Top 10 Comedy Movies of the 1940s

It’s no accident that Cary Grant is going to show up a lot on this list; in the ‘40s, he was at the forefront of romance and comedy. In this movie, Grant as Nick Arden is about to remarry after his first wife disappeared and has been presumed dead in a shipwreck. Things go awry when the supposedly late Ellen returns and attempts to win him back. With Grant and Irene Dunne bringing the romance and the laughter in equal measure, “My Favorite Wife” also earned 3 Academy Award nominations.

This George Cukor-directed romantic comedy sees two lawyers, who also happen to be husband and wife, on opposite sides of the same case. As it involves a woman who is accused of shooting at her husband, it’s hard for them to take sides on who the real victim is. So what ensues is an entertaining attempt at figuring out how to balance their professional lives with their love lives. “Adam’s Rib” doesn’t only deliver the laughs but it’s got a strong message about women’s rights.

In this Frank Capra film, drama critic Mortimer Brewster gets a rude awakening when he realizes his aunts are psychopathic serial killers. To make matters worse, Mortimer is soon to be betrothed to his beloved Elaine. Cary Grant injects all his charm and grace into his role as the hapless Mortimer and tries his best to reason with his beloved aunts. Things don’t quite go his way when he’s told that insanity is genetic. In short, “Arsenic and Old Lace” is dark, fun and oh-so-good.

In the 1940s, making people laugh was key – especially with war looming in the background. John L. Sullivan wants to do just that. But before he can direct something with real heart, he needs to experience trials and tribulations first hand. This Preston Sturges movie sees the title character disconnecting himself from everything he owns and knows and setting off on his travels, all while encountering quite a few laughs in the process.

Cary Grant is at it again in this movie about a newspaper editor who attempts to keep his ex-wife from getting married. He’s no good as a husband and knows it, but he’ll be damned if he lets his ace reporter get away. Opposite Grant is Rosalind Russell, who keeps up with him in every way – and the way in which the two fast-talking reporters berate one another couldn’t be more entertaining.

At the height of World War II, Adolf Hitler was a prime target for cinematic ridicule worldwide (and still is). The result was usually a satisfying send-up and this film is no exception. An acting troupe sets out to test their skills by impersonating German officers in order to escape Nazi-occupied Poland. “To Be or Not to Be” is especially fun during the scenes where the actors attempt to accurately depict their tormentors. With elements of slapstick, satire and more, the comedy is now considered one of the best works by actors Carole Lombard and Jack Benny as well as director Ernst Lubitsch.

In this screwball comedy, a world-weary socialite and a sass-talking con artist meet and fall for each other on a cruise – but things don’t go quite as planned. Barbara Stanwyck’s Jean is a sharp, quick-witted no non-sense kind of girl who plays it straight. One notable scene sees Jean unable to keep her eyes off Charles and feeling the need to narrate his every move. Meanwhile, her chemistry with Henry Fonda’s straight-laced performance gives the two perfect comedic timing.

An early flick in the horror comedy genre, “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” pits the eponymous dynamic comedic duo against Hollywood’s most formidable movie monsters. Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster and the Wolf Man team up to terrorize two unsuspecting deliverymen tasked with delivering the Count’s coffin. Abbott and Costello are joined by such acting greats as Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney, Jr. to deliver the laughs and the scares. Just check out this scene in which Dracula messes with Costello’s Wilbur.

In his previous silent films, Charlie Chaplin established himself as a hilarious slapstick comedian with a heart. In his first true talking endeavor, Chaplin manages to keep the comedy in but also extends a stirring message about the looming war and the dangers of dictatorship and Fascism. Take Adenoid Hynkel’s famous dance with the globe-balloon, which is as suggestive as it is funny. “The Great Dictator” has a lot of great moments, both touching and comical, and they are what make this a must- watch classic.

Before we unveil our pick for Comedy of the 1940s, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “Inspector Hornleigh Goes To It” (1941)
- “The Bank Dick” (1940)
- “The Shop Around the Corner” (1940)
- “The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek” (1944)

Tracy Lord and C.K. Dexter were a couple once in love and now divorced. But with Tracy set to remarry, her former husband wants a second shot. With Katharine Hepburn as the rich socialite and Cary Grant as the alcohol-abusing ex, ”The Philadelphia Story” is the perfect showcase of the actors’ dry and quick-witted performances. Mix in James Stewart and you’ve got a romantic comedy that allows the 3 cinematic legends to stretch their comedic muscles and boast 2 Oscar trophies to its name.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite 1940s comedy? For more hilarious Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.