Screwball Comedy's Hidden Treasures: A Bonus Chat with Grégoire Halbout on Marriage & Mayhem
01/15/25 • 107 min
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
- (00:00) - Welcome to Cinema Scope • Screwball Comedy Bonus
- (05:36) - Meet Grégoire Halbout
- (10:56) - The Films We're Discussing
- (15:47) - Three-Cornered Moon
- (27:50) - Love Is News
- (44:23) - Vivacious Lady
- (57:18) - Midnight
- (01:11:06) - Too Many Husbands
- (01:20:53) - Love Crazy
- (01:29:38) - Mr. &a...
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
- (00:00) - Welcome to Cinema Scope • Screwball Comedy Bonus
- (05:36) - Meet Grégoire Halbout
- (10:56) - The Films We're Discussing
- (15:47) - Three-Cornered Moon
- (27:50) - Love Is News
- (44:23) - Vivacious Lady
- (57:18) - Midnight
- (01:11:06) - Too Many Husbands
- (01:20:53) - Love Crazy
- (01:29:38) - Mr. &a...
Previous Episode
Screwball Comedy's Battle of the Sexes: Wes Gehring on Love, Class & Chaos
Join distinguished professor, film expert, and author Wes Gehring along with host Andy Nelson for a special extended episode exploring the delightful world of screwball comedy. In this unique presentation, listeners get access to the complete conversation typically split between public and member segments, covering ten essential films from this beloved subgenre that emerged during Hollywood's Golden Age.
The Essential Elements of Screwball Comedy
The discussion explores what defines screwball comedy, from rapid-fire dialogue and class conflicts to eccentric heiresses and befuddled leading men. Gehring explains how the Hays Code shaped the genre's signature wit and innuendo, while Depression-era audiences' desire for escapism led to lavish settings and wealthy characters.
Ten Classic and Modern Screwball Comedies
Andy and Wes analyze ten films spanning several decades: It Happened One Night (1934), My Man Godfrey (1936), Bringing Up Baby (1938), My Favorite Wife (1940), The Lady Eve (1941), I Married a Witch (1942), What's Up, Doc? (1972), Arthur (1981), All of Me (1984), and A Fish Called Wanda (1988). They explore how directors like Howard Hawks, Preston Sturges, and Peter Bogdanovich each brought their unique vision to the genre while maintaining its core elements.
The Legacy Lives On
Though screwball comedy peaked in the 1930s and early 1940s, its influence extends far beyond that era. The episode concludes by examining how modern filmmakers continue to draw from the genre's playbook, while acknowledging both its progressive elements and dated aspects.
Want to hear complete conversations like this every month? Join Cinema Scope at trustory.fm/join for just $5/month or $55/year. Members get early, ad-free access to all podcasts in The Next Reel family, plus exclusive bonus content and extended episodes.
Film Sundries
- Find Wes Gehring on his website
- Recommended and Discussed Movies
- It Happened One Night on Apple and JustWatch
- My Man Godfrey on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
- Bringing Up Baby on Apple and JustWatch
- My Favorite Wife on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
- The Lady Eve on Apple and JustWatch
- I Married a Witch on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
- What’s Up, Doc? on Apple and
Next Episode
Comedy's Canvas: Adam "Tex" Davis on Laughter's Evolution in Cinema
Join Andy Nelson and screenwriter and podcast host Adam "Tex" Davis on a laughter-filled journey through the evolution of comedy in cinema. From silent-era slapstick to modern genre-bending masterpieces, this episode explores how comedy has entertained audiences while serving as a powerful tool for social commentary across decades of filmmaking.
The Evolution of Comedy in Film History
Beginning with early works like The Sprinkler Sprinkled, the episode traces comedy's development through silent legends like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. The conversation then moves through screwball classics like It Happened One Night, dark comedies such as Harold and Maude, and groundbreaking satires including Blazing Saddles and Dr. Strangelove. Davis, who wrote Just Friends, offers unique insights into how comedy writing and audience reception have evolved over time.
Breaking Boundaries Through Laughter
The discussion examines how filmmakers have used comedy to push societal boundaries and address serious issues. From Mel Brooks tackling racism to the Coen Brothers blending genres, comedy has proven to be a versatile medium for both entertainment and commentary. Additionally, the episode explores how different comedy styles – from slapstick to satire, parody to romantic comedy – reflect changing cultural attitudes and values.
Looking toward comedy's future, Davis emphasizes the importance of "punching up" rather than down, suggesting that successful comedy relies more on honest storytelling and well-developed characters than outrageous premises. Whether examining classics like The Graduate or modern hits like Everything Everywhere All at Once, this episode offers valuable insights into why comedy remains an essential and enduring force in cinema.
Film Sundries
- Find Adam at Atomic Entertainment, on BlueSky, or LinkedIn
- Tune in to The OSCARS: What Were They Thinking?
- Tune in to Slaycation
- Tune in to Who Smarted?
- Our Letterboxd List
no member bonus content this month
- (00:00) - Welcome to Cinema Scope • Comedy
- (05:48) - Meet Adam “Tex” Davis
- (10:03) - The Draw to Comedy
- (12:17) - Why It’s Important
- (18:20) - The Silent Era
- (25:00) - The 30s to the 50s
- (42:42) - The 60s and 70s
- (01:08:09) - The 80s and 90s
- (01:16:59) - The 2000s Through to Today
- (01:20:29) - Moving Forward
- (01:22:26) - Wrap Up
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Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, & Movements - Screwball Comedy's Hidden Treasures: A Bonus Chat with Grégoire Halbout on Marriage & Mayhem
Transcript
Welcome back to cinemascope where we continue our wild and witty exploration of the most side splitting sub genres in film history. I'm Andy Nelson, your ever enthusiastic host. And today, we're thrilled to have a special guest join us for a bonus episode dedicated to the uproarious world of screwball comedies. Joining me for this bonus episode is professor Gregoire Alboo, film professor and author of Hollywood screwball comedy 19 34 to 1945, S
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