American Romantic Comedies: 30s Through the 70s
May92010
Thank you all for suggesting great romantic comedy movies, but now that we have a list plus nominations, it’s clear there’s a need to define what we’re looking for because my head is exploding from information overload.
First of all, the movie needs to be great, not just have great moments. So things like The Proposal that I enjoyed the first 90% of will not make the list because the ending was so tragically flawed. Ditto Two Weeks Notice which I also like but which would get booted for that stupid hair-stuck-in-the-zipper scene if for nothing else.
Second it needs to be truly romantic, enough that the protagonist is transformed by love. For that reason, I’d take out the ironic like The Princess Bride (yes, I love it, too) because it’s more farce and satire than romance. For the same reason, I’d leave off Support Your Local Sheriff, even though that’s one of my all time faves, because neither is transformed, again because it’s mostly farce.
Third it needs to be funny enough that you laugh during it, not just smile, and I’d argue that the funny has to be about romance/love/relationships. That is, if the focus of the movie is on love, then the focus of the humor should be, too. For example When Harry Met Sally . . . and Moonstruck both find their humor in the difficulty people have in attaching. But Romancing the Stone is more about the adventure than the romance. Again, I love that movie, but I’m trying to focus here.
Edited to add:
Julie inspired me to look at the categories again because she’s right, the decades aren’t that helpful. I didn’t go with the war era because the US didn’t enter the war until ’41, but the Depression hit everybody and it didn’t really end until the early forties. Then after the war there was conscious effort to shoehorn women back into the home and clothes went from those fabulous forties styles to the Dior Look with the wasp waist and crinolines, plus duck-and-roll which was so helpful, and civil rights movement which doesn’t seem to have shown up in rom com unless you’re going to count Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner in ’67 (it’s listed as a drama every place I looked and I remember it as being talky, not funny, especially since I cried all over the place at the end). And then my generation revolted against the fifties with the counterculture stuff and demanded equal pay. So how about Depression/Recovery/Revolution?
Depression Era:
1934: It Happened One Night: Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable
1938: Bringing Up Baby: Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant
1939: Ninotchka: Greta Garbo and Melvyn Douglas
1940: His Girl Friday: Rosalind Russell and Cary Grant
1940: The Philadelphia Story: Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant
1941: The Lady Eve: Barbara Stanwyck and Henry FondaPostwar Prosperity, the Cold War, and Civil Rights:
1949: Adam’s Rib: Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy
1950: Born Yesterday: Judy Holliday and William Holden
1953: Roman Holiday: Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck
1957: Desk Set: Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy
1959: Pillow Talk: Doris Day and Rock Hudson
1960: The Apartment: Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon
1964: Father Goose: Leslie Caron and Cary Grant
1966: How to Steal A Million: Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’TooleWomen’s Liberation and the Counterculture Revolution
1969: Cactus Flower: Ingrid Bergman and Walter Matthau
1971: A New Leaf: Elaine May and Walter Matthau
1972: Avanti: Juliet Mills and Jack Lemmon
1972: What’s Up, Doc?: Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal
1977: The Goodbye Girl: Marsha Mason and Richard Dreyfus
1978: House Calls: Glenda Jackson and Walter Matthau
If we dump one of the Tracy/Hepburns, that six for each era. How’s that work for you?
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I’m really enjoying this. Thank you all for playing.
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246 Comments to 'American Romantic Comedies: 30s Through the 70s'
On May 9, 2010 at 11:07 pm babs f said...
The Goodbye Girl (1977)
?? It’s been a while since I’ve seen it, so I can’t remember how much of the comedy comes from the romance…
On May 9, 2010 at 11:29 pm toni said...
I think this is a great suggestion because the humor really does come from the people, their idiosyncrasies in trying to figure out first, how to get along and then, second, how on earth to have a relationship when one is a commitmentphobe. (At least, that’s how I remember it. Happily, I just netflixed this.)
On May 9, 2010 at 11:54 pm Moth said...
I second this nomination. I’d say most of the comedy is from the relationship. Also, I love this movie.
On May 10, 2010 at 8:32 am Jenny said...
Mollie just reminded me of how much we’d loved this back then. I don’t know how I could have left it off. It’s up there now.
On May 9, 2010 at 11:12 pm MaryG said...
For the 70′s, how about What’s Up, Doc? (1972)
On May 10, 2010 at 8:33 am Jenny said...
This one was a “maybe” for me because, again, it’s farce. But it’s all about the love story, sprained though it is.
Hmmmm. Discuss.
On May 10, 2010 at 9:51 am Karen said...
WHATS UP DOC was my nomination, so of course I’m going to argue for it. It’s the male character who is transformed by love, not the female character in this one, but Howard is really really changed by the end of the film.
It’s also supposed to be an hommage to BRINGING UP BABY, so having it on the list will be fun for the purposes of comparison.
And any movie that contains the line, “THere’s nothing to see, really, we’re inside a Chinese Dragon,” has got to be considered truly great for that alone.
On May 10, 2010 at 4:15 pm colognegrrl said...
I thought this was one of the really outstanding movies – I wish I could be half as funny in my writing – but I never considered it to be a RomCom. For me, the story must be halfway believable even if it’s a fairy tale like Pretty Woman.
On May 10, 2010 at 10:03 pm Shalanna Collins said...
I adore “What’s Up, Doc?” It’s Streisand’s best flick, IMHO (and her next best is another of the comedies she so hated and kept off the market for years–”For Pete’s Sake”–wait, maybe it’s “The Owl and the Pussycat” with George Segal). I think it is a screwball comedy patterned after the many greats . . . but it’s also a romantic comedy that I think we could learn a lot from.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:16 pm Jenny said...
That’s the problem with farce, it’s about people who are less than we are so it’s deliberately hard to connect with them.
OTOH, it’s great screwball comedy. Cogitating here.
On May 9, 2010 at 11:20 pm Kris said...
The 1970s are tough, but I agree with the 2 above and will add The Main Event (1979).
On May 9, 2010 at 11:20 pm Amy said...
For the 1970s, I think a few people mentioned What’s Up Doc? (1972), which I loved. Although maybe it’s more of a farce? And Katherine Hepburn must have been the queen of romantic comedy. She’s on this list 5 times from the ’30s to the ’50s.
On May 10, 2010 at 8:36 am Jenny said...
See, that’s the other problem. I should go through and look at the actors involved. Cary Grant’s and Rock Hudson pretty much owned romantic comedy for a lot of that span, and the Hepburn/Tracy movies are all good rom coms, so feel free to suggest replacments. We probably don’t need both The Desk Set and Adam’s Rib, that was just personal preference.
On May 10, 2010 at 8:57 am Diane said...
If one has to go I vote for keeping Desk Set. The single most romantic thing I’ve ever seen on film is Richard Sumner (Tracy) telling Bunny Watson (Hepburn), “I bet you write beautiful letters.” (Sigh)
On May 10, 2010 at 3:57 pm PG said...
Oooh, I think we need to keep “Adam’s Rib.” There need to be some romantic comedies that tell us marriage is not an automatic Happily Ever After… some won’t make it, and some will have to work on it and thus make it even stronger. Also, I like that neither of the main characters is, well, stupid. I think they both have valid arguments, even if one eventually “wins.”
On May 10, 2010 at 11:16 pm Jenny said...
Plus Judy Holliday.
On May 10, 2010 at 7:34 pm JulieB said...
I agree with PG. Both explore different facets and tensions in the culture they were created in. See my diatribe below. *grin*
On May 10, 2010 at 10:05 pm Shalanna Collins said...
OH, but Desk Set gets my vote. Adam’s Rib has too much nasty hostility for my taste (recently saw it again and was shocked at how much I didn’t like that part) and a lot of stuff that could’ve been cleared up with a bit of communication. Definitely Desk Set, even if it does have a lot of silliness about computers. Poor Gig Young, playing #2 also-ran yet again.
On May 9, 2010 at 11:21 pm Sierra said...
Shoot, I was going to second an earlier nomination of Cactus Flower, but it was 1969, not 1970 like I thought. Now I’m going to have to go think some more.
On May 10, 2010 at 8:37 am Jenny said...
What would you drop in the sixties? I’m open.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:59 am Sierra said...
I haven’t seen Come September, so I’m not really sure. Perhaps that one since you’ve got another Rock Hudson movie? Unless it’s really awesome and I need to go Netflix it, in which case nevermind. I need to go rewatch How To Steal A Million, too, because I don’t remember if the love story was the central plot or not.
On May 10, 2010 at 12:23 pm Sierra said...
You’ve got Pillow Talk from the 50′s, so perhaps drop the two Rock Hudson movies from the 60s for Cactus Flower and Barefoot in the Park? (Sorry, I’ve never been an enormous Rock Hudson fan, and the other two movies have been more memorable for me.)
On May 10, 2010 at 2:27 pm Patti said...
I would second Barefoot in the Park. Like the fact its not about falling in love but staying in love after you learn some of those not so lovable things about your spouse. And if for no other reason, Robert Redford was such the dish!
On May 10, 2010 at 10:07 pm Shalanna Collins said...
I love Come September because it’s Bobby Darin’s screen debut and the place where he met and married Sandra Dee. That’s the storyline I follow in the flick, not the main one with Rock Hudson. I’d say Pillow Talk is the one to keep for Hudson/Day. I love Barefoot in the Park and Cactus Flower, too. Well-constructed flicks that don’t leave any loose ends and don’t have to cover up the plot holes with car chases!
On May 10, 2010 at 11:18 pm Jenny said...
It has Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin, too, so I wouldn’t have to find something else with them. I have it, but I haven’t seen it for years. Possibly I should watch it again before I argue for it.
How To Steal A Million is definitely about the love story. If he hadn’t fallen so hard for her, he’d have arrested her ass in the beginning. Instead he steals for her. Also, I LOVE THAT MOVIE. She said, being fair and dispassionate.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:58 pm Shalanna Collins said...
STEAL A MILLION–I hadn’t thought about that one in ages! That one could work here. Funny! But of its time, so some won’t get the humor.
The other Darin/Dee movies may not have held up as well. I know “That Funny Feeling” hasn’t held up as well for me, despite Donald O’Connor (Bobby’s idol). “If A Man Answers” has been a lifelong fave of mine, and they stole the book “How to Treat Your Husband Like A Dog” that was a best-seller a few years ago (because IAMA was not out on DVD or even being played on any TV channel for years, no one noticed the swipw, heh) . . . and it’s a really good film, CONSIDERING that it is of its time. Cesar Romero does a really good flip-turn on Chantal at the end of the flick, too. (I stole the name Chantal years ago for one of my characters, straight out of this film.) Still, “Come September” will resonate with more people because many will follow the Rock Hudson story. . . .
On May 11, 2010 at 12:16 am Jenny said...
Whoops. Sorry about repeating the Dee and Darrin thing. I skim the first time through, read slower the second.
On May 9, 2010 at 11:27 pm Gina Black said...
Harold and Maude (1971)
It fits the criteria as outlined above and it’s a sensational film.
On May 10, 2010 at 8:38 am Jenny said...
For my sins, I’ve never seen it but I put it up there.
On May 10, 2010 at 8:32 pm Shiloh said...
I love Harold and Maude, and I have to say at least from Harold’s side I think it was just as much about love as coming of age. To me it was definitely a romantic comedy, but I think only for a select few. You probably have to be a bit bent
On May 10, 2010 at 8:42 am JulieB said...
I disagree. I don’t think the humor (aside from the obvious reaction when he shows his mother the sunflower picture) is about the romance. I think of it as a comming of age story. I also wouldn’t really define it as a romance, or even a commedy…
On May 10, 2010 at 4:17 pm colognegrrl said...
I second that.
On May 10, 2010 at 4:34 pm McB said...
I third it.
On May 10, 2010 at 10:09 pm Shalanna Collins said...
You’re right in that Harold and Maude is a coming-of-age story in which a little old lady teaches boy how to live and HOW TO DIE. It’s way too dark and the ending too dark for me to consider it a comedy of any stripe, and the romance is . . .well, a no-no sort of romance. I would put it with midnight cult movies like “Rocky Horror” and “Buckaroo Banzai,” although it’s a lot more literary and thoughtful than those two. I’d say it isn’t your romantic comedy for that year.
Goodbye Girl is a classic. Cactus Flower as well. Foul Play one of my favorites. Good going.
On May 10, 2010 at 12:38 am celine said...
I would second Harold and Maude and The Goodbye Girl. The only other ones I can think of are Grease, if we’re counting musicals, and Butterflies are Free. It seems the seventies were a great decade for drama but a bad one for romantic comedies.
On May 10, 2010 at 8:40 am Jenny said...
I’m getting Cactus Flower confused with Butterflies are Free. Must go Google.
Plus Foul Play is on there. A little Goldie goes a long way.
On May 10, 2010 at 12:19 pm Sierra said...
Foul Play is good, but if you had to pick one Goldie movie, I’d go with Cactus Flower. It seems that there’s a dearth of good romantic comedies in the 70′s. And apparently a lot of my favorites are from before 1970.
On May 10, 2010 at 1:59 pm celine said...
If you go with only one Goldie movie, I’d pick Cactus Flower. I loved Foul Play but I think the action overtakes the romance. I think you could take Father Goose off and put Cactus Flower on since you already have a few other Cary Grant movies.
On May 10, 2010 at 7:37 pm JulieB said...
I know it’s interesting to get a broad range of actors, but I do think some of the reasons we love and return to some stories with the same actors are because they are really the best.
On May 10, 2010 at 8:47 am Shannan said...
Oh, I remember really liking Butterflies are Free. It’s been forever since I saw it, but I’m fairly certain Goldie Hawn was brilliant in it. I also LOVE Harold and Maude, but is it a RomCom given the way it ends? Is a HEA/HFN-ending a necessary component of the genre, or is Happy-While-It-Lasts enough?
On May 10, 2010 at 12:42 am celine said...
A New Leaf came out in 1971 but I think that’s more of one that has great moments but isn’t great all the way through.
On May 10, 2010 at 1:05 am Clever Cherry aka Judy Long said...
I love Harold and Maude but the guy doesn’t end up with the girl. Isn’t that important?
On May 10, 2010 at 1:17 am celine said...
Well, then we’d have to eliminate Annie Hall too. I think it depends on how traditional you want to go.
On May 10, 2010 at 8:41 am Jenny said...
My criteria for romance is “optimistic ending.” That is, if everybody ends up alone and in despair, it’s not a romance (or a comedy, for that matter). It’s one of the reasons I was iffy on Annie Hall, but I wasn’t in a position to be choosy about the seventies.
On May 10, 2010 at 8:44 am JulieB said...
I don’t think there’s really a problem with not having many from the ’70s. It would be realistic, as would having more from other decades. It would be like having a film studies discussion, but eliminating musicals from WWII or the Film Noir backlash.
On May 10, 2010 at 8:51 am JulieB said...
Harold and Maude is out then.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:12 am Gina Black said...
You don’t think the ending to H&M is optimistic?
On May 10, 2010 at 12:01 pm Gina Black said...
I can’t find a ‘reply’ button to your response below where you said you don’t think H&M is a RomCom. I agree that it is a coming-of-age story, but I don’t think that negates that it is also a RomCom. In fact, Billy Mernit considers it one of the great American RomCom screenplays in print (though not in his top 10): http://livingromcom.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/03/the_great_ameri.html
On May 10, 2010 at 12:21 pm JulieB said...
Gina, we really should have our own sub-group.
I think we hit the limit…
I can see the arguement for, and if it were included, the obvious discussion would be about all the rules it broke. And that could be cool. But, My reading/understanding of Jenny’s criteria places it in the No list. And if I had to categorize it, I would say comming of age. Probably this is why I read Jenny’s criteria as I do, and you read it as you do.
Jenny, please watch it and vote NOW.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:22 pm Jenny said...
Yeah, I’ve been thinking that from the discussion.
I think what I’m trying to narrow down is the remarkable feeling that a classic romantic comedy gives you. It lifts your heart with laughter and restores your faith in love.
Hmmm, that’s pretty good. Must use that some day.
On May 10, 2010 at 8:53 am JulieB said...
And, I do hope you include more from the ’80s, because it just seems like there is more to choose from. I’m sure it’s significant of something…
On May 10, 2010 at 11:28 am JulieB said...
Gina — I do think it is optimistic, but I don’t think H&M is RomCom. I think the romance was a vehicle for Harold’s growth, and I don’t think the optimism is for their relationship. I truely think it boils down to a coming of age story.
On May 10, 2010 at 12:24 pm JulieB said...
Hi again Gina — (Who knows where this will end up…) Merritt also has Princess Bride on there, and I believe that is off the list now…
On May 10, 2010 at 3:28 pm Gina Black said...
I agree. Jenny PLEASE watch it. It’s an amazing wonderful film.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:23 pm Jenny said...
Me, too. I just haven’t figured out what, yet. But there are a ton of them.
On May 10, 2010 at 6:05 am Jill said...
Yay! Glad Foul Play is on there. I personally prefer Seems Like Old Times “the “other Goldie Hawn/Chevy Chase movie,” but I could see how the end could kill it for some (I like it). I’m pretty sure it’s ’79 though, if that hellps.
I know it’s not ’70s at all, but I am personally a huge fan of “Ball of Fire” with Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck. I also love the musical remake “A Song is Born” with Danny Kaye and Virginia Mayo. Am I the only one who finds Danny Kaye kind of cute? Both protagonists are def. changed in both, but maybe they might come down more on the comedy than romance side? Must rewatch to decide.
Also another vote for The Goodbye Girl, What’s Up Doc and Cactus Flower (I know we’ve got enough 60s, but it is the ultimate cheer me up on a bad day movie, so I have to put that one in..).
I can’t wait for this list to be done! Romantic comedy is my favorite thing in the world. I’ve seen most mentioned, but I’m always hoping for more.
On May 10, 2010 at 8:44 am Jenny said...
You know, a lot of the stuff we’re not using is really great stuff, too. We’ve got this arbitrary four-a-decade limit, but almost everything mentioned here I’d watch again.
Mollie said, Seems Like Old Times, too. But I can’t remember how it ends. (No spoilers.) The thing I remember most about that one is all the dogs. And I liked Danny Kaye a lot more in White Christmas than I did Bing Crosby, so no, you’re not the only one.
We can swap out any of the movies up there for better ones (or ones that will work better for our purposes). Just point out which ones you’d swap out.
On May 10, 2010 at 8:55 am Gina Black said...
I love Seems Like Old Times, but that’s 1980.
On May 10, 2010 at 9:55 am Jill said...
Ooh, I posted w/out coffee. Sorry. I would swap out Come September for Cactus Flower b/c I know I’ve seen Come September, but it doesn’t have that “memorable reach for it again” feeling for me that Cactus Flower has. But that is really personal preference. How ’bout this? I think Cactus Flower captures a different side of the 60s than the other rom coms on the list. Plus, it is a two women after the same guy plotline and both women are likable and their interaction never devolves into a cat fight. I really like that.
Ball of Fire was early 40s, not 30s like I thought. A Song is Born is late 40s, not 50s. I surrender on those. All the ’40s up there are undeniable classics in my opinion and I can’t really see swapping those out. Just a good decade for romantic comedy.
I’ll be curious to hear your reaction to Seems Like Old Times. I actually find Chevy Chase kind of sexy in it, Something I never thought I’d say. . .
On May 10, 2010 at 11:25 pm Jenny said...
Mollie’s really strong on Seems Like Old Times, too, and she always wins, so I’m weakening.
On May 10, 2010 at 4:21 pm colognegrrl said...
When was Same Time Next Year released? Might be a good one for the Seventies… I think I watched it during my exchange year. And that was definitely in the seventies.
On May 12, 2010 at 12:40 pm lee said...
oh I HATED that one (same time next year) – yes a Happy for Now, but how awful are they to each other, over the course of DECADES?!?
On May 10, 2010 at 6:20 am Ingrid said...
I would once more like to nominate the 1975 French film Cousin, cousine for the seventies slot. Or do you only want English-language films? It’s about middle-aged lovers, and I loved it at 19 when I saw it in the cinema. That must be some proof of quality.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072826/
I think that Annie Hall should be deleted because the love between Annie and the Woody Allan character doesn’t last. Shouldn’t a romantic comedy at least leave us with the illusion of happily ever after?
On May 10, 2010 at 8:47 am Jenny said...
I am more than willing to give up Annie Hall.
There was a terrible American remake of Cousin, Cousine, I think, and that’s the closest I came to seeing it. I’m all for foreign films, but that’s going to open things up to Bollywood and the great Japanese stuff, too. So I think to save us, I’ll just change the header to American Romantic Comedy, not because Americans do it better but because we’ve already got the stuff coming out our ears.
On May 10, 2010 at 8:54 am JulieB said...
I saw Annie Hall but I never would have thought of that one as RomCom.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:26 pm Jenny said...
It kept showing up on Best Romantic Comedy lists.
Of course there was some very odd stuff on some of those lists.
On May 10, 2010 at 7:25 am Egads said...
The Electric Horseman (1979) with Jane Fonda and Robert Redford, although they do part at the end
On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970) with Barbra Streisand and Yves Montand
On May 10, 2010 at 9:14 am Shannan said...
Oops, didn’t see you’d already suggested On a Clear Day. Yay!
On May 10, 2010 at 12:59 pm Carol Anne said...
Yes, to both.
On May 10, 2010 at 8:30 am Eva said...
Young Frankenstein. ’74 *g*
On May 10, 2010 at 8:48 am Jenny said...
“Yes, he vas my boyfriendt!”
Love it, but no.
On May 10, 2010 at 2:11 pm Eva said...
Inga: He vould have an enormous schwanzstucker.
Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: That goes without saying.
Inga: Voof.
Igor: He’s going to be very popular.
On May 10, 2010 at 8:53 am Lyndsay said...
Are you trying to choose between Philadelphia Story and His Girl Friday for 1940 if so my vote is for The Philadelphia Story as much as love His Girl Friday The Philadelphia Story (and High Society) is one of my all time favourite films.
How about Holiday Inn (1942) Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire and Marjorie Reynolds?
On May 10, 2010 at 9:00 am JulieB said...
I Think both Philidelphia Story and His Girl Friday should be included. But I was going to say I would place Holiday Inn in Musicals, but it’s not really that. It’s one of those murky ones that blend so many areas. But when I think if that, I think of Christmas — because that’s when I used to see it pre-video days
— and I primarily think of the music and dancing. I barely think of the plot…
On May 10, 2010 at 2:31 pm Lyndsay said...
I think Holiday Inn is a great film – maybe subconciously it’s because it reminds me of Christmas!!
On May 10, 2010 at 11:27 pm Jenny said...
Is that the one I’m confusing with White Christmas? Which one has Danny Kaye singing “I Won’t Dance”?
On May 11, 2010 at 7:42 am Lyndsay said...
Danny Kaye was in White Christmas with Bing Crosby. Also a great film but I don’t think of it as a romantic comedy not sure why. Holiday Inn was Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire
On May 11, 2010 at 11:42 am Terrio said...
Danny Kaye is White Christmas. Fred Astaire is in Holiday Inn. But Holiday Inn is the first picture where Bing sang the song White Christmas.
I loved Holiday Inn, but there’s too much underhanded stuff by Bing, so that bothered me.
On May 11, 2010 at 10:04 pm Tracey said...
Holiday Inn and White Christmas are essentially the same film. GIs come back to the states after the war, look up old comrade who owns a failing inn and hey, kids! let’s put on a show! oriented around the holidays, so Bing can sing “White Christmas.” Both films showcases for the song, by the way. Which, eventually when we’d heard it enough, became a hit. If we’re talking about Christmas-oriented RomComs, I nominate the original Christmas in Connecticut with Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan, not the hideous 90s remake that should be consigned to some far circle of hell.
On May 10, 2010 at 2:51 pm Sara Darling said...
I think an argument could be made for leaving out His Girl Friday, though I do adore that movie. While there are romantic moments, Cary Grant’s character doesn’t change and I don’t exactly see them living happily ever after. I see them loving each other and fighting with each other but happy….. I don’t know. I’d probably classify this one more as screwball comedy than romantic comedy. I think the Philadelphia Story is closer to the romantic comedy definition because you do have that growth for the characters…. P.S. I am so thrilled at the mention of “Desk Set” as I’ve never known anyone else who’s seen it. Deeee-lightful.
On May 10, 2010 at 7:44 pm JulieB said...
Oooh. Sara Darling, you make a tough case. What would you substitute for HGF? I’m still on the fence and think it makes the cut, but maybe another would edge it out…
On May 10, 2010 at 11:28 pm Jenny said...
Wouldn’t God strike us dead if we cut His Girl Friday?
I don’t think I can cut His Girl Friday. My hands are shaking at the thought.
On May 11, 2010 at 9:20 am JulieB said...
Yes, God would strike us dead. Thanks for keeping a cool head and saving our lives….
On May 11, 2010 at 5:55 pm Sara Darling said...
That’s a tricky one. His Girl Friday is certainly at the pinnacle of wit, but the Philadelphia Story also has the Cary Grant charm, plus bonus Jimmy Stewart, and seems a little more happy endingish. But now I want late night infomercials for products to promise “now with bonus Jimmy Stewart!” I’d buy.
On May 10, 2010 at 9:09 am Shannan said...
What about The Apartment (1960)? I love it so much I bought the script so I wouldn’t have to keep transcribing dialogue. It’s romantic, hilarious, and so incredibly witty. It does have some sad moments, but I still tend to think of it as a comedy.
Also, this may be way too weird, but since the 70s are a kind of death-of-happiness zone, I figure I’ll throw it out there — what about On A Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970)? It’s funny and romantic, and I’ve never been able to determine if I love it because it’s brilliant or because it’s just so flippin’ strange, but, well, it’s there, and I adore it. It’s not Happily-Ever-After so much as Happily-Eventually-After. Does that count?
On May 10, 2010 at 9:37 am Jill said...
Oh my gosh! How could I forget the Apartment? Love Jack Lemon.
And On A Clear Day You Can See Forever is another one of my favorite movies.
On May 10, 2010 at 9:42 am Shannan said...
I am a tiny gigantic bit in love with Jack Lemmon. I want to invent a time machine so I can go back to 1960 and make him mine. Is that a shallow use for a time machine? I don’t care.
On May 10, 2010 at 9:44 am JulieB said...
I’m sure it beats some of the more nefarious uses a time machine could be used for. Go for it!
On May 10, 2010 at 9:48 am JulieB said...
“Death-of-happiness zone”
Har! Yes, I think we should just omit the ’70s altogether.
I haven’t seen Goodbye Girl, so I must rectify that, but for me, Foul Play starts the era of the ’80s. I think the ’70s started to end in ’77.
On May 10, 2010 at 2:53 pm Patti said...
Has anyone mentioned Silver Streak. I realize that Gene Wilder is not exactly a romantic lead but there is a love story its just secondary to the buddy film aspect of the film.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:30 pm Jenny said...
The Apartment is fantastic. Is it comedy? It’s genius, but it’s so dark.
Jack Lemmon was fantastic in everything–
OH. MY. GOD.
I FORGOT AVANTI.
Excuse me, must go google for the year.
On May 10, 2010 at 9:27 am francois said...
Two Mules for Sister Sara (1970)
I love that film to death! Ok so its a bit of a western, but its all about the relationship really.
On May 10, 2010 at 9:43 am JulieB said...
Shannan’s suggestion made me think of Barefoot in the Park but I’m really not familiar enough with it to know if it works as RomCom. But I don’t see any other Neil Simon titles.
I just don’t know the ones from the ’60s at all. I’m sure I’ve seen a snippet of Father Goose but not the whole thing. Yours, Mine, and Ours is untraditional, but I still think could fall under RomCom.
On May 10, 2010 at 9:52 am Gina Black said...
The Goodbye Girl is Neil Simon. Who’s missing is Billy Wilder.
On May 10, 2010 at 10:28 am Merry the CB said...
Then I’ll throw Midnight back in, even if it is from the 30s.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:30 am JulieB said...
Ah! Really must rectify my lack of viewing…!
On May 10, 2010 at 11:36 pm Jenny said...
Avanti is Wilder. And it’s goin’ on the list, too.
On May 10, 2010 at 9:45 am Danielle said...
I’m throwing in my hat for Here Comes The Groom (1950) as well as seconding Lindsay’s vote for Holiday Inn!
On May 10, 2010 at 10:00 am Jill said...
Love Here Comes the Groom! Esp. when they make over Alexis Smith. That’s ’51. I could see maybe swapping Houseboat for that.
I love Cary Grant, but Houseboat always struck me as a little too maudlin.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:36 pm Jenny said...
I think it’s the houseboat that gets me. You know me and houses.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:16 am Gina Black said...
Has Tom Jones (best picture winner from1963) not been considered thus far because it’s an historical?
On May 10, 2010 at 11:34 am JulieB said...
Good question. Everything seems to follow the pattern of taking the issues of the time into consideration. Also, it’s set in Europe, so perhaps it’s not “American RomCom.” It doesn’t seem to fit the pattern.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:55 am Gina Black said...
Good point. In fact, I think it was produced in England.
On May 10, 2010 at 12:26 pm JulieB said...
OK. Next Cherry Con. You, Me, and movies…
On May 10, 2010 at 3:30 pm Gina Black said...
OMG that would be so much fun.
On May 10, 2010 at 12:34 pm JulieB said...
I just re-read my comment and realized it makes no sense. What I meant to say was that the RomComs on the current list are firmly set into their “modern day.” And many of them reflect or question, on some level, the values of the time they are in. It Happened One Night, the Depression and class roles are studied, Adams Rib, gender challenges of the times and the stress of men and women due to the return of the soldiers, Desk Set humans and the new techonolgical era…. I’m not vesred enough to make a statement on the overall rest of the ’50′s and the ’60′s films.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:37 pm Jenny said...
I think it’s a good point. It might be something about access to the placeholder characters, being able to connect to them and live through them.
Or it might not.
On May 11, 2010 at 12:23 am Jenny said...
Meant to add, Tom Jones is a picaro hero so the romance is just part of his life, not the focus of his story.
On May 11, 2010 at 10:52 pm JulieB said...
I think you’re right, but even now, I really want to be Katherine Hepburn.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:26 am Psyche said...
If Annie Hall can make the list, then there’s zero excuse for Roman Holiday not to be there.
Also, for variety, I’d argue for Ninotchka over Holiday or My Man Godfrey. And it seems tragic that His Girl Friday and The Awful Truth aren’t there…there really is an embarrassment of riches in the thirties…
On May 10, 2010 at 11:36 am JulieB said...
His Gril Friday is there. I think it’s always been on the list. The only movie that pounds in more banter per sec is Bringing up Baby…
On May 10, 2010 at 7:11 pm J said...
I was thinking of Roman Holiday too, but I’m not sure if it fits.
On May 10, 2010 at 12:42 pm Holly said...
How about swapping Houseboat for How to Marry Millionaire (1953)? Cary Grant is already well represented on the list, and HtMM is funnier and more romantic than Houseboat. Just a better movie overall. IMO, of course.
On May 10, 2010 at 1:10 pm Terrio said...
I’ll second this one.
On May 10, 2010 at 2:52 pm Lyndsay said...
How to Marry a Millionaire is a great film so is Gentlemen Prefer Blondes which I think actually is the same year (1953)?
On May 10, 2010 at 12:43 pm Eva said...
the 70s… wasn’t Goldie Hawn in anything then?
And for the 80s you need An Officer and A Gentleman-although I hate that movie.
On May 10, 2010 at 1:24 pm JulieB said...
But would you say An Officer and A Gentleman is a commedy at all? I wouldn’t. I don’t remember any real laugh out loud things…
On May 10, 2010 at 2:13 pm Eva said...
yeah, you’re right.
On May 10, 2010 at 1:15 pm Shannan said...
I couldn’t resist using my morning off to watch one of the movies on this list. I picked The Desk Set. Random little old lady, an office Christmas party guaranteed to get someone in trouble, and a giant computer named Emily. LOVE it.
On May 10, 2010 at 1:25 pm JulieB said...
This is definately more interesting that laundary and grading…
On May 10, 2010 at 1:26 pm Shannan said...
Today is commencement at my university, so all my meetings got cancelled, and I get to play. This list is making my day.
On May 10, 2010 at 1:53 pm freddie said...
I know the tracy/hepburn team is well represented, but what about Pat and Mike?
On May 10, 2010 at 1:58 pm J said...
Has anyone else seen Walk, Don’t Run (1966)? I remember it being fun. I wouldn’t take Father Goose or How to Steal A Million off the list for it, but it was funny and most of the humor was about the relationship and both the romantic leads arc.
On May 10, 2010 at 2:06 pm Jill said...
Love, love Walk, Don’t Run! Another one of those movies I reach for again and again when I need to be cheered up. The original from the ’40s is good too, “The More the Merrier.”
Personally though I prefer WDR b/c of the Cary Grant factor.
On May 10, 2010 at 2:10 pm celine said...
I’ve seen it and I remember liking, but not loving it. I watched it as part of my quest to see every Cary Grant movie and it’s been a while so I may not be remembering the movie too well.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:39 pm Jenny said...
I love Walk Don’t Run. Grant’s last movie, I think, and he refused to be the romantic lead.
On May 11, 2010 at 10:07 pm Tracey said...
AMEN to walk don’t run! A grand and sexy film, esp considering Hollywood was still working under the production code. (I think.)
On May 11, 2010 at 5:08 pm Heather said...
I would trade Father Goose for Walk Don’t Run. Which is so sweet and funny. I love the ending!
On May 10, 2010 at 2:19 pm Eva said...
what’s this Butterflies Are Free (looking up Goldie Hawn in Netflix) Good lord, it’s like the Goldiest, Goldy movie. ’72
On May 10, 2010 at 2:28 pm Kate G said...
Well my head is spinning. I can see I need to kick my family out of the house for a few days so that I can watch some movies!
On May 10, 2010 at 2:38 pm JulieB said...
I hope if this podcast thing goes we all have enough time to do the homework.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:46 pm Jenny said...
Hell, I hope we have enough time. We’re just trying to learn more about romantic comedy. And have a good reason to watch movies.
Which brings me to another point: Have to be able to get the movies which is probably going to knock Ask Any Girl off which would be tragic.
On May 10, 2010 at 3:03 pm Sara Darling said...
I’m wondering if the Audrey Hepburn body of work has been considered? Specifically Sabrina? Plenty of comedy with William Holden’s posterior injury and Humphrey Bogart trying to figure out how to romance a younger lady, and both Hepburn and Bogart (and Holden’s) characters grow and change. The remake didn’t thrill me but I still have to watch the original every year or so or I get shaky. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is probably a better movie, but less an examplar of a romantic comedy….
On May 10, 2010 at 11:30 pm Shannan said...
How to Steal a Million is an Audrey film, and it is AWESOME. I remember watching it and thinking it had the feel of a Crusie novel. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend checking it out.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:47 pm Jenny said...
Trust me, that movie had a huge influence on me. Perfect rom com.
On May 11, 2010 at 6:03 pm Sara Darling said...
I thought that sounded familiar… Clearly it has been faaaar too long since I saw that. Paging Dr. Netflix!
On May 10, 2010 at 3:27 pm Absolute Cherry said...
If you need another one from the 70′s, how about Same Time Next Year from 1978? It’s been awhile since I’ve seen it but I think it fits all of your criteria. And I have to mention Truly Madly Deeply from 1994. It has more poignant moments than laugh out loud moments, but Juliet Stevenson’s and Alan Rickman’s characters are both transformed by their relationship, and one of them is actually dead at the time, so extra points there. If you haven’t watched it yet, it should definitely be on your personal list, if not the official one!
On May 10, 2010 at 11:48 pm Jenny said...
Oh, Truly, Madly, Deeply. Wonderful. Romantic comedy, though? I can see crying at the end, but I wept all the way through it. While I was laughing.
On May 10, 2010 at 3:49 pm LilyC said...
You’re dropping The Princess Bride? Inconceivable!
Sorry, sometimes I just can’t help myself. Anyway, talking of royalty, how about The Prince and the Showgirl?
On May 10, 2010 at 6:56 pm PG said...
Yes, I linked this on Facebook and one guy said, “But Westley is transformed by love – he changes from a quiet farm boy to a strong, outspoken pirate. I agree that it is more comedy than romantic, but it’s still a romantic comedy.”
On May 10, 2010 at 7:41 pm marly said...
Yes! How can a movie that is so funny and has such sigh-making romance not make the list, even if it has other elements? Yes, Westley evolved, and there’s revenge and adventure, but if you remove the romance, a lot of us wouldn’t have watched it 43 times.
“Since the invention of the kiss, there have only been five rated the most passionate, the most pure. This one left them all behind.”
“As you wish means ‘I love you’”.
“Can you move?” “Move? You’re alive. If you want, I can fly.”
“I will always come for you.” “How can you be sure?” This is true love – you
think this happens everyday?”
Oh, and I probably wouldn’t know all these lines by heart.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:31 pm Micki said...
I will probably get rapiered with this, but even though I like Princess Bride very much, it sucks as a romance. C’mon, who really wants to be Princess Buttercup and get dragged through the plot like that? The woman gets to do NOTHING. At least in Shrek, the princess got to knock out a few bad guys. And she got to grow as a . . . person. Princess Bride-style romance is the kind of romance you want to avoid at all costs . . . unless you are a guy. Or you get to be the guy.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:50 pm Jenny said...
Westley gets all the good stuff, but I’m not averse to hero-centered rom com, which is where About A Boy would fall. I think.
It’s just that all the lines I remember are not the romance: “My name is Inigo Montoya,” “You rush a miracle man, you get lousy miracles,” “Never get involved in a land war in Asia . . .”
My god, that’s a funny movie.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:48 pm Skye said...
Actually, I would have watched it more *without* the romance part, because I hated Buttercup’s role in the whole thing. The rest of it is awesome.
On May 11, 2010 at 1:07 am marly said...
I have to try to defend the girl. First, she’s stuck with the name Buttercup, bringing up images of “poor little” from Gilbert and Sullivan or cows. She’s set in a fractured, ironic, funny fairy tale as a proper, passive princess who falls for a farmboy. In spite of the fact that she’s certain she’ll die, she goes into the Fire Swamp with Westley, facing the Lightning Sand and R.O.U.S. fairly bravely. She offers herself up to oily Humperdinck if he’ll promise not to harm Westley. She’s ready to kill herself rather than be married to the oily Prince, and she jumps from a very high tower into Fezzik’s arms. I’ll grant that she’s no Fiona, but she’s no Sleeping Beauty either. And, there’s no fairy Godmother around to make life easier. I think the Princess is getting something of a bum rap. In all fairness, Westley has three years under the tutelage of a Dread Pirate, which speeds up his evolution. Buttercup’s on her own, and I think she demonstrates true love very well, all things considered. I might wish William Goldman had done a little better by her, but since he gave us so many wonderful scripts and novels, I’ll forgive him just about anything.
On May 10, 2010 at 4:02 pm Chelle said...
What about Same Time Next Year with Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn (1978)?
On May 10, 2010 at 11:51 pm Jenny said...
That keeps coming up, but it has such a bittersweet ending, plus, it’s about adultery which squicks me out. I know, I know, I’m a narrow-minded moralist.
Which is a new place for me to be, believe me.
On May 11, 2010 at 9:31 am JulieB said...
I saw MOST of it, not all, but I don’t remember it being a commedy. Plus, I agree the adultury issue makes it a hard sell as a romcom. I remember feeling bad for the other spouses thoughout what I saw…
On May 11, 2010 at 2:39 pm Jenny said...
Especially when you find out one of them knew all along. Oh, ouch.
On May 11, 2010 at 2:20 pm Chelle said...
Yeah, I had the same thoughts, and yet…there’s Alan Alda being so darn cute I can’t stand it, and so angry when his son dies, and Ellen saying “Okay, but this is the last time”.
The ’70s sucked eggs for RomCom. I’m glad I was only ten and didn’t know any better.
I got to have 16 Candles, which is still awesome. (“My little brother paid a dollar to see your panties.” Cracks me up everytime!)
On May 10, 2010 at 4:15 pm Donna said...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:1970s_romantic_comedy_films
Wikapedia has a list of romantic comedies from the 1970′s. Although with Roller Boogie and ’10′ on the list, I’m kind of appalled.
On May 10, 2010 at 4:22 pm Donna said...
Out of that list I have to add ‘Same Time, Next Year’ which was kind of sad, but I loved.
On May 10, 2010 at 4:34 pm Eva said...
Daughter and I are watching Cactus Flower-Matthau, Hawn and Igrid Bergman, VERY funny. Daughter used to do scenes in acting class.
On May 10, 2010 at 4:48 pm Deborah Blake said...
I really hated Harold and Maude–thought it wasn’t a comedy at all. Didn’t like Annie Hall, either, but I know I’m in a minority there. But I love all the earlier ones on the list. What was with the 70′s anyway?
On May 10, 2010 at 7:48 pm JulieB said...
They sucked.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:52 pm Jenny said...
Well, mine did.
But really, if Annie Hall was the great romantic comedy (I’ll give it great comedy, but great ROMANTIC comedy?) that explains a lot.
On May 10, 2010 at 6:39 pm Carol Anne said...
I think the 70s was a dry spell for romantic comedies. Checked out the movies of the 1970 on wikipedia. I agree = appalling. I think someone mentioned the two worth seeing. On a Clear Day and The Electric Horseman. Perhaps they are not true romantic comedies in the Cary Grant/Rock Hudson/Spencer T/Hepburn mode.
Harold/Maude, Annie Hall – not on the list for me. I guess the Goodbye Girl, sorta of.
On May 10, 2010 at 7:31 pm Sheena said...
Just double-checking – you’re excluding British, Australian, Canadian etc films? If so, Strictly Ballroom will have to go from the 90s.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:53 pm Jenny said...
I don’t want to exclude anybody, really. But as you can see, we’re already overwhelmed.
I should have done one post per decade.
On May 10, 2010 at 7:33 pm Kate said...
I would like to suggest Sunday in New York from 1963 – it’s adorable, and hysterical, and very very…old school, which makes it cuter. Plus, Jane Fonda is in it.
I should probably add that I was born in the 80s and so for me the movie kind of seems like fun retro kitsch from AMTV. And I haven’t really seen any other movies from the time period, except for Where the Boys Are, which was horrifically hysterical.
BUT – Sunday in New York = adorable, I promise.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:54 pm Jenny said...
Where the Boys Are is great if you have lots of alcohol and are into camp. There are many romantic comedies like that. Like anything with Annette Funicello. Or anything with “Gidget” in the title.
On May 11, 2010 at 1:31 am Polly said...
Oh gosh, I have such a thing for campy teen beach movies. Gidget and Where the Boys Are are two of the best. Actually, campy teen movies in general are one of my guilty pleasures. There’s a Sandra Dee one called The Reluctant Debutante that’s hysterical. She plays an American sent to London for the Season, but not too impressed with the English aristocrats she meets there. My favorite part is where the guy she has a crush on, a drummer in a band, starts telling her about the primitive, undulating, throbbing, elemental drum beats, and she practically starts salivating. It’s great. It’s absolutely the movie for anyone who can handle very unsubtle subtext.
On May 11, 2010 at 4:47 am Moth said...
Doesn’t Where the Boys Are have one of the girls getting raped?
On May 11, 2010 at 11:46 am Terrio said...
Yep.
On May 11, 2010 at 12:25 pm Polly said...
Yes. It’s an absolutely ridiculous cautionary tale. It’s advertised like it’s the fluffiest “girls at the beach” movie, then the girls who actually want to have fun now (and not wait till marriage) come to no good ends. Obviously I don’t find that story line fun, but there’s such an element of “we had to tack on a moral message.”
On May 11, 2010 at 2:38 pm Jenny said...
Yep. “And they were Yalies.”
On May 11, 2010 at 5:20 pm Heather said...
I want to second Sunday in New York. A girl goes to see her brother in New York to ask his advice about men, he lies. Romance ensues.
On May 10, 2010 at 8:36 pm Jill said...
Mamma Mia Meryl & Pierce July 2008
Something’s Gotta Give Dec 2003
On May 10, 2010 at 8:38 pm Shiloh said...
I feel left out since I was born exactly 2 months before this list is now cut off. Apparently I have a lot of movie watching to do… My pic for this decade is P.S. I Love You. I know, I know, we’re not discussing this decade, but I missed my chance earlier and I’m a brat like that!
On May 10, 2010 at 11:54 pm Jenny said...
We’re doing the rest. Just not in this post.
On May 10, 2010 at 8:38 pm mcrowley41 said...
I’ve got a good one for the seventies HOUSE CALLS (1978) Walter Matthau and Glenda Jackson.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:55 pm Jenny said...
Oh, I loved that movie.
“You broke my heart.”
“I’m a doctor. I can fix it.”
On May 10, 2010 at 9:19 pm Michele said...
How about a John Wayne RomCom? The Quiet Man (’52) or Donovan’s Reef (’63) are particular favorites of mine.
Not sure what to take off- the only one I’ve seen from those decades is Pillow Talk, which I think needs to stay on the list.
On May 11, 2010 at 10:14 pm Tracey said...
Why does everyone love The Quiet Man? Wayne’s character is total stage Irish, he’s drunk and violent and she’s massively passive-aggressive. Yes, it’s beautifully filmed but enough already! Real Irish aren’t really like that film!
If you want a real Irish RomCOm, how about “Hear My Song” from 1991?
On May 10, 2010 at 10:15 pm Shalanna Collins said...
You asked what’s wrong with the 1970s as far as romantic comedies. Well . . . in the 70s, we used to think film was Important and Significant, and that was when Film Studies classes took top billing. Every film took itself more seriously then. Screwball comedy and romantic comedy were thought of as lightweight. Neil Simon was king of it all as far as comedy of any kind, and Woody Allen did the “thoughtful nebbishy intellectual” comedies that had drama in them. Anyhow, that’s why you find fewer flicks for the list in the 70s. We hippies were very deep thinkers. . . .
On May 10, 2010 at 11:50 pm Skye said...
And, of course, there was that disco thing going on. And those movies … .
On May 11, 2010 at 3:33 am Lily BBlues said...
And then, of course, there’s MASH…
On May 11, 2010 at 3:58 pm Jessie said...
True. If it wasn’t Woody Allen or Mel Brooks, it was not important enough. Actually, MANHATTAN was sort of a romantic comedy, although it was a love story with New York as the love object. And Woody Allen was seriously intellectual comedy. And Mel Brooks was a lot funnier if you got all the in jokes (I saw Blazing Saddles in Eastern Washington and almost no one laughed and saw it again in Philadelphia with my friend from New York explaining it and it was a lot funnier in Philadelphia). But again it is a farce
On May 11, 2010 at 10:58 pm JulieB said...
For years, the only videotape my husband owned was Blazing Saddles. Every few weekends in Germany he and his friends would trot out the tape and drink beer and hope the US didn’t go Code Black w. Russia in a few hours.
On May 10, 2010 at 11:40 pm Micki said...
I looked up a list of 70s movies this morning, and I’m not sure where Smokey and the Bandit fits in that theory (or anything with Burt Reynolds, LOL). But I won’t argue that — there was definitely that “serious” thing going on.
Also, people were probably recovering from Free Love and the hidden costs of that sort of thing (Kramer vs. Kramer) or still trying to capture it.
Star Wars might possibly be one of the most romantic blockbusters from the era (even though it turns out the love interests were brother and sister), and that isn’t saying much.
But I’m very happy there’s a lot of rom-com coming out in the last couple of decades!
On May 11, 2010 at 12:06 am Jenny said...
Okay, once I put the leads in (women first, of course) I saw four Hepburn/Grant movies in a row, as some of you have already pointed out, so at least two of them have to go. And Grant’s on there a lot, so I’ll dump Houseboat, too. Hudson’s on there a lot, so I’ll get rid of Come September.
Looking back through everybody’s comments now.
The next post is going to be just the eighties. Too many movies to absorb here.
Edited to add:
After I deleted the above movies, we ended up with three per decade. Maybe that’s a good number? I know, I know, Seems Like Old Times, The Apartment, there’s so many more good ones. But yarg, it’s going to take us months to get to the 80s.
Anything on there you think doesn’t belong? Anything you think it’s really a sin to leave off?
On May 11, 2010 at 12:35 am Kelly S said...
I’m glad I read all the way down. The posting saying four but with only 3 per decade was bothering my OCD. Also, some of the comments which said “Foul Play is on there” but it isn’t anymore is now explained. Sadly, that along with The Princess Bride are the only 2 movies mentioned in this post that I’ve seen. (Sheltered life) Finally, being overly nitpicky, sorry, how does K. Hepburn spell her first name? Two options are listed above.
On May 11, 2010 at 12:37 am Kelly S said...
Ooh, I also saw Smokey & the Bandit. Fun to watch the list change as I post.
On May 11, 2010 at 4:29 am colognegrrl said...
Smokey and the Bandit… I think I watched that video twenty times. Particularly the moment when he takes his hat off.
On May 11, 2010 at 12:36 am Ingrid said...
His girl Friday is not Hepburn/Grant, but Rosalind Russell/Grant.
Cary Grant is inescapable, for decades, and why escape? I still think there should be an Irene Dunne/Grant pairing on your list. Either The awful truth (1937) or My favorite wife (1940). The awful truth was the film that minted the romantic-comedy Grant persona.
On May 11, 2010 at 12:42 am Ingrid said...
And the list changed while I was posting.
On May 11, 2010 at 10:16 pm Tracey said...
Please take off “French Kiss.” Meg’s character rarely gets above 2-D, kevin’s character … well, the accent stopped me cold; Jean Reno I could watch all day, but he’s a minor player. Funny bits, but not a complete whole.
On May 11, 2010 at 12:14 am Jenny said...
Oh, hell, A New Leaf was in 1971.
I love A New Leaf.
On May 11, 2010 at 12:34 am Jenny said...
And then I realized that 1940 was technically part of the 30s and that went to hell, too.
Maybe decades are not the way to do this. But then I’d have to think of some deep, significant way to categorize them, and I don’t have the time. Back to decades.
On May 11, 2010 at 12:40 am Jenny said...
Ask Any Girl isn’t out on DVD and the VHS tapes are hard to find so it has to go. Damn.
On May 11, 2010 at 12:51 am Jenny said...
Sorry, Ingrid, I’m trying to look through 100 comments here and it’s taking me awhile.
Should Smokey go back on? I remember it as being a lot of fun, but I can’t remember if it was mostly romance or mostly adventure. I’m thinking adventure with a side of romance.
On May 11, 2010 at 2:28 pm J said...
I think Smokey and the Bandit is mostly about the adventure with a heafty side of romance.
On May 11, 2010 at 2:52 pm Jenny said...
Yeah, it’s about moving that truck. But still . . .
On May 11, 2010 at 12:52 am Carol Anne said...
Please do not cut HIS GIRL FRIDAY. The best dialogue, banter. Our son teaches film – it is one the students must see.
A New Leaf – 1971 YES, keep that one please. Walter’s character grows.
On May 11, 2010 at 1:00 am Jenny said...
Anybody remember Don’t Go Near the Water? 1957?
For some reason I do. I was seven, I doubt I saw it in theaters.
Operation Petticoat, 1959. More Grant.
Argh. I have to go back to work. I’ll check back tomorrow.
On May 11, 2010 at 9:39 pm Stephanie said...
Love Operation Petticoat!! But was the comedy about the romance?
some of it was but i’m not sure that’s what carried it.
On May 11, 2010 at 1:07 am Ingrid said...
The 1940′s are not a romantic comedy decade either. The ones there are seem to be spillovers from the thirties. In wartime you get sad love stories like Casablanca.
On May 11, 2010 at 1:13 am Jenny said...
That’s what I’m finding out.
Although I could swear I’d read that romantic comedy does really well in dark times which could explain all the great ones in the thirties during the depression.
On May 11, 2010 at 1:55 am Polly said...
There are plenty of good comedies with romantic elements in the 1940s, but the ones I could think of tend to have to main couple already together, like To Be or Not To Be (which is hilarious–see it if you haven’t) from 1942 and didn’t seem to fit the guidelines. The 40s weren’t a bad decade for comedy, though they do seem light on romantic comedy.
On May 11, 2010 at 10:20 pm Tracey said...
You’re right, about comedies doing well in hard times. But the war wasn’t so horrible for the folks here at home. People had jobs; admittedly, lots of them involved shooting and getting shot at, but if you hadn’t worked in most of a decade and then you get a job in a brand new aircraft plant and you have plenty of money and your kids aren’t in the war or in the front lines, well, then, gas rationing is just an annoyance, not a real hardship.
On May 11, 2010 at 2:03 am Polly said...
Also, I’d much rather have Bringing up Baby on the list than My Man Godfrey. They’re both about scatterbrained heiresses, but I personally find that the plotting, dialogue and utter craziness of Bringing up Baby are much better than My Man Godfrey. Even though the list will have another Grant/Hepburn movie.
On May 11, 2010 at 2:07 am Polly said...
And, as soon as I post that, I recheck the list and see that My Man Godfrey isn’t on it anymore. Oops. Still seems a shame to miss Bringing up Baby.
On May 11, 2010 at 2:15 am Sheena said...
Oh, oh, I forgot Everyone Says I Love You! I know it’s the nineties, but if I don’t throw it in now I’ll forget.
On May 11, 2010 at 2:30 am celine said...
I think the revised list is great. I thought about suggesting Avanti because it’s been on my to-see list for a while and it’s Wilder so I assume it’s great but since it was just an assumption I didn’t mention it.
On May 11, 2010 at 2:38 pm Jenny said...
It’s fabulous. One of the best movies of all time. I make everyone I know watch it. So watch it.
On May 11, 2010 at 9:45 am JulieB said...
I agree. Bringing Up Baby MUST go back on. I think we’ll all just have to suck it up and watch one extra movie (damn) but really, it writes the book on dialogue. I STILL haven’t heard all the lines… Besides, I think it’s really only right that Kate Hepburn and Cary Grant are on the list so much, because they really DID so much.
Also, does Cactus Flower have Goldie Hawn> Because I think she should be on the list somewhere. I’m kind of sorry to see Foul Play gone, but I can put on my big girl panties and deal with that one.
I’m excited to do this. There are a few I’ve never heard of, and I’ve always wanted to see Avanti.
On May 11, 2010 at 2:41 pm Jenny said...
Well, people are passionate about Seems Like Old Times and that’s Hawn, too.
Bringing Up Baby is back on.
On May 11, 2010 at 3:35 pm J said...
Yay! Bringing Up Baby is near the top of my favorite Romantic Comedies, so I’m glad it’s back.
On May 11, 2010 at 9:57 am JulieB said...
This is how I would break the list up:
1934: It Happened One Night: Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable (prear – the first? defining Romcom)
Wartime
1938: Bringing Up Baby, Kate Hepburn and Cary Grant
1939: Ninotchka: Greta Garbo and Melvyn Douglas
1940: His Girl Friday: Rosalind Russell and Cary Grant
1940: The Philadelphia Story: Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant
1941: The Lady Eve: Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda
Post war:
1949: Adam’s Rib: Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy
1950: Born Yesterday: Judy Holliday and William Holden
Industrialization and prosperity
1957: The Desk Set: Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy
1959: Pillow Talk: Doris Day and Rock Hudson
1960: The Apartment: Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon
I and P part 2
1964: Father Goose: Leslie Caron and Cary Grant
1966: How to Steal A Million: Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole
1966: Walk Don’t Run: Samantha Eggar and Jim Hutton
Vietman/Psycadelic Era
1969: Cactus Flower: Ingrid Bergman and Walter Matthau (1968-69 seems different to me than 1966)
1971: A New Leaf: Elaine May and Walter Matthau
1972: Avanti: Juliet Mills and Jack Lemmon
1972: What’s Up, Doc?: Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal
Post Disco
1977: The Goodbye Girl: Marsha Mason and Richard Dreyfus
1978: House Calls: Glenda Jackson and Walter Matthau
And, I’d Add Foul Play
On May 11, 2010 at 9:58 am JulieB said...
(That shoud read “preWAR)…
On May 11, 2010 at 10:00 am JulieB said...
Also, I haven’t seen either of the ’66 ones, so I’m guessing based on my perceptions of other movies and TV of the time overall
On May 11, 2010 at 9:57 am Sierra said...
I’m really sorry to see Holiday go. I agree with JulieB – Kate Hepburn and Cary Grant did a lot for romantic comedies. Especially since, even today, the best compliment a movie reviewer can give the male lead is that he evoked Cary Grant. I also miss Houseboat (I’m with Jenny on the house thing). I think I may have to make my own list to watch with friends here, too. Maybe add North to Alaska to mine, too.
On May 11, 2010 at 10:05 am JulieB said...
Yeah, I’ve never seen Houseboat and would like a reason to do so.
On May 11, 2010 at 10:11 am Sierra said...
Oh, Houseboat is wonderful. It’s what made me fall in love with Sophia Loren. I still catch myself humming a melody from it, and I haven’t watched my copy in months.
On May 11, 2010 at 12:14 pm Carol Anne said...
You must see Houseboat. It IS wonderful. I vote for anything Cary Grant. I hum the melody too. Cary Grant – sigh.
On May 11, 2010 at 10:36 am Jill said...
Current list is perfect! Perfect I say, don’t change a thing! B/c clearly, it’s all about me
On May 11, 2010 at 11:16 am Lora said...
I would bump 66′s How to Steal a Million (more silly than actually romantic) and replace it with Audrey in a truly romantic and funny Roman Holiday from 1953. The relationship with Gregory Peck is soooo romantic in that one…much more swoonworthy.
On May 11, 2010 at 2:43 pm Jenny said...
But is Roman Holiday funny? (I know, I know, blasphemy, but I’ve never seen it.)
How to Steal a Million stays. One of the best romcoms ever.
On May 11, 2010 at 3:37 pm J said...
I think most of the humor in Roman Holiday is the fist out of water sort, where Audrey is exploring a world completely unlike anything she’s seen before. I love the movie with all my heart, but I don’t think the humor is about her relationship with Gregory Peck, but her relationship with the world. So, very funny, and very, very good, but I’m not sure if it fits here.
On May 11, 2010 at 4:57 pm Polly said...
Yeah, I don’t actually think of Roman Holiday as a romantic comedy either. There’s not really any banter (that I remember).
On May 11, 2010 at 10:25 pm Tracey said...
Yes to How to Steal A Million as funny (plus, incredible fashion, although I could do without Peter O”Toole’s exceptionally effinate trot to the plane at the end, it’s beyond camp). Roman Holiday is an incredible film, but the girl chooses duty over the guy, who understands, but still. I cry at the end, always.
On May 12, 2010 at 10:15 am Lora said...
Yes, it’s funny. Example: I have never been alone with a man, even with my dress on. with my dress off it is MOST unusual.
Yes, it’s killer romantic. I defy anyone to beat that line when Audrey says she knows how to keep a house and cook but never had anyone to do those things for and Gregory Peck (as loutish charmer Joe Bradley) just transforms, softens and says, “Then I’m gonna have to move. And get a place with a kitchen”. *melt*
Watch it. Just cuz it doesn’t have a happy ending doesn’t diminish the romance. See: P.S. I Love You if you don’t believe me
On May 11, 2010 at 11:59 am Bethany said...
This post is making me think that I may need to finally get a Netflicks subscription–just to watch these. I loved Bringing Up Baby and His Girl Friday but, despite watching both High Society and Philadelphia Story…I just…don’t like the endings. I love Hepburn (I think that’s who it was) in the beginning and how she’s pushy and strong and awesome. And I don’t like her whole “people are weak and it’s ok that you cheated because I almost did so while drunk” but then I have a thing about cheating. Everyone thinks I’m insane not to love those two.
I did absolutely adore Roman Holiday.
On May 11, 2010 at 12:59 pm Jane said...
Always late to every party – but I just have to make a late pitch for “Libeled Lady” 1936. It has many of my favorites including William Powell and Myrna Loy. Since their wonderful Thin Man movies don’t fit the topic being more mystery than romance I’d vote for this movie over Ninotchka. Also – Jean Harlow and a youngish Spencer Tracy – lots of fun.
On May 11, 2010 at 2:20 pm Ariel said...
I really love your list(s)! I feel bad that I haven’t seen most of these movies
I love love love Father Goose … I’m just over 20 and all of these are obscure films in my realm. That’s really sad, I know.
I noticed that there wasn’t any criteria about music- like that musicals weren’t expressly forbidden. Again, sadly, half of my suggestions are from the 60s. I can’t recommend any films be removed- considering I’ve only seen maybe two or three of them. But, here are my musical RomComs (though they are primarily musicals):
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Judy Garland and ? (some funny moments, but catchy songs)
Anna and the King of Siam (1946)
? and Rex Harrison (as I understand it, this was not billed as a musical, but had it’s moments)
The King and I (1956)
? and Yul Brynner(spelling?) – several funny moments, but I suppose certain sense of humors could argue either way.
My Fair Lady (1964)
Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison (loads of funny moments, maybe enough for it to be a RomCom with music)
Sound of Music (1965)
Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer (mostly just funny moments, though)
After I tyoed these out the one I really want to push is My Fair Lady (1964), because it had many many funny moments, even though you want to slap Henry Huggns for being so self-absorded and high-handed, it makes the interactions with Eliza funny, too.
-A
On May 11, 2010 at 2:22 pm Ariel said...
Meant to say Henry Higgins not Huggns
On May 11, 2010 at 2:52 pm Jenny said...
I have no problem with musicals (actually, I love musicals) but the emphasis usually isn’t on the love story, it’s on the music. Otherwise Singing in the Rain would be on here. Maybe it should be anyway.
On May 12, 2010 at 10:15 am Lora said...
oooh gene kelly makes me swooooon
On May 11, 2010 at 3:26 pm Jenny said...
Okay, new categories up above thanks to Julie’s inspiration. If we dump one of the Tracy/Hepburns, that six for each era. How’s that work for you?
On May 11, 2010 at 4:24 pm Jenny said...
I added Roman Holiday.
Now, what are we dropping?
And by the way, I’m a huge hypocrite because Avanti it about adultery, too, and I have no squick at all. So ignore me.
On May 12, 2010 at 12:45 am JulieB said...
That’s OK.
On May 11, 2010 at 6:18 pm Concord cherry said...
Okay, what does it say about me that I’ve seen every one of these movies but one? Can I add “Some Like It Hot” with Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, and Marilyn Monroe? And before you all tell me that it isn’t a romance, but a comedy, how can you not love the ending? Tony ends up with Marilyn, and Jack… well he’s ahead of his time…
On May 11, 2010 at 6:43 pm Concord cherry said...
Well, looking at your requirements, Some Like It Hot is 99% farce. Darn…
On May 11, 2010 at 9:46 pm Stephanie said...
I just about sucked all the oxygen out of the room when I saw Adam’s Rib was marked off, but no that i’ve calmly read through the comments I think I’m okay. As long as Desk Set stays. I could watch that every day and laugh till my head fell off. So, “Farewell, Amanda. Adios, Adio, Adieu”
And, thank you for removing Annie Hall. Even if it was just to help make the decades even up. I don’t get it. I never have. I don’t think he’s funny.I don’t even think she’s particularly good either and at the end I just go ‘huh?’. DH loves this movie. ugh!
On May 11, 2010 at 10:27 pm Kelly S said...
This list no longer contains any movies I’ve seen, so possibly a great start to a netflix account.
It also means that as far as I’m concerned, looks fine. Over to the 80′s where I have seen most of the movies…
On May 11, 2010 at 10:34 pm Tracey said...
I am not an Annie Hall fan either. Except for the dinner scene. I would vote for “I’d rather be rich,” from 1966 (Robert Goulet, Sandra Dee, Maurice Chevalier) and “Never on Sunday,” 1960. Although that’s probably not a comedy, but it’s pretty romantic.
On May 11, 2010 at 11:07 pm JulieB said...
Damn, I’m good! I like it, with the caveat that everyone who watches Adam’s Rib gets extra credit.
On May 12, 2010 at 9:48 am Donna said...
Has anybody mentioned Indiscreet? 1958 – Cary Grant (again!) and Ingrid Bergman. “How dare he make love to me – And not be a married man!”
And is it “The Desk Set” or just “Desk Set” – putting “The” in there is driving me nuts!.
On May 12, 2010 at 11:51 am Jenny said...
Fixed it.
Indiscreet was mentioned a couple of times. What would you take off the list to put it on?
On May 14, 2010 at 10:24 am Donna said...
I wouldn’t include Father Goose on the list. I love Father Goose, have a VCR copy of it, but I think it’s less about the romance than about his relationship with the kids, the romance almost seems tacked on – at least to me.
On May 12, 2010 at 7:40 pm Shoshana said...
Is it too late to suggest anything?
So far no one’s mentioned ‘A Damsel in Distress’ -1937 (that I’ve seen)
Funny, romantic, and frankly I liked it better than the book, although it was a close call.
(but then, I’m biased because I don’t know all the movies on the first list… time to visit the library!)
On May 12, 2010 at 8:51 pm Shoshana said...
I take this back. I was hoping we’d end up with a fair number of movies I know, since no tv + intermittent internet = easier time getting more out of the podcasts (assuming you do this) that way, but! This is just too interesting, and using the library equipment to see everything won’t take THAT long.
On May 12, 2010 at 8:45 pm Molly said...
Got sucked into this conversation via the Facebook mention. This is fun. All I can say is thank goodness the Elaine May/Walter Matthau movie is on there. Great, great movie. Bringing up Baby, though, really? I have tried to love it, honestly, because it has two of my favorite leads but My Man Godfrey made me laugh more. B U B felt so stilted, like they were just trying too hard. All formula, no substance. I’m probably an outlier, but it wouldn’t be my top six for that era. Has anyone seen Sullivan’s Travels with Veronica Lake and Sterling Hayden? It’s hilarious, though perhaps more about Sterling Hayden having his eyes opened than just the h/h romance.
On May 12, 2010 at 11:23 pm JulieB said...
Hi Molly. I don’t recall a suggestion for Sullivan’s Travells but it is one of my uncle’s favorites. However, the way he described it is as you suggested, more about Sterling Hayden’s character’s awakening.
On May 13, 2010 at 12:29 am julia said...
A couple of additions — The Shop Around the Corner (1930a) old Jimmy St ewart flm based on a previous Austrian film. You Got Mail is somewhat based on it, but the original (or original remake) is so, so much better. Sabrina (1950s). If you have Sabrina the remake in the 90s list for contention, you better have the original in the 50s. So, so elegant and funny. Barefoot in the Park (1970s) fit the criteria, although its not my favorite Simon movie. Finally, Year of the Comet (1980s) has crackling wit and great chemistry. Check it out.
On May 13, 2010 at 7:31 am Sure Thing said...
1965 – The Great Race. Tony Curtis adn Jack Lemmon. Maybe more Com than Rom but I loved it.