
Antagonistic relationships between the sexes was also a common motif in screwball comedies. Role reversals between the sexes was a common theme in films like "My Man Godfrey" (1936) and "The Lady Eve" (1941), which was quite empowering for women in the 30′s & 40′s. Films in this comedy subgenre tend to grab the attention of the viewing audience through quick-witted dialogue and usually build their stories around situations that are ridiculous or absurd in nature.

Typically, it’s a film that delivers comedy in unexpected ways and is sometimes referred to as a Farce. The slang term screwball usually refers to odd or eccentric behavior. The term screwball comes from the baseball pitch of the same name, which is known for being thrown with a different spin and is usually unexpected. Even though the screwball comedy isn't as popular as it once was, it has endured over the years, because the films offer that great feeling we all know and love – the belly laugh – it comes out of nowhere and takes your breath away. Film historians believe screwball comedies of the 30′s and 40′s portrayed the elite as buffoons, which delighted the multitudes of patrons that were significantly less wealthy. Movies help people escape, at least for a few hours, and we all need that every now and then.
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Despite the tough economic times, movie theaters were frequently packed and screwball comedies weren’t the only types of film that gained popularity.

This subgenre originated during the Great Depression and provided much needed comic relief to the downtrodden citizenry of the time. My favorite type of film has to be the Screwball Comedy. Top 10 Screwball Comedies of the Silver Screen Posted over 5 years ago by April S
