When Jack Lemmon died of cancer last week at age 76, he left behind a legacy of strong films, good feelings and much love.
John Uhler Lemmon III's movies live on. Thanks to digital technology, it is easier than ever to rediscover his richly textured career, which glides beautifully from giddy comedy to deeply felt drama.
Call it coincidence or call it fate, but several of his most important titles have recently made their debuts on DVD.
The Apartment (1960), a Billy Wilder comedy in which Lemmon's penchant for quirky mannerism was bolstered by a gift for playing the hapless victim, was released June 19 by MGM Home Entertainment through Warner Home Video, part of MGM's impressive Vintage Classics series.
Some Like It Hot (1959), a still-hilarious Wilder romp with Lemmon and Tony Curtis as cross-dressing crazies on a train with Marilyn Monroe, was released May 22 as a Special Edition DVD by the same MGM/Warner combo.
Final hurrah
The Legend Of Bagger Vance (2000), the minor Robert Redford film which is critical because it turned out to be Lemmon's final hurrah, was released April 3 by DreamWorks Home Entertainment through Universal Home Video. On screen, Lemmon dies of a heart attack on the golf course, telling the tale as an extended flashback when he is fading away.
The Fortune Cookie (1966), yet another Wilder comedy collaboration in which Lemmon was teamed with his favourite rumpled foil Walter Matthau in a story about insurance scams, was released March 6 by MGM/Warner as a Vintage Classic.
JFK (1991), the controversial conspiracy drama featuring Lemmon in a strong cameo, was released Jan. 23 by Warner as part of The Oliver Stone Collection box set of 11 DVDs.
Teamed with Matthau
The Odd Couple (1968), a Neil Simon creation that re-united the perfectly matched Lemmon and Matthau as two divorced men tenuously sharing an apartment, was released last Dec. 12 by Paramount Home Entertainment.
Each of these six films was transferred to DVD in a handsome widescreen version, showing it off to best advantage. If there is any downside, it is timing. None of the films has a Lemmon commentary or special new interview. The DVD revolution started a tad too late to capture him at his verbal best.
There are another 14 Lemmon films available on DVD, from his Grumpy Old Men flicks to The China Syndrome, from The Front Page to Glengarry Glen Ross, from Irma La Douce to Mister Roberts.
The legacy is remarkable. There is no excuse not to know and love Jack Lemmon.
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