The Owl and the Pussycat (1970)

A stuffy author enters into an explosive relationship with his neighbor, a foul-mouthed, freewheeling prostitute.

Director:

Herbert Ross

Writers:

Bill Manhoff (play), Buck Henry (screenplay)

Stars:

Barbra Streisand, George Segal, Robert Klein

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Barbra Streisand	...	Doris
George Segal	...	Felix
Robert Klein	...	Barney
Allen Garfield	...	Dress Shop Proprietor
Roz Kelly	...	Eleanor
Jacques Sandulescu	...	Rapzinsky
Jack Manning	...	Mr. Weyderhaus
Grace Carney	...	Mrs. Weyderhaus
Barbara Anson	...	Miss Weyderhaus
Kim Chan	...	Theatre Cashier
Stan Gottlieb	...	Coatcheck Man
Joe Madden	...	Old Man Neighbor
Fay Sappington	...	Old Woman Neighbor
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Marilyn Chambers	...	Barney's Girl (as Evelyn Lang)

Storyline

Can a bickering odd couple in Manhattan become friends and maybe more? Owlish Felix is an unpublished writer who vents his frustration by reporting to the super that the woman in a neighboring flat takes the occasional payment for sex. She's Doris, more wildcat than pussycat, and when Felix's peeping-tom-tattle-tale routine gets her bounced from her apartment, she knocks at his door at 3 AM, aggressive and ticked off. They yell, lose another apartment, and pick up where they left off in a friend's flat and beyond. Dancing by the light of the moon seems unlikely for this owl and pussycat.

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Plot Keywords:

prostitute | apartment building | new york city | based on play | hot | 

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Taglines:

When she starts mixing business and pleasure she goes out of business

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Genres:

Comedy

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Did You Know?

Trivia

First non-musical theatrical feature film of actress-singer-producer-director Barbra Streisand. According to assistant director William C. Gerrity, producer Ray Stark told him that Streisand was notoriously late and could Gerrity stay on her case. "The first day she comes in 30 minutes late," recalls Gerrity, "and I say, 'Good morning, Ms. Streisand. You owe me a half hour.' The next day she's right on time and we're still lighting the set. I tried to hide, but she found me and said, 'Get over here.' Then she whispered in my ear: 'We're even'."

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Goofs

At the very beginning, Doris huddles in a doorway to get out of the rain. As a bus pulls up to the kerb, she starts to walk towards it, but in the next tighter shot Doris still in the doorway. The next shot, back on the street, Doris is already on her way towards the bus.

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Quotes

Doris: Hey, Felix, do you want to fool around?
Felix: No, I do NOT want to fool around.
Doris: Okay. Do you want a drink of water?

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Alternate Versions

The original version of the film is said to have included some nude scenes with Barbara Streisand and the line "Do us a favor and just fuck off". Apparently she changed her mind about the nude scenes and they were cut and destroyed. The line with the f-word however stayed intact. Alas for the DVD release Columbia chose to remove that line of dialogue.

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Connections

Referenced in Baadasssss Cinema (2002)

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Soundtracks

The Warmup
(uncredited)
Performed by Blood Sweat & Tears

User Reviews

Way better than I remembered it

This is a fantastic movie.

I used to think it was too loud, abrasive and most certainly claustrophobic....and at that time it really turned me off. Well, it is all those things...but, it is brilliantly acted by both Segal and Streisand. I don't think I have seen Streisand more natural or convincing than in this role....and in my opinion she's extremely sexy.

Originally I faulted George Segal for being so annoying (as Felix)...now, I applaud him for acting the part.

There are some hysterically funny lines and situations in this movie.

Enjoy

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Movie Channel [us

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 November 1970 (USA)

Also Known As:

El búho y la gatita

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$23,681,338

Company Credits

Production Co:

Rastar Pictures, Tom Ward Enterprises

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1