
Comedic films offer an escape from reality. Escapism can be particularly appealing during challenging times. Striving to connect study group participants through laughter, we have selected 14 classic comedic films directed by many of the industry's giant talents. In this study group we will view and discuss: Dr. Strangelove (Stanley Kubrick, 1964); The Odd Couple (Gene Saks, 1968); Airplane (David Zucker, 1980); Annie Hall (Woody Allen, 1977); A Night at the Opera (Sam Wood, 1935): A Fish Called Wanda, (Charles Crichton, 1988); Ghostbusters (Ivan Reitman, 1984); Lost in America (Albert Brooks, 1985); Young Frankenstein (Mel Brooks, 1974); Groundhog Day (Harold Ramis, 1993); The Apartment (Billy Wilder, 1960); When Harry Met Sally (Rob Reiner, 1989); Tootsie (Sydney Pollack, 1982); and The Big Lebowski (The Coen Brothers, 1998). We will watch each week's movie in advance of the study group session; participants must obtain the movies on their own, which can usually be found through a streaming service. Each movie will be presented by one study group member who has volunteered to lead the discussion in a way that will encourage engagement by all participants.