I was poking around IMDB’s entry for The Odd Couple the other night. (The television version, not the movie.) If you must know why, it was because I had just seen the episode where Oscar meets a swinging stewardess, and Felix ruins his good time by getting sick. I was convinced that the stewardess was played by the actress who played Yeoman Rand on the original Star Trek, and I wanted to confirm I was right.
Stewardess
Yeoman
No, they’re not the same actress. Must have been the hair.
Anyway, I started clicking around, as you do. And I came across a story that struck me as very sweet, especially considering it takes place on a busy New York street in the Midnight Cowboy-era.
During the opening of Season One:
“On November 13, Felix Unger was asked to remove himself from his place of residence. That request came from his wife. Deep down, he knew she was right, but he also knew that someday, he would return to her … ”
Stop! Right there — a kind young man is seen looking back with concern at an unhappy Felix dragging around his luggage. He then approaches Felix to help him, not knowing that it is all being taped and fake.
Anyone know of this man? Any articles?
Was he given credit for his kindness and concern? His approaching Felix wasn’t cut out of this opening sequence.
Everytime I have The Odd Couples up, either in conversation or in broadcast, I always think about him.
Another commenter replied:
According to an interview with Tony Randall, that was a real person who actually stopped to try and help him with his luggage.
This never really registered with me before, and I’ve seen that opening montage I don’t know how many times. Now, I’ll never see it again without noticing that young man.
His mom must have raised him right. (Alternate topic: why does mom get all the credit?)
—————————————————–
[This post could sure use an embedded clip of that intro. I can't do that, though, so tough toenails.]
JOHNFN: Here’s your intro
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My all time favorite Odd Couple Episodes are any of the ones that Howard Cosell shows up and he and Oscar go round and round. Its hilarious. I never forgot them and they still make me laugh.
I think in real life, Jack Klugman and Howard Cosell were great friends.
That makes me say “Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww… Mike needs a girlfriend.”
I’m holding out for a swinging stewardess.
One scene from the show cracked my brother and I up so bad that we still quote it till this day: Felix is on TV and Murray is watching the show at their apartment, Felix looks at the camera and says, “Murray, use a coaster!”
Matt thats funny. LOL!
The blue-eyed lady in the purple top at the beginning of this post is Bridget Hanley, star of the “Here Come the Brides” television series – 1968 – 1970
Stephen Lodge… welcome to Threedonia! I remember you from Dirty Harry’s Place if I recall (and perhaps Libertas too?) Interesting site — I’ll have to check out that WW2 Texas Rangers Nazi war criminals book. Is your stuff in the same vein as Elmer Kelton and Frederick Manfred, et al.? I worked with the Rangers (“with” meaning the DPS) for a few years — great lot and a great history.
Stephanie, what makes it even funnier, of course, Murray wasn’t using the coaster, but snapped to attention and grabbed for it.
Hi Stephen, people with such useless information like I’ve gathered over the years are always and asset to hear from.
Thanks, JohnFN!
I think it’s the eyes Mike. You still need a girlfriend though. Oh and Dr was speaking to Stephanie. You have obviously been a man for a while, with the beard and all.
Maybe I have a girlfriend in Canada, you ever think of that?
Awe Tracy thanks for the kind words..yes I am a gay man trapped in a womans body. How’d you notice?
Howard Cosell, and Oscar Madison…the Odd Couple entitled Big Mouth…and God Bless Garry Marshall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVnXe0p8IWo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Prx59DiFyM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5gbYmrUBwE
Darn right it was the blue eyes! Heck, it was the opening line of the show’s theme song.
Gadzooks, I was in love with Bridget Hanley. I was only ten, but I knew. I KNEW she was gorgeous. For that matter, so was Robby’s wife Katie from My Three Sons. But I digress.
Hey Mike, here’s another pair of weird Star Trek cross references: The star of Here Come The Brides, Robert Brown, guest-starred on one of the stupidest episodes, “The Alternative Factor.” Even more awesome, one of HCTB’s co-stars was Spock’s dad, Mark Lenard!
Check out HCTB’s opening sequence. Can you believe the strength of the five co-stars? Bobby Sherman, David Soul, Mark Lenard, “and” Joan Blondell, for heaven’s sake. Poor Bridget Hanley, the fifth member of that crew. She’s like Gary Larsen in the Purple People Eaters–the name I can never remember.
You were kind of precocious, huh Jack? Chasing after older women like that. My first big crushes were on Kristy McNichol and Nancy McKeon (Jo on The Facts of Life).
You have excellent taste, but we’d better knock off the drooling over beautiful eyes here. Tracy doesn’t like us ogling orbs.
Darn right it was the blue eyes! Heck, it was the opening line of the show’s theme song.
Gadzooks, I was in love with Bridget Hanley. I was only ten, but I knew. I KNEW she was gorgeous. For that matter, so was Robby’s wife Katie from My Three Sons. But I digress.
Hey Mike, here’s another pair of weird Star Trek cross references: The star of Here Come The Brides, Robert Brown, guest-starred on one of the stupidest episodes, “The Alternative Factor.” Even more awesome, one of HCTB’s co-stars was Spock’s dad, Mark Lenard!
Check out HCTB’s opening sequence. Can you believe the strength of the five co-stars? Bobby Sherman, David Soul, Mark Lenard, “and” Joan Blondell, for heaven’s sake. Poor Bridget Hanley, the fifth member of that crew. She’s like Gary Larsen in the Purple People Eaters–the name I can never remember.
PS: Forgot to say good post!
Mark Lenard played Jason Bolt…I’m like you,Justjack…I was 10 years old,too:Bridget Hanley in those credits(my word)
In one episode Felix and Oscar ended up on Alan Luddin’s show, “Password.” All of Felix’s clues are on the money, but they are so esoteric they go right over Oscar’s head, and they are doing very poorly. Finally, they have one last chance to win and it’s Felix’s turn to give the clues. The password he is given is “Birds.” He smiles broadly, with self assurance, knowing they will easily win and gives Oscar his clue, “Aristophanes…” Oscar looks at him like he’s got 3 heads. Felix is amazed Oscar hasn’t said the answer yet, and repeats, very slowly, “Ar-ist-oph-anesssss…..” After a long pause Oscar throws up his hands and guesses, “Ridiculous?” To this day when someone shouts “Ridiculous” I say, “Aristophanes,” amd laugh. And to this day nobody has ever had a clue why I say that. My goodness, I’m an idiot.