10 Hilarious 20th Century Comedies You Can’t Miss

Description: A spoiled heiress runs away from her father and falls for a reporter who's chasing her for a story. This screwball comedy is a blueprint for the romantic comedy genre, showcasing the chemistry between Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert.

Fact: It was the first film to win all five major Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay). Also, the scene where Gable removes his shirt to reveal he's not wearing an undershirt reportedly caused a significant drop in undershirt sales.

Description: A madcap comedy where a paleontologist's life is turned upside down by a woman and her pet leopard, leading to a series of hilarious misadventures. It's a perfect example of screwball comedy from the 1930s.

Fact: The film was a commercial failure upon release but has since been recognized as a classic. Cary Grant's character was originally written for a much younger actor, but Grant's performance made it iconic.

Description: A fast-talking newspaper editor tries to win back his ex-wife and star reporter by involving her in a big story. This film is known for its rapid-fire dialogue and is a prime example of screwball comedy.

Fact: The film was adapted from the play "The Front Page," but the gender of one of the main characters was changed from male to female, adding a new dynamic to the story. It's also famous for its record-breaking number of words spoken per minute.

Description: A socialite's wedding plans are complicated by the arrival of her ex-husband and a tabloid reporter. This film combines romance, comedy, and social commentary, making it a staple of 20th-century cinema.

Fact: Katharine Hepburn, who stars in the film, bought the rights to the play on which the movie is based to revive her career, which was at a low point at the time. The film also marked the beginning of her successful partnership with director George Cukor.

Description: This classic comedy follows two musicians who witness a mob hit and flee disguised as women in an all-female band. It's a timeless tale of mistaken identity, romance, and the lengths one will go to for survival and love.

Fact: The film was initially banned in Kansas because it was considered "too controversial" due to its cross-dressing theme. Also, Marilyn Monroe's performance was so captivating that she won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy.

Description: A story about a young insurance clerk who lends his apartment to his bosses for their extramarital affairs, only to fall in love with the elevator operator. It's a witty, poignant look at corporate culture, love, and morality in the early 1960s.

Fact: The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Billy Wilder, and Best Original Screenplay. It was also one of the first films to address the topic of infidelity in a comedic yet serious manner.

Description: Two divorced men, one a neat freak and the other a slob, move in together, leading to comedic chaos. This film explores the dynamics of friendship and the clash of personalities in a humorous way.

Fact: The film was adapted from Neil Simon's play of the same name, which was inspired by his own experiences living with his brother. It also spawned a successful TV series.

Description: A neurotic New York comedian falls in love with a quirky singer, leading to a relationship filled with humor, introspection, and cultural commentary. This film redefined the romantic comedy genre.

Fact: Woody Allen won the Academy Award for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and the film won Best Picture. It was also one of the first films to break the fourth wall extensively.

Description: An out-of-work actor dresses as a woman to land a role on a soap opera, leading to unexpected success and personal growth. It's a comedy about identity, gender roles, and the entertainment industry.

Fact: Dustin Hoffman's transformation into Dorothy Michaels was so convincing that he was nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars. The film also features a memorable scene where Hoffman's character explains why he chose to play a woman.

Description: A recent college graduate is seduced by an older woman, only to fall in love with her daughter, creating a comedic yet poignant coming-of-age story.

Fact: The film's iconic soundtrack by Simon & Garfunkel was not originally intended for the movie but became synonymous with it. Also, Dustin Hoffman's casting was initially met with resistance due to his unconventional looks for a leading man.