Jack and Walter: The Films of Lemmon and Matthau

Published in 2012 by Limelight Editions, this volume serves as a comprehensive critical study of the enduring professional partnership between actors Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. Author Ben Costello set out to document the entirety of their collaborative work, tracing their origins from their first pairing in The Fortune Cookie to their final appearances together, while examining how their contrasting acting styles—Lemmon’s frantic intensity and Matthau’s dry, grounded cynicism—created a unique dynamic that defined their screen chemistry.

Costello’s work is recognized for its thorough research, providing detailed production histories and behind-the-scenes insights into the films that cemented the duo as one of Hollywood's most beloved comedic pairings. The book functions as both a filmography and an appreciation of their personal friendship, aiming to capture the broader cultural impact of their work during the mid-to-late twentieth century. It remains a primary reference for film scholars and enthusiasts interested in the mechanics of classic comedic partnerships.