TONY RANDALL
Tony Randall died recently at 84. He was handsome, urbane and witty, and he left quite a legacy of stage, screen and TV work. He worked tirelessly for UNICEF for many years, and he was still working on Broadway a few months before his death. Most people probably remember Mr. Randall as fussy neat-freak Felix Unger in the brilliant sitcom, The Odd Couple (1970-75). Jack Lemmon played Felix in the movie. Those with longer memories (or more birthdays) may remember Mr. Randall as the wise-cracking friend of Rock Hudson in all those extremely mild sex comedies of the late 50's and early 60's.
In the overlooked Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957) Mr. Randall is the main guy, playing an ad man with questionable methods trying to convince a rather dim starlet (Jayne Mansfield) to endorse a lipstick. This movie pokes fun at lots of sacred cows of the 50's and still holds up pretty well.
Tony Randall was second banana to bigger names in a host of light comedies, some of which are very good. Pillow Talk (1959) is still enjoyably funny, with Doris Day and Rock Hudson unknowingly sharing a party line, and Mr. Randall along for the ride.
Yves Montand is the eccentric billionaire trying to stop a show making fun of him in Let’s Make Love (1960). He then meets the show’s star (Marilyn Monroe) which changes everything. He hires various luminaries to teach him how to woo her, and Mr. Randall is the wise-cracking comic relief. 
Rock Hudson and Doris Day are back as advertising executive rivals in Lover Come Back (1961). Tony Randall leads the back-up players in this amusing film.   In Send Me No Flowers (1963) Rock Hudson is a hypochondriac convinced the end is near. He wants his buddy, Mr. Randall, to find a suitable second husband for his soon-to-be widow, Doris Day. Hijinks, of course, ensue.
Tony Randall is the leading man in The Mating Game (1959), playing an (of course!) uptight tax agent who falls completely for farm girl Debbie Reynolds. Paul Douglas has a nice turn as Debbie’s fractious father. 
Warning: I watched The Seven Faces of Dr. Lao (1964) so you won’t have to. Tony Randall plays some 40 characters, all badly, in a mishmash fantasy western that is simply awful. 
All of the films in this column are available on DVD. All are suitable for 10 and up, except Dr. Lao, which isn’t suitable for anybody.