Laughing Through Hard Times: Screwball Comedies of the Great Depression

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During the Great Depression, half of Americans went to the movies every week. One genre stood out—screwball comedies. These quick-witted films, filled with unexpected twists and outlandish situations, offered audiences relief from daily challenges and continue to resonate today.

Join AARP New York for a free 90-minute online session, Screwball Comedies of the Great Depression: An Introduction, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.

Film historian Rena Tobey will guide participants through this fascinating era in Hollywood history.

• Explore the rise of screwball comedies in the 1930s.
• Learn how films like The Awful Truth, Bringing Up Baby, It Happened One Night, and The Philadelphia Story shaped careers and captivated audiences.
• Hear about the cultural themes woven into these stories—from class dynamics to escapism through fashion and luxury.
• Discover behind-the-scenes insights, including how films were made, received by critics, and remembered today.

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These films launched or expanded the careers of Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, Clark Gable, Barbara Stanwyck, Henry Fonda, Claudette Colbert, Gary Cooper, and Irene Dunne. Each brought unique energy and comedic skill to the screen, helping define a genre that still entertains.

This interactive session encourages lively discussion. Participants will have the opportunity to comment, ask questions, and share memories.

You do not need to be an AARP member to register, but an AARP.org account is required to participate.

Reserve your spot at: events.aarp.org/event/ScrewballComedies/summary

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