One of my FB friends posted a request for suggestions of comedy movies that were not rated R, which she could watch at night, when she was having trouble sleeping. While reading the many responses, I was a bit stunned to notice that none of those posting had listed any movies made prior to 1980. And movies made in the 1980s and 1990s were referred to as "old", "older", or "not new", as if older movies are not as good.
I beg and plead to differ. Movies made before the rating system existed are truly some of the best movies ever made. I don't think I could put all the great comedies I've seen throughout my life in one blog. But, for my friends who, for whatever reason, shy away from classic movies, here's a short alphabetical list to get you started:
"Bye Bye Birdie" (1963), starring Ann-Margret, Dick Van Dyke, Janet Leigh, Paul Lynde, Bobby Rydell, and Maureen Stapleton. All about a singer joining the Army, and how a PR gimmick affects a small town in Ohio. Lots of great songs, romance, and Ann-Margret is absolutely stunning.
"The Court Jester" (1956), starring Danny Kaye, Glynis Johns, Angela Lansbury, Mildred Natwick, and Basil Rathbone. The song Danny Kaye sings throughout the opening credits became his "theme song". The best example of the genius of Danny Kaye.
:"The Farmer's Daughter" (1947), starring Loretta Young, Joseph Cotten, and Ethel Barrymore (Drew's great aunt). My mother remembers seeing this movie in the theater and laughing constantly. Joseph Cotten is one of my favorite actors, and Loretta Young won an Academy Award for her performance.
"His Girl Friday" (1940), starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell, one of my favorite comedic actresses. Cary Grant seemed to excel at romantic comedy, and this is one of the top ones.
"It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" (1963), starring every single popular comedian of the time, including Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, Buddy Hackett, Phil Silvers, Jonathan Winters, Jim Backus, Don Knotts, Jack Benny, Carl Reiner, Jerry Lewis, and The Three Stooges. This one is best viewed as a comedy history lesson, as younger viewers may find the humor a bit outdated, but it can still hold its own.
"Monkey Business" (1952), another Cary Grant comedy, also starring Ginger Rogers and Marilyn Monroe. I adore Ginger Rogers, and her talents reach much further than dancing with Fred Astaire. I smile and giggle any time this movie comes to my mind.
"Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation" (1962), starring Jimmy Stewart and Maureen O'Hara, both great comedic actors whom I should devote a page to soon.
"The Philadelphia Story" (1940), starring Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, and Katharine Hepburn. Jimmy Stewart won the Academy Award for his performance. If you feel this movie is too old for you, try "High Society" (1956), a musical remake starring Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Grace Kelly.
"The Pink Panther" (1964), starring Peter Sellers and David Niven. This is the first movie in which Peter Sellers played Inspector Clouseau, and I find it absolutely hilarious.
"Road to Morocco" (1942), which I think is the best of the "Road" pictures starring Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Dorothy Lamour. I believe there were seven "Road to ..." pictures made, and I've only seen two or three, but this one is the best representation of this type of comedy.
"Robin and the 7 Hoods" (1964), starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Bing Crosby, and Peter Falk. This one, along with the original "Ocean's Eleven" (1960), also starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr., are a great opportunity to see the Rat Pack performing together.
"Topper" (1937), starring Cary Grant, Constance Bennett, and Billie Burke. This movie spawned at least one sequel and a 1950s TV show. There are some scenes in this movie that are so funny that I wouldn't trust anyone who didn't laugh at them.
There are at least 100 more comedies I could list, but this will have to do for now. And if you're ever wide awake, and have cable, turn to TCM to discover some great movies that you most likely have never heard of. Until next time, have a laugh!
