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Walter Matthau Soundboard
Walter Matthau was known for his distinctive voice - a gravelly, raspy tone that instantly made him stand out on the big screen. One sound that could be closely associated with him is the phrase "Set Yourself On Fire." This phrase captures the fiery intensity and passion that Matthau brought to his performances, whether he was playing a grumpy old man in "Grumpy Old Men" or a smooth-talking con artist in "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three." When he spoke, it was as if he was commanding attention, urging his audience to sit up and take notice. His voice crackled with energy and emotion, drawing in viewers and holding them captivated until the very end.
On the other hand, there were moments in Matthau's career when he seemed to "Put On The Kibosh" – a Yiddish term meaning to put an end to something or to stop it in its tracks. It's a sound that resonates with finality, decisiveness, and authority – qualities that Matthau often brought to his role as a wise-cracking, no-nonsense character. Whether he was telling off a bumbling student in "The Bad News Bears" or outsmarting a band of thieves in "Charade," Matthau always seemed to know how to shut down any situation with his sharp wit and clever comebacks. The sound of "Put On The Kibosh" echoes with a sense of closure, a turning point where everything changes and a new chapter begins.
In some of his more comedic roles, Walter Matthau portrayed characters who were a few "Lost Marbles" short of a full deck. These characters were eccentric, quirky, and slightly off-kilter, often providing comic relief in otherwise tense or dramatic situations. Matthau had a knack for infusing his performances with a touch of madness, using his voice to convey the sense that his characters were operating on a completely different wavelength than everyone else. The sound of "Lost Marbles" is a cacophony of chaos, a whirlwind of confusion and disorientation that leaves you laughing and scratching your head in equal measure. Matthau's ability to capture this sense of bewilderment and absurdity in his characters is what made him such a beloved figure in the world of comedy.
Despite his gruff exterior and tough-guy persona, Walter Matthau had a softer side that he occasionally let shine through in his performances. One sound that could be said to capture this softer side is "Grown Quite Fond." It speaks to the warmth, tenderness, and vulnerability that Matthau was able to convey in his more poignant roles, such as the lovelorn Oscar Madison in "The Odd Couple" or the grieving father in "I Ought to Be in Pictures." When he spoke of love, loss, or longing, his voice took on a gentle, soothing quality that drew viewers in and made them feel connected to his characters on a deeper level. The sound of "Grown Quite Fond" is a symphony of emotion, a melody of heartache and hope that lingers long after the credits have rolled.
In honor of Walter Matthau's legendary career and unparalleled talent, these four sounds have been compiled into a special collection that celebrates his unique voice and the indelible mark he left on the world of film. You can play and download these sounds here, immersing yourself in the magic and mastery of Matthau's performances whenever you please. So sit back, relax, and let the sounds of "Set Yourself On Fire," "Put On The Kibosh," "Lost Marbles," and "Grown Quite Fond" wash over you, reminding you of the enduring legacy of one of Hollywood's greatest icons.