.
What year is this?
1970