How a 1966 black comedy forced its stars to physically transform for the screen

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Billy Wilder's The Fortune Cookie marked the first pairing of Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, but the production was nearly derailed by a heart attack. The resulting weight loss forced the actors to use padding and heavy coats to maintain continuity, creating a bizarre behind-the-scenes struggle for the film.

Released in 1966, The Fortune Cookie follows Harry Hinkle, a cameraman who is encouraged by his unscrupulous brother-in-law, Whiplash Willie, to fake a serious injury after a collision with a football player. The film explores themes of greed and systemic manipulation, with critics like Vincent Canby describing it as a dark hallucination about individuals who view the economy as a pinball machine waiting to be tilted.

The production faced significant hurdles, most notably when Walter Matthau suffered a heart attack. This event halted filming for weeks, causing Matthau to drop from 190 to 160 pounds. To conceal this drastic change, he wore padded clothing and a heavy black coat throughout the shoot. Jack Lemmon also lost 25 pounds during the production, adding to the physical toll of the project. Despite these challenges, Wilder insisted on Matthau for the role, rejecting studio pressure to cast a bigger star.

The film utilized real-world locations in Cleveland, including the Municipal Stadium, where over 10,000 locals appeared as extras during a game between the Browns and the Vikings. The production even incorporated the construction of the Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Building into its background. While Variety found the film overlong, it was a critical success, holding a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes and grossing $6.8 million worldwide.

Ultimately, the film serves as a testament to Wilder's vision and the chemistry between his leads. Matthau’s performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The story concludes with a cynical look at the legal system, as the characters navigate a web of insurance fraud, private investigators, and personal betrayal, all while maintaining the sharp, comedic tone that defined Wilder's career.

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