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Filmmaker John Landis has curated "Pretty Funny" a series of comedic movies running throuhgout the summer and sponsored by Sag Harbor Cinema.
Sag Harbor Cinema gets its summer programming underway this weekend with “Really Funny,” some of filmmaker John Landis’ favorite comedies.
Mr. Landis, director of “Animal House” and “An American Werewolf in London,” has selected 10 films that will be screened on various Sundays between June 9 and September 22 at Pierson High School Auditorium (200 Jermain Avenue, Sag Harbor).
Mr. Landis’ film selection spans decades, beginning with a 1933 film by Laurel and Hardy and ending with “Bridesmaids,” the 2011 film starring Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig.
“Comedy is the most unforgiving of genres. You either laugh or you don’t. Highbrow, lowbrow, witty words or just slapstick, if it makes you laugh then it’s successful,” said Mr. Landis in a statement. “These are some of the many motion pictures that make me laugh. And laughter is the best way to deal with so much of life.”
The schedule is below with comments by Mr. Landis:
June 9: “Sons of the Desert,” 1933. Directed by William A. Seiter. “Laurel and Hardy were sublime. Their interplay with one another was always a source a joy. This time the hilarity is increased as they play two married men hopelessly outmatched by their wives.”
June 23: “It’s a Gift,” 1934. Directed by Norman Z. McLeod. “W.C. Fields remains a unique comic persona. In this film he plays a put upon everyman who despite all odds realizes his dreams.”
June 30: “The Awful Truth,” 1937. Directed by Leo McCarey. One of the best (and funniest) films to tackle divorce. With Cary Grant and Irene Dunne in classic form.”
July 7: “His Girl Friday,” 1940. Directed by Howard Hawks. “The genius idea of changing the sex of one of the leads of ‘The Front Page,’ this peerless comedy features career high performances of Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell.”
July 21: “The Producers, 1967.” Directed by Mel Brooks. “Brooks’ marvelous screenplay perfectly cast. Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder reach comedic heights rarely matched.”
August 4: “A New Leaf,” 1971. Directed by Elaine May. “A charming, sweet and truly funny movie about love starring Elaine May and Walter Matthau.”
August 18: “Trading Places,” 1983. Directed by John Landis. “An update on Mark Twain’s ‘The Prince and the Pauper.’ Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche and Denholm Elliot take on Reagan’s America.”
September 8: “Soapdish,” 1991. Directed by Michael Hoffman. “A classic farce in the world of daytime soap operas with a great cast and hysterical observations of the actors played by Sally Field and Kevin Kline.”
September 15: “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan,” 2006. Directed by Larry Charles. “A comedy where the lead actor (Sasha Baron Cohen) literally puts himself in danger for laughs and political commentary.”
September 22: “Bridesmaids,” 2011. Directed by Paul Feig. “A broad comedy about women, written by women and starring women. Great slapstick!”
All “Really Funny” screenings will start at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door or sagharborcinema.org
on May 20, 2019