“Misbehaving Husbands” is a classic comedy film released in 1940, directed by William Beaudine and produced by Producers Releasing Corporation (PRC). The film tells the story of two friends, George and Bill, who are both tired of their nagging wives and decide to take a vacation in Reno, Nevada to get a quick divorce.

However, their plan is complicated by a number of mishaps and misunderstandings, as they both end up falling for a beautiful singer named Rosita. In the end, they realize that their wives are not so bad after all and decide to reconcile with them.

The film features a talented cast, including Harry Langdon as George, Joe Sawyer as Bill, and Betty Blythe as George’s wife. It also includes several comedic set pieces, such as the two men disguising themselves as women to avoid being recognized by their wives, and a hilarious scene in which they accidentally set fire to their hotel room.

Overall, “Misbehaving Husbands” is a lighthearted and entertaining comedy that explores the timeless themes of love, marriage, and the importance of communication and understanding in relationships.

Directors:
William Beaudine

Writer:
Cea Sabin, Vernon Smith, Claire Parrish

Stars:
Harry Langdon, Betty Blythe, Esther Muir

“Sin Takes a Holiday” is a 1930 romantic comedy film directed by Paul L. Stein and starring Constance Bennett, Kenneth MacKenna, and Basil Rathbone. The movie is based on the play of the same name by Vincent Lawrence.

The film follows the story of Sylvia Brenner (Constance Bennett), a young and beautiful secretary who works for a wealthy businessman named Gaylord Stanton (Kenneth MacKenna). Sylvia is hopelessly in love with her boss, but he is too preoccupied with his work to notice her. In an attempt to get his attention, Sylvia quits her job and goes on a vacation to the French Riviera, where she poses as a wealthy socialite.

There, she meets the dashing and charming Philip Chester (Basil Rathbone), and the two quickly fall in love. Sylvia is torn between her feelings for Philip and her loyalty to Gaylord, who has followed her to France to try and win her back.

As Sylvia tries to navigate her complicated love life, she finds herself in increasingly awkward and humorous situations. Eventually, she must choose between the two men and decide where her heart truly lies.

The film was a critical and commercial success, and helped to cement Constance Bennett’s reputation as a leading lady of the silver screen. It is notable for its witty dialogue, stylish costumes, and charming performances, and remains a classic of the romantic comedy genre.

Directors:
Paul L. Stein

Writer:
Horace Jackson, Robert Milton, Dorothy Cairns

Stars:
Constance Bennett, Kenneth MacKenna, Basil Rathbone

“Mr. Boggs Steps Out” is a comedy film released in 1938 and directed by Gordon Wiles. The film stars Stuart Erwin, Una Merkel, and Shirley Deane.

The story follows Henry “Hank” Boggs (Stuart Erwin), a timid and unassuming accountant who has never taken a risk in his life. However, when he meets the vivacious young woman Kathleen Connors (Shirley Deane), he is inspired to step out of his comfort zone and embrace new experiences.

With Kathleen’s encouragement, Hank begins to take risks and try new things, including taking up boxing and even competing in a dance contest. Along the way, he also discovers his talent as a songwriter and collaborates with Kathleen on a successful musical production.

However, Hank’s newfound confidence is put to the test when he is falsely accused of embezzlement by his boss. With Kathleen’s help, Hank clears his name and proves his innocence, ultimately winning the respect of his colleagues and the heart of Kathleen.

In the end, Hank and Kathleen celebrate their success and look forward to a bright future together, with Hank no longer afraid to take risks and pursue his dreams.

Overall, “Mr. Boggs Steps Out” is a charming and uplifting comedy that encourages viewers to embrace new experiences and take risks in life. The film features strong performances by its leading actors and a heartwarming message of love and perseverance.

Directors:
Gordon Wiles

Writer:
Clarence Budington Kelland, Richard English

Stars:
Stuart Erwin, Helen Chandler, Toby Wing

“Fit for a King” is a comedy film released in 1937 and directed by Edward Sedgwick. The film stars Joe E. Brown, Helen Mack, and Paul Kelly.

The story follows Eddie Williams (Joe E. Brown), a hapless and unemployed man who dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. Eddie’s luck changes when he meets Marjorie (Helen Mack), a wealthy heiress who takes a liking to him and offers to sponsor his wrestling career.

Eddie eagerly accepts the offer and begins training for his first match. However, he soon discovers that Marjorie’s father, a prominent businessman named J.P. Trayner (Paul Kelly), disapproves of their relationship and will do anything to break them apart.

Despite the obstacles in their way, Eddie and Marjorie continue to pursue their love for each other and Eddie’s wrestling career. Along the way, Eddie uses his wit and charm to outsmart Trayner and his associates, and ultimately wins their respect.

In the end, Eddie triumphs in his first wrestling match and wins the heart of Marjorie. The film ends with Eddie and Marjorie happily united and looking forward to a bright future together.

Overall, “Fit for a King” is a lighthearted comedy that showcases the comedic talent of Joe E. Brown. The film features witty dialogue, charming performances, and an entertaining story of love and perseverance.

Directors:
Edward Sedgwick

Writer:
Richard Flournoy

Stars:
Joe E. Brown, Helen Mack, Paul Kelly

“My Dear Secretary” is a romantic comedy film released in 1949 and directed by Charles Martin. The film stars Laraine Day, Kirk Douglas, and Keenan Wynn.

The story follows successful novelist Owen Waterbury (Kirk Douglas), who hires aspiring writer Stephanie ‘Steve’ Gaylord (Laraine Day) as his secretary. Owen is a notorious ladies’ man and uses his charm to win over women, including his own secretary. Despite her initial reluctance, Steve soon falls for Owen’s charm and the two begin a romantic relationship.

However, their relationship becomes complicated when Owen’s ex-girlfriend (Irene Ryan) re-enters his life, and he struggles to choose between the two women. Meanwhile, Steve’s friend and fellow writer, Dick (Keenan Wynn), tries to convince her that Owen is only using her for his own personal gain.

As tensions rise, Owen must confront his true feelings for both women and decide who he wants to be with. In the end, he chooses Steve, and the two confess their love for each other.

Overall, “My Dear Secretary” is a lighthearted romantic comedy that explores the complexities of love and relationships. The film showcases the comedic talent of Kirk Douglas and Laraine Day and features witty dialogue and charming performances.

Directors:
Charles Martin

Writer:
Charles Martin

Stars:
Laraine Day, Kirk Douglas, Keenan Wynn

“Father’s Little Dividend” is a comedy film released in 1951 and directed by Vincente Minnelli. It is a sequel to the popular film “Father of the Bride” (1950) and stars Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett, and Elizabeth Taylor.

The story follows Stanley Banks (Spencer Tracy), a father who is now a grandfather. His daughter Kay (Elizabeth Taylor) is pregnant and engaged to Buckley Dunstan (Don Taylor). Stanley is not thrilled about the prospect of becoming a grandfather and worries about the cost of raising a child. He is also concerned about losing his daughter to Buckley and the Dunstan family.

When Kay and Buckley return from their honeymoon, they bring a surprise announcement – they have bought a house and want to move in with the Banks family until they can afford to move into their own place. Stanley is hesitant at first, but ultimately agrees to let them stay.

As the days go by, Stanley becomes more and more frustrated with the constant noise and chaos of having a new baby in the house. He also clashes with Buckley’s father (Moroni Olsen) over their differing parenting styles. Eventually, Stanley has had enough and decides to move out of the house to escape the chaos.

However, after a heart-to-heart with his wife Ellie (Joan Bennett), Stanley realizes how much he loves his family and decides to return home. The film ends with Stanley and Ellie watching their granddaughter take her first steps, surrounded by their family.

Overall, “Father’s Little Dividend” is a heartwarming comedy that explores the challenges of family life and the joys of parenthood and grandparenthood.

Directors:
Vincente Minnelli

Writer:
Albert Hackett, Frances Goodrich, Edward Streeter

Stars:
Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett, Elizabeth Taylor

“Lady Behave” is a 1937 romantic comedy film directed by Lloyd Corrigan and starring Sally Eilers, Neil Hamilton, and Joseph Calleia. The story revolves around a young woman named Susan Lane (Sally Eilers), who is tired of being an obedient daughter and decides to break free from her controlling father’s grip.

Susan decides to move out and live on her own in a cheap hotel in New York City. There, she meets a struggling artist named Tony (Neil Hamilton), who is also her neighbor in the hotel. The two quickly develop feelings for each other, but Susan’s father disapproves of Tony and tries to intervene.

In the meantime, Susan’s father hires a private detective named Sheehan (Joseph Calleia) to spy on his daughter and bring her back home. However, Sheehan also develops feelings for Susan and starts to sympathize with her situation.

As the story progresses, Tony’s art career takes off, and he becomes successful, which impresses Susan’s father. In the end, Susan and Tony reconcile with her father’s approval, and Sheehan finds love with another woman.

“Lady Behave” is a lighthearted and entertaining film that showcases the themes of independence, romance, and family values in a comedic way.

Directors:
Lloyd Corrigan

Writer:
Joseph Krumgold, Olive Cooper

Stars:
Sally Eilers, Neil Hamilton, Joseph Schildkraut

“The Taming of the Shrew” is a 1929 American pre-code romantic comedy film directed by Sam Taylor and starring Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. The movie is an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play of the same name.

The film follows the story of a wealthy merchant named Baptista who has two daughters, Bianca and Katherine. While Bianca is sweet and popular, Katherine is known for her sharp tongue and stubbornness, earning her the nickname “the shrew.” Baptista has declared that Bianca cannot marry until Katherine is wed, and so several suitors attempt to win her over, to no avail.

Meanwhile, Petruchio, a young man from Verona, arrives in town looking for a wealthy wife. Hearing about Katherine’s wealth, he sets his sights on her and sets out to tame her. He engages in a battle of wills with Katherine, employing various strategies to break her spirit and make her more submissive.

Despite initial resistance, Katherine eventually begins to soften towards Petruchio, and the two eventually marry. At their wedding, Katherine delivers a speech about the duties of a wife, revealing that she has truly been tamed.

The film was praised for its performances by Pickford and Fairbanks, as well as for its lively and colorful set designs. However, it has also been criticized for its portrayal of Katherine as a shrew who needs to be “tamed” by a man. Nonetheless, “The Taming of the Shrew” remains a popular and influential film adaptation of Shakespeare’s play.

Directors:
Sam Taylor

Writer:
William Shakespeare, Sam Taylor

Stars:
Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Edwin Maxwell

“Indiscreet” is a romantic comedy film released in 1931, directed by Leo McCarey and starring Gloria Swanson and Ben Lyon. The film tells the story of a famous actress named Geraldine “Gerry” Trent (Swanson) who falls in love with a charming, but married, businessman named Tony Blake (Lyon).

Gerry and Tony meet on a train and immediately hit it off. Despite being aware that Tony is married, Gerry cannot resist his charms and the two begin an affair. However, their relationship becomes complicated when Tony’s wife finds out and threatens to sue for divorce, which would ruin his career.

The film was well-received by critics and audiences, with many praising Swanson’s performance as the witty and glamorous Gerry. It was also notable for its sophisticated dialogue and depiction of a more liberated view of relationships than was typical for the time period.

“Indiscreet” was remade in 1958, with Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant in the lead roles, and directed by Stanley Donen.

Directors:
Leo McCarey

Writer:
Buddy G. DeSylva, Lew Brown, Ray Henderson

Stars:
Gloria Swanson, Ben Lyon, Monroe Owsley