Why did screwball comedies go out of fashion?

Maybe because Shakespeare and Oscar WIlde are dead?

@everephebe They were big in the 30s and 40s. Katherine Hepburn lived long after they stopped being big.

Touche.
I really have no idea, it’s a great genre.

In a screwball comedy, the humor is quick and smart.
That is not an easy thing to write, and audiences have to pay attention. It also doesn’t transfer well to the big screen.
You just don’t see that from either side anymore.
The closest thing to screwball these days are some television shows.

I don’t think it’s us; actors in Hollywood just aren’t as good as they used to be.

I’d say political correctness has killed comedy, what was once seen as funny is now deemed to be too offensive or violent to air…. Shame really as the biggest lesson we all need to learn in life is how to laugh at ourselves……. :-/
I blame the censors…

The women’s consciousness movement. Screwball comedies were all based on dizzy dames.

marinelife I think you may have a point there. I have always enjoyed the movies where there was a witty banter between the romantic partners as in the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies. Another of my favorites is Myrna Loy. I absolutely love her sassy, wry attitude! Here’s a sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG3NZjRv2nM&feature=related
Carol Lombard was also excellent. Women were allowed to be intelligent and got some of the best lines in the movie.

I think it’s because a lot of people these days either don’t appreciate or are “blind” to the wittiness of screwball comedies. Screwball comedies actually had a bit of wit and dark humor to them, and sometimes that involved a bit of political “incorrectness”. Unfortunately, screwball comedies have turned into dumb comedies in the past 20 to 30 years.

They’re still quietly alive and well in some Fringe Festivals or street performing festivals—like the this one.
I agree with the above posters who said it’s the audience— I direct a touring group that’s basically based on screwball comedy. I had them study Dick Van Dyke, 3 Stooges, Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy, and others in preparation for the show. They are a hit with their audiences, but it’s interesting how the audience members often will laugh uproariously during the show, but then after the show, turn their nose and scoff at that “type of performance.” I often want to ask, “Why did you laugh then,” but am afraid it will affect revenues!
I’m hoping that this kind of comedy will make a comeback soon! and not just for revenues XD