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 MissedThe 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 FilmsFrom 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 SundriesBuy Grégoire Halbout’s book Hollywood Screwball Comedy 1934-1945: Sex, Love, and Democratic IdealsFind Grégoire on LinkedIn or on BlueskyEmail GrégoireRecommended and Discussed MoviesThree-Cornered Moon on the webLove Is News on YouTube and JustWatchVivacious Lady on the web and JustWatchMidnight on the web and JustWatchToo Many Husbands on YouTube and JustWatchLove Crazy on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatchMr. & Mrs. Smith on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatchOur Letterboxd List (00:00) - Welcome to Cinema Scope • Screwball Comedy Bonus(03:00) - Meet Grégoire Halbout(08:21) - The Films We're Discussing(13:11) - Three-Cornered Moon(25:14) - Love Is News(41:47) - Vivacious Lady(54:43) - Midnight(01:08:31) - Too Many Husbands(01:18:17) - Love Crazy(01:27:03) - Mr. & Mrs. Smith(01:42:50) - Wrap Up(01:43:55) - Next Month: Comedy Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:The Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsXYouTubeFlickchartPinterestAndyWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on our shows from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on our shows from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for
