In this special bonus episode of CinemaScope, host Andy Nelson continues his exploration of screwball comedies with film scholar Grégoire Halbout, author of Hollywood Screwball Comedy, 1934-1945: Sex, Love, and Democratic Ideals. Together, they dive deep into seven lesser-known gems of the genre that showcase the evolution and versatility of screwball comedy during its golden age.
Essential Screwball Comedies You Might Have Missed
The episode spotlights seven delightful films that deserve more attention: Elliott Nugent’s Three-Cornered Moon (1933), Tay Garnett’s Love is News (1937), George Stevens’ Vivacious Lady (1938), Mitchell Leisen’s Midnight (1939), Wesley Ruggles’ Too Many Husbands (1940), Jack Conway’s Love Crazy (1941), and Alfred Hitchcock’s rare foray into the genre, Mr. and Mrs. Smith (1941).
The Evolution of Screwball Comedy Through Seven Films
From the proto-screwball elements of Three-Cornered Moon to the genre-defining characteristics of Midnight, these films demonstrate how screwball comedy challenged social norms and redefined marriage on screen. The conversation explores how each film contributes uniquely to the genre, whether through its treatment of class differences, gender roles, or marital relationships. Additionally, Halbout provides fascinating insights into how these comedies navigated the strict Production Code while pushing boundaries with clever innuendo and subversive themes.
Through their discussion, Nelson and Halbout reveal how these seven films, though less celebrated than classics like It Happened One Night or Bringing Up Baby, exemplify the wit, charm, and social commentary that made screwball comedy such an influential genre. The episode offers both newcomers and fans of classic Hollywood a deeper appreciation for these overlooked treasures.
Film Sundries
- Buy Grégoire Halbout’s book Hollywood Screwball Comedy 1934-1945: Sex, Love, and Democratic Ideals
- Find Grégoire on LinkedIn or on Bluesky
- Email Grégoire
- Recommended and Discussed Movies
- Three-Cornered Moon on the web
- Love Is News on YouTube and JustWatch
- Vivacious Lady on the web and JustWatch
- Midnight on the web and JustWatch
- Too Many Husbands on YouTube and JustWatch
- Love Crazy on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
- Mr. & Mrs. Smith on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
- Our Letterboxd List
