Program Details

  1. Home
  2. Program Details

Great Comedy is Serious Stuff: Eight Truly Fun Films

Instructor
Kurt F. Stone
S484
Video Catch-up
Available

Course Description

According to Hollywood myth, a few moments before John Barrymore died, his brother Lionel asked him, "Jack: is dying difficult?" Brother John's response? "Dying is easy, Lionel; it's comedy that's difficult." Although the story is likely apocryphal, it nonetheless is true: making great comedy is terribly difficult. Perhaps that is why most comedic films don't age all that well; what was laughable in 1935 or '45, '65, or even five years ago just isn't all that funny today. Then there are those few comedic gems which stand the test of time. Come view eight films that are just as funny as the day they were released.

Lectures

  1. "Seven Chances" (1925): Buster Keaton will inherit a fortune if he marries in a single day.
  2. "Dr. Strangelove" (1964): Peter Sellers. An insane general triggers a path to nuclear holocaust.
  3. "Monty Python & the Holy Grail" (1975): King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table embark on a search for the Holy Grail.
  4. "Modern Times" (1936): Charlie Chaplin’s tramp struggles to live in modern industrial society.
  5. "A New Leaf" (1971) Walter Matthau. A comedy about marriage and murder.
  6. "What's Up Doc?" (1975) Barbara Streisand. Modern slapstick at its best.
  7. "Safety Last" (1923): Harold Lloyd in his most famous "thrill" comedy.
  8. "The Big Lebowski"(1998): The Coen Brothers breakthrough comedy. An absolute howl!

Course Info

  • Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Date: Thursdays, March 10, 17, 24, 31; April 7, 14, 21, 28
  • Location: Friedberg Auditorium, Lifelong Learning Building
  • Fees: Member - $120
    Non-member - $160
    One-time guest pass, Member or Non-member at the door - $25.

About the Instructor

  • FAU's "Hollywood Brat," Dr. Kurt F. Stone is now in his 26th year with Lifelong Learning. A man who wears many, many hats (medical ethicist, best-selling author, essayist, historian, blogger and ordained rabbi), Kurt is the recent recipient of the "Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award" by "Who's Who in America." His intense love and knowledge of film is, as he has long said, "is the best part of my genetic make-up." ." In 2023, Dr. Stone was the recipient of the “Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award” presented by “Who’s Who in America.”

    Recipient of the 2004 Excellence in Teaching Award