About Matthau Company

Matthau Company: Charles Matthau

Director, Writer, Producer

The Matthau Company is run by the director/writer/producer, Charlie Matthau. Charlie injects humanity, heart and humor into the brand of storytelling produced by The Matthau Company.

“Freaky Deaky,” one of the Matthau Company’s most recent adaptations, is a close reworking of the book by Elmore Leonard. Matthau directed the film, working with actors like Christian Slater and Crispin Glover during the production. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, where eOne purchased the rights and released the film in earnest in 2013.

The Matthau Company is also involved with the TV series Mexican High, which is expected to debut in 2015. The show is based heavily on the novel by Lisa Monroy.

The Matthau Company’s passion for storytelling is what led Charlie to pursue director’s chair for an adaptation of Truman Capote’s work, “The Grass Harp” in 1996. He directed his father and Jack Lemmon, a legendary comic duo, alongside Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie. “The Grass Harp” was distributed by Fine Line Features, and it remains a classic film to this day.

Matthau’s “The Grass Harp” was well-received by film critics from major publications. Lawrence Van Gelder of the New York Times called it: “A success: a sweet, wise, funny, poignant film from producer director Charles Matthau who has extracted performances that are expert, sharp and distinctive.” Says Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times: “A beguiling film in every way.”

“’The Grass Harp’” succeeds so admirably it speaks volumes about Charles Matthau’s own inimitable talents…a polished, touching insightful and exceedingly sensitive effort,” says Wade Major of Entertainment Today.

“Doin’ Time,” an offbeat comedy, marked Charlie’s directorial debut at the age of 24. The film was also one of the Council of Film’s “10 Best Films of 1990.” Charlie received a nomination for Best Director by The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films.

In September of 1997, the Matthau family was honored with the Platinum Circle Award from The American Film Institute. They were the first recipients of this award, which honors families of talented artists in the entertainment industry.

Another Matthau Company production, “Her Minor Thing,” was a brisk DVD seller that debuted in 2007. It stars Michael Weatherly, Estella Warren, Christian Kane and was written by Jim Meyers.

Matthau also recently directed the musical “Baby-O,” which takes place in the jazz scene of Las Vegas.

Charlie and Walter Matthau worked together on several occasions. “The Marriage Fool (aka Love After Death),” stars Walter alongside Carol Burnett. It follows a widower who falls in love with another woman, even though his children disapprove. The film ranked #1 during its 1998 debut on CBS, and it accumulated a 14.0 Nielsen rating and a 23 share.

“Mrs. Lambert Remembers Love,” another Charlie Matthau film, was characterized by the Hollywood Reporter as “…wise, affecting television that should not be missed.” The film follows a woman who takes to the road in a moving struggle to save her grandson from becoming a foster child.

During his early years as a film graduate of USCs film school, Charles wrote and directed “The Duck Film.” This film is still popular on the University of Southern California campus.