The Owl and the Pussycat

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Owl and the Pussycat is a delightful romantic comedy that combines two completely mismatched characters and takes you on an unexpected, hilarious, and heartfelt ride. Adapted from Bill Manhoff’s stage play and directed by Herbert Ross, the 1970 film leans heavily on the brilliance of its leads, Barbra Streisand and George Segal, who breathe life and chaos into this quirky story.

Barbra Streisand plays Doris, an unapologetically loud and eccentric character who juggles being a prostitute, a model, and an actress, all with chaotic flair. She’s brash, uninhibited, and oozing with confidence. Her thick Brooklyn accent, quick comebacks, and endearing naïveté make Doris a force of nature. Streisand doesn’t hold back, delivering hilarious moments while showing hints of vulnerability that make Doris more than a caricature. She owns every scene, making her both entertaining and oddly relatable.

Opposite Streisand is George Segal as Felix, a somewhat frustrated writer who earns a meager living in a bookstore. He’s intellectual and has a reserved, almost awkward air about him—someone who would much rather retreat into his thoughts than deal with the unpredictable whirlwind that Doris is. Segal’s subtle humor and sharp timing balance Doris’s explosive energy perfectly, creating an engaging “opposites attract” dynamic that sparks throughout the film. There’s one scene where Felix disrobes, which is funny and oddly touching. Doris struggles to maintain her composure, giggling at his exposed physique, but in that moment, we see Felix as more vulnerable, and you can’t help but feel drawn to him.

The plot starts with a series of comically bizarre events that force Doris and Felix into each other’s orbit. They’re like oil and water at first—constantly clashing in loud, snappy arguments that’ll have you laughing out loud. But as the story progresses, their connection deepens in unexpected and genuine ways. It’s a love story that doesn’t rely on clichés—it celebrates their differences while showing how those contrasts bring out the best in them. And here’s a fun fact—this is one of the rare Barbra Streisand films where she doesn’t use her singing voice, which practically feels like a rule she decided to break. Surprisingly, it works. The film stands solidly on its own without needing her vocal talents.

Upon its release in 1970, The Owl and the Pussycat was a significant hit, grossing $23.6 million in the United States and Canada and becoming the 10th highest-grossing film. Critics largely praised the film’s humor and the exceptional chemistry between Streisand and Segal.

The title, The Owl and the Pussycat, directly references Edward Lear’s famous nonsense poem from 1871. The poem tells the whimsical story of an owl and a cat who fall in love and marry despite being such unlikely companions. This idea of two vastly different characters forming a meaningful and lasting connection reflects the film’s heart.

The Owl and the Pussycat succeeds because of its fearless approach to humor and the sheer energy of its leading pair. Streisand and Segal bring out the best in one another, creating a romantic comedy that’s playful, fresh, and endlessly entertaining. It’s a perfect reminder that sometimes, the most unconventional love stories are the ones that feel the most real. This film is a true classic and should be revisited again and again.