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Two major film genres emerged in response to the censorious decree of The Hays Code: film noir and the screwball comedy, the latter of which pushed the envelope for on screen romance, trading overt sexuality for risqué, double entendre laden language. Besides the witty, rat-a-tat dialogue, this subgenre of the romantic comedy was typified by an antagonistic relationship between its leads and a satirical take on the tropes it was working within. Coming off the heels of the Great Depression, classic screwball lasted only about a decade from the mid 30s to the mid 40s. And yet, these hilarious films remain just as charming and rewarding today as they were a quarter century ago.

Archibald Leach shed his accent, changed his name, and worked his way up from humble beginnings in Bristol, UK to become one of the most iconic stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood: Cary Grant. Chief among his many talents was a gift for comedy. As luck would have it, his rising star was taking off right at the birth of screwball. With his background as a traveling acrobat, decidedly practiced diction, and impeccable timing, he was destined to become the ideal leading man for the subgenre du jour or as critic Pauline Kael would dub him, “a slapstick Prince Charming.”

Screwball Summer Starring Cary Grant

About the Series

In this month long tribute to the movies that film scholar Andrew Sarris called, "sex comedies without sex," we will screen some of the biggest screwball hits of the era — enduring escapist fair that is perfect to see with an uproarious crowd laughing uncontrollably. In celebration of member month at FilmScene, we've reinstated 1930s pricing for this series. All films are just 25 cents for new and existing FilmScene members!

Two major film genres emerged in response to the censorious decree of The Hays Code: film noir and the screwball comedy, the latter of which pushed the envelope for on screen romance, trading overt sexuality for risqué, double entendre laden language. Besides the witty, rat-a-tat dialogue, this subgenre of the romantic comedy was typified by an antagonistic relationship between its leads and a satirical take on the tropes it was working within. Coming off the heels of the Great Depression, classic screwball lasted only about a decade from the mid 30s to the mid 40s. And yet, these hilarious films remain just as charming and rewarding today as they were a quarter century ago.

Archibald Leach shed his accent, changed his name, and worked his way up from humble beginnings in Bristol, UK to become one of the most iconic stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood: Cary Grant. Chief among his many talents was a gift for comedy. As luck would have it, his rising star was taking off right at the birth of screwball. With his background as a traveling acrobat, decidedly practiced diction, and impeccable timing, he was destined to become the ideal leading man for the subgenre du jour or as critic Pauline Kael would dub him, “a slapstick Prince Charming.”

Past Films in this Series

THE PHILADELPHIA STORY

THE PHILADELPHIA STORY

35mm Film Screwball Summer Starring Cary Grant

Tue, Aug 30

HOLIDAY

HOLIDAY

Screwball Summer Starring Cary Grant

Fri, Aug 26

HIS GIRL FRIDAY

HIS GIRL FRIDAY

35mm Film Screwball Summer Starring Cary Grant

Wed, Aug 17

THE AWFUL TRUTH

THE AWFUL TRUTH

Screwball Summer Starring Cary Grant

Thu, Aug 11

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