The appeal of Screwball Comedies – especially for Women

Screwball comedies were mainly created during the 1930s and 1940s are a form of romantic comedy movie that remains beloved by audiences, particularly women, even today.

One of the main reasons women are drawn to screwball comedies is the strong and independent female characters that were often the leads in these movies. The women often challenged gender roles of their time, and their wit and intelligence make them stand out from the typical female characters of the era. They were not waiting for men to save them but could hold their own in a man’s world. I personally remember seeing women in executive roles and being surprised that it was accepted, because the era is presented in a different light.

It is wonderful to me that we have these movies that even women of today can appreciate, these characters are not waiting for prince charming to arrive, they are taking control of their lives – and sometimes find fitting a man a the biggest problem. She – the leading lady is already leading a full life, no man required, but when they pop up so unexpectedly and aren’t like everyone else, then it is too hard to resist – and that is what keeps up watching.

Fast Paced Dialogue

The fast-paced, zany humor and witty dialogue are also a significant draw for women – and men. Screwball comedy films were (and are still) known for their rapid-fire dialogue, slapstick humor, and physical comedy, which continue to entertain audiences. The humor in screwball comedies often relies on clever wordplay, puns, and one-liners, this makes the action on the screen take on a whole extra dimension – they are actually intellectually stimulating and fun to watch. The combination of humor and romance is also a significant appeal of these films.

The TV series Moonlighting brought back that rapid fire dialogue that was so common – and entertaining – in screwball comedies. The first film that pops into my mind when I think of the fast paced dialogue is His Girl Friday. Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell seem to be talking over one another, yet we, the audience, is still able to follow along – it is just wonderful to watch and marvel. Another movie with a lot of the over-talking is Palm Beach Story – and this comes from many of the characters, my favorite may be Mary Astor, every time I watch this movie, I love her a bit more in this role.

Screwball comedies were also a humorous voice on real societal issues of the time, particularly around gender roles and social class. I believe this is the main reason so many women of today still find relevance in these movies, even though the girl marries the boy at the end of the movie.

The humor was so sophisticated for the times, especially the dialogue, while the zaniness of the physical comedy kept the action moving and kept the story from getting too serious. Take My Man Godfrey, they use the story to highlight the “forgotten man” what we now call the homeless – all the while keeping the story funny and moving along.

A little side note. Did you know that Carole Lombard and William Powell made this movie starring together after they were divorced?

Nostalgia & Fashion

Screwball comedies also offer a sense of nostalgia for many women. The films were made during a time when Hollywood was at its peak, and there is a certain glamour and elegance associated with the era. Many women enjoy watching these films as a reminder of the golden age of Hollywood and the glamour and sophistication of that time. I know that I love the gowns that Ginger Rogers dances in during all her movies, they were amazing. And, The Women, with their all female cast took the women from glamour to a dude ranch in style.

Screwball comedies , like the whole romantic comedy genre, offer a world where you know that you will get a happy ending. All the problems are solved by the time The End appears on the screen. This is a world where you don’t have to let your problems carry over to the next day – they can be solved in less than two hours.

What is your favorite screwball comedy? And what strong female character to you most enjoy watching? Leave your comment below.