Well known for her previous comedic hits in the 1940’s, Betty Grable starred in the musical film "Meet Me After the Show" in 1951. Betty Grable plays Delilah Lee who is the star of her husband Jeff Ames', Broadway show, and eventually begins to suspect he has been exchanging more than contracts with a particular show baker. After walking out on her husband, comedy and music is used throughout the film in the events of Delilah trying to get him back. Betty Grable was signed on for "Meet Me After the Show" at age 35, with the intentions of it possibly being the last of her career, however, she continued to act in a few other projects afterwards.
A highly favored 1950’s comedic actress known for unruly woman behavior, Lucille Ball starred in the CBS sitcom hit, "I Love Lucy", that aired from 1951-1957. The show primarily revolves around the life of a married couple Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, and their chaotic day-to-day obstacles. While Ricky rather his wife remain a regular housewife, Lucy is consistent in trying to make her way in to becoming a star at the Tropicana Ricky works at. Fun fact: The sitcom was strict on shooting the episodes live. Director William Asher said “We didn't stop for anything. We played it like a Broadway show. If an actor made a mistake or forgot a line or something like that, it was up to the other actor to get him out of it." "I Love Lucy" consisted of eight wins that included Primetime Emmys, along with twenty-five other nominations.
Eve Arden, a female comedian featured in many films, was best known as the ‘sardonic but likable’ English teacher in the radio and television series "Our Miss Brooks", which aired from 1948-1956. The show was a comedy about the interactions between Miss Brooks, her work peers, and students. The humor ultimately came from the clashing personalities of all the characters such as the ones of Miss Brooks and Mr. Conklin, the principal. “Eve Arden's timing and delivery made her one of the best radio and television comedians, and she's fondly remembered by her many fans.” There was such a high number of teachers across the country that related to "Our Miss Brooks", that Arden received thousands of letters from teachers expressing their personal relating experiences. Arden was even offered teaching jobs, which she turned down, however, did sometimes speak at PTA meetings. The show consisted of a Primetime Emmy win, and six other nominations.
“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”, a film based on a 1949 musical from the 1925 novel by Anita Loos, stars comedic female actresses Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell. Monroe and Russell play showgirls Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw who travel to Paris, pursued by a private detective hired by the suspicious father of Lorelei's fiancé, as well as a rich, enamored old man. They enjoy the company of charming wealthy men they meet along the way. Being one of Howard Hawks’ (the director) biggest hits, he gives credit to the excellent onscreen chemistry Monroe and Russell had while making the film. Russell's relaxed sensuality and lack of star ego providing a balance to Monroe's ditzy, wide-eyed sex appeal, gave the film its charming touch.
“How to Marry a Millionaire”, which is famous for being the first feature film ever shot in the twentieth century by Fox’s widescreen process CinemaScope, starred three big comedic female actresses, Lauren Bacall, Marilyn Monroe, and Betty Grable. In the film, they played the part of three attractive models with desires of hatching up rich husbands in New York City. Dependent on the thought of finding sugar daddies to provide for their means, the trio cannot help but fall for average, ordinary men throughout their mission. Betty Grable’s acting career was finally fading in the 1950’s, so this film was her chance to go out on top with a major role in a hit movie with her head high. Lauren Bacall was a well-established actress when she made “How to Marry a Millionaire”, but had not made a film in three years nor had ever been in a comedy, so the film’s success was significant to her. The huge success of the film helped catapult Marilyn Monroe, who was already famous, into the stratosphere as she achieved a star-like power that helped turn her into a genuine cultural phenomenon.
“Roman Holiday” featuring the iconic female star, Audrey Hepburn, is a film that falls more toward the romantic end of screen comedy. Hepburn plays a European princess, Ann, that ventures out one night while touring in Rome. She falls asleep on a park bench during the night when a sedative she took from her doctor kicks in and is found by an American reporter, Joe Bradley who respectfully takes her to his apartment for her safety. Once discovering Ann’s regal identity, Joe bets his editor that he can get an exclusive interview with her. Comedy makes its way into the film throughout Joe’s journey of creating close ties with the princess, which eventually leads to romance as well. Audrey Hepburn is well-known for her appearances in films similar to “Roman Holiday” that engage in a romantic comedy feel. “Roman Holiday” introduced the world to Audrey Hepburn, and the phenomena she has become today. The film won Oscars for its story, its costumes, and for Hepburn’s outstanding performance.
Filmed when “I Love Lucy” was at its peak, “The Long, Long Trailer” pairs the comedic duo, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, as Tacy and Nicky Collini, a newly married couple who decide to make their home an incredibly long trailer. With Nicky’s new job in Colorado, they plan to see the sights as they travel there in their in their proudly owned portable home. Comedy rolls in from several disastrous adventures the couple has while traveling including, Tacy's awkward attempt to cook dinner in a moving trailer, and a cliffhanging ride through the mountains that nearly destroys their marriage. Lucille Ball expresses her same unruly mannerisms that create such a unique style of comedy, in film “The Long, Long Trailer” as she does in “I Love Lucy”. Critics even said “Tacy and Nicky were just a Lucy and Ricky on wheels.”
“Sabrina”, based on Samuel Taylor's Broadway hit, Sabrina Fair, was intended to be the follow-up to “Roman Holiday”, Audrey Hepburn’s first American film that made a worldwide sensation. “Sabrina” is primarily seen an ‘enchanting fairy tale’ about a chauffeur's daughter in love with the younger son of the master of the estate. Sabrina goes to Paris and comes back a polished princess, but her fairy tale has some romantic complications on its way to an unexpected, but happy ending. However, the complications during the creation of this romantic fantasy were sometimes more nightmare than fairy tale. There were many conflicts and personal drama within relationships of the cast and crew during the making of this film, however, none of the difficulties during the production showed in the finished product. The New York Times called “Sabrina” the “most delightful comedy-romance in years." The film was a worldwide hit, and retains its freshness, wit and elegance after more than 50 years.
Based on a play by George Axelrod, “The Seven Year Itch” is shares the same implied story of the nerdy, married man Richard Sherman who, during one summer away from his wife and kid, is tempted to cheat on his wife when he meets ‘the girl’ who is played by actress, Marilyn Monroe. “Despite being stymied by strict morality guidelines set forth by The Motion Picture Production Code, “The Seven Year Itch” is best known for the iconic scene in which Marilyn Monroe's dress blows above her knees while she's standing over a subway grate.” “The Seven Year Itch” won a Golden Globe and had three other nominations.
“Life with Elizabeth” was a sitcom which aired from 1953 to 1955 and starred one of the oldest living comedic females today, Betty White. The show centers on Elizabeth and Alvin, a married couple who live an ordinary suburban life, but inevitably managed to get into predicaments which make the show the comedy it is. The most unusual feature of “Life with Elizabeth” is that it was divided into three 8 to 10 minute comic shorts referred to as "incidents". Sometimes an entire incident might just consist of the two main characters talking to each other. Also unusual was the minimal theme music, which was played by a solo harpist who was partially visible on the opening title screen. “Life with Elizabeth” compares favorably with other 1950s sitcoms such as “I Love Lucy” and “My Little Margie”. The once popular show was largely forgotten until VHS and later DVD releases became available after it entered the public domain. Since then, it has gained a small cult following and is currently shown on America One.
