Laughing Hysterically

Film and Culture Series

by Ed Sikov

A tour de force through the landscape of American comedy in the 1950s.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction, Comedy

282 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Ed Sikov has taught at Haverford College, Colorado College, and Columbia University. He is the author of seven books, including On Sunset Boulevard: The Life and Times of Billy Wilder, Dark Victory: The Life of Bette Davis, Mr. Strangelove: A Biography of Peter Sellers, and Laughing Hysterically: American Screen Comedy of the 1950s. He lives in New York City.

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a focus on selected films of directors Howard Hawks, Billy Wilder, Alfred Hitchcock, and Frank Tashlin, the author offers readers a first-rate analysis of 1950s comedy films in the context of the director’s vision. Arguably Hollywood’s last great decade, this book takes an in-depth look at some of the funniest and most complex comedic films of the era and is likely to inspire readers to watch and enjoy these amazing films.

Recommended.