Tag: W C Fields

Hollywood Comedy Movies: From Charlie Chaplin To Jim Carrie

Victor Epand asked:

Comedy movie started long back in the 1900. The first movie to be produced was by Thomas Edison’s kinetoscope of his assistant Fred Ott in Record of a Sneeze. This could also be considered the first to show comedy aspect of the movie.

Comedy films began to appear more during the era of silent films, prior to the 1930s. These comedy movies were originally based on visual humor. The prominent figure that we all know as Charlie Chaplin was one of the famous clown-style actors of the silent era. It was through Charlie Chaplin that the Hollywood comedy movies became famous and soon came the Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd.

Then in the 1920s came another trend of animated cartoons. They were the most popular Hollywood comedy movies of the time. The several popular characters of that era were Felix the cat, Krazy Kat and Betty Boop. However, the popularity of these movies was hindered due to lack of sound and color.

The end of 1920s, the Hollywood comedy industry marked a change brought about by the introduction of sound into the movies. This has allowed the industry to create dramatic new film styles and use verbal humor. These films were soon replacing silent movies. These films used dialogue of comedians such as the W.C Fields and the Marx Brothers. Charlie Chaplin was the last comedian to have acted in the silent films, and his films during 1930s were devoid of dialogue, although they did employ sound effects.

When the United States entered into World War II, Hollywood movies changed its course to themes related to the conflicts and Hollywood comedy movies portrayed more on military themes. The war era experienced a boom, where restrictions on the traveling made nearly a quarter of the money spent was on attending movies.

In the 1950s, the interest shifted where the TV became the focus of adult social situations on family oriented comedies. During this time the release of Hollywood comedy films declined. The 1960s saw an increasing number of broad, star-packed comedies. In 1970 Hollywood comedy movies reflected the anti-war sentiment, which was prevailing then. Amongst the leading figure of this time were Woody Allen and Mel Brooks. They wrote, directed and appeared in their hilariously funny and witty movies.

In the 1980s the *** based comedy Airplane, a spoof of the previous decade disaster film series was released and Hollywood comedy movies paved its way for more of the same including Top Secret and the ***** Gun film. The popular comedian of this time included Dudley Moore, Tom Hanks, Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd. Jim Carrey, the Canadian actor and a comedian came into Hollywood comedy movies in the late 1980s where he won the role in Damian Lee Canadian skiing comedy, Copper Mountain.

The most popular Hollywood comedy movies were of John Hughes, which includes Ferris Buellers Day Off and Home Alone series of 1990s. The later films focused more to family audience, this was a revival in comedy movies. The spoof comedy movies remain popular till date.

Another development in the Hollywood comedy movies was the use of gross-out humor, which is usually, aimed at younger audience in films like, There is Something about Mary, American Pie and many more. This trend of gross-out movies continued with adult oriented comedies picking up the box office till date.

The Evolution of Comedy

Lance Smith asked:

Comedy is weighed primarily on humor. Its comicality is what makes it distinct from all the other genres. Its focus is on individual stars and usually has a happy ending. It has lighthearted stories and the purpose is just to make the viewers laugh. Comedy is one of the oldest in the industry. It has been evolving since then to cope up with the new trends and not to bore their audience.

1895-1930 is the era of silent movies. They began coming into sight in substantial numbers during these years. Because this kind of comedy has no verbal communication, it relies on slapstick and burlesque, which involves parody and at times grotesque exaggeration. Charlie Chaplin is one of the most popular actors in the line of silent movies. In France, Max Linder holds the title.

In 1920’s, comedy in the form of animated cartoons became popular. The characters have been receiving “special cartoon treatment.” To name a few, there are Felix the Cat, Betty Boop and Krazy Kat.

The introduction of sounds in movies started the use of verbal humor. This took place in towards the end of 1920’s. At the start of 1930’s slapstick comedians were replaced by dialogue film comedians like W.C Fields and the Marx Borthers. Despite these changes, Charlie Chaplin remained in his position and was still a favorite during that time. He also made some changes like putting sound effects but still has no dialogue.

Screwball comedy was next in line. It encompassed pleasing and idealized climate that certain values and positive beliefs about everyday life of people were showed. Although physical comedy was still there, it is no longer a necessity because verbal interaction was prioritized and appreciated by the audience. Short subject films were also part of the trend during those times. It is when the Three Stooges was at its peak.

When the World War II started, military themes were such a hit in the industry. Comedy was focused on civil defense, service, boot-camp and shore leave. Because there are restrictions in traveling during the war, Hollywood was in boom time. But in the 1950’s, comedy was introduced in television. Family themed comedy became part of the industry because of this reason. Towards the end of 1950’s, darker humor began to rise, which includes satire and social commentary.

In the 1960’s, star-packed comedies were released. This is also when Peter Sellers tried his luck on international audience and had a favorable outcome.

1970’s was when slapstick comedy came back through Mel Brooks. His films include Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles. But still, verbal use prevailed. This is the start of the career of Steve Martin and others notable comedians.

Gag-based comedy films and disaster-themed series were well known trends in the 1980’s. During this time, American TV series were favored.

In the early 1990’s, the family-themed movies cam back to the limelight. Sequels were even made out of its success. Romantic comedy films were admired.

Stoner comedies were such a knockout. The story usually involves the adventure of two guys. Gross out movies were also patronized by younger audience.

Comedy in television will always stay but it will continuously evolve to adapt to the traditional and pop culture, politics and even trends that represent the current era.