Join DeMille biographer Scott Eyman and Aliece Pickett as they explore Cecil B. DeMille as groundbreaking filmmaker and studio executive. Discover DeMille’s role at the rare historical moment when a new art form and new business industry were born simultaneously.

Biographer Scott Eyman and Aliece Pickett unpack the government and media’s coordinated campaign to destroy Charlie Chaplin. Discover how political panic and weaponized personal scandals forced the comedy icon into permanent exile.

Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org) co-founder Edward Schroeder joins Aliece Pickett to discuss the love triangle between two seductive thieves and a cosmetics executive and what may just be the perfect film, Trouble in Paradise (1932 film) a screwball comedy. The film stars Herbert Marshall, Miriam Hopkins and Kay Francis; Directed by Ernst Lubitsch.

Legendary film critic and author Molly Haskell joins Aliece Pickett, founder of the Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org), to look at Pre-Code Screwball Comedy and how master filmmaker Ernst Lubitsch and writer Ben Hecht were able to use visual cues and dialog to get still-provocative and racy scenes past the censors in 1933 film Design for Living.

Legendary film critic and author Molly Haskell joins Aliece Pickett, founder of the Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org), to look at the advent of the Screwball Comedy Heroine. And examine how master filmmaker Ernst Lubitsch had unconventional female characters driving unconventional plots and characterizations, but with the use of clever dialog, and double entendre could imply much– yet show nothing overtly objectionable.

Film historian and author Olympia Kiriakou joins Aliece Pickett, founder of the Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org), to discuss how Carole Lombard helped usher in the Screwball Comedy under the direction of Howard Hawks, how Howard Hawks developed the screen persona of the Screwball “Hawksian Woman”, and John Barrymore’s audacious performance in Twentieth Century (1934 film).

Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org) founder Aliece Pickett discusses with Lauren Wolfer the advent of the Screwball Comedy genre, the elements of Screwball, and the reasons It Happened One Night (1934 film) is more Screwball Comedy than Romantic Comedy. The film stars Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, Walter Connolly and Roscoe Karns; director Frank Capra; screen play by Robert Riskin.

Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org) founder Aliece Pickett discusses with Lauren Wolfer the sexy, married Screwball couple, Nick and Nora Charles in Screwball Comedy’s glorious tribute to drinking: The Thin Man (1934 film). And the beginning of the sleuthing-bantering couple sub-genre. It stars William Powell, Myrna Loy and Maureen O’Sullivan; directed by W.S. Van Dyke; screenplay by Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich and story by Dashiell Hammett.

Film Society of Screwball Comedy co-founders Aliece Pickett and Edward Schroeder unpack how Desire (1936) serves as a brilliant study in contrasts, pairing Lubitsch’s European sophistication with Borzage’s American romance, aristocratic experience with working-class innocence, and a stylized Auburn car against a Pontiac for the masses. The duo then charts the film’s post-Code handling of crime and sexuality against pre-Code Trouble in Paradise (1932), while celebrating the unforgettable Hollywood matriarchs whose roles vanished with the studio system.

Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org) founder Aliece Pickett and Lauren Wolfer discuss Screwball’s “Forgotten Man” and the Queen of Screwball, Carole Lombard in the Screwball Comedy: My Man Godfrey (1936 film) and its “Forgotten Director” Gregory La Cave. It stars Carole Lombard, William Powell, and Gail Patrick.

Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org) founder Aliece Pickett and Lauren Wolfer discuss this satire on the Tabloid press, and the sumptuous Cedric Gibbons’ Art Deco sets in the Screwball Comedy: Libeled Lady (1936 film). The film stars Jean Harlow, William Powell, Myrna Loy and Spencer Tracy; director Jack Conway; and screenplay by Maurine Dallas Watkins and Howard Emmett Rogers.

Film historian and author Rob Kozlowski joins Aliece Pickett, founder of the Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org), to discuss the sleuthing couple, Nick and Nora Charles, and how Nick skewers Nora’s rich relations in the Screwball Comedy masterpiece After The Thin Man (1936 film). The film stars William Powell, Myrna Loy and James Stewart; directed by W.S. Van Dyke; screenplay by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett and story by Dashiell Hammett.

Film historian and author Rob Kozlowski joins Aliece Pickett, founder of the Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org), to discuss Jimmy Stewart’s first role as a villain in the film After The Thin Man (1936 film), and the evolution of Stewart’s career. The film also stars William Powell and Myrna Loy; directed by W.S. Van Dyke; screenplay by Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich and story by Dashiell Hammett.

Film historian David Kalat explores how legendary screenwriter Preston Sturges transitioned into Hollywood filmmaking. Discover how Sturges’ own larger-than-life experiences served as the blueprint for his eccentric onscreen characters.

Film historian David Kalat and Aliece Pickett have a fresh take on the brilliant narrative of Easy Living (1937), including the film's iconic Automat scene. And they shine a spotlight on Mitchell Leisen, the forgotten A-list director who brought Sturges’ ingenious script to life.

Film historian David Kalat and Aliece Pickett analyze Easy Living’s stellar cast, from screwball icon Jean Arthur to standout character actors Edward Arnold and Robert Greig. The duo also discusses how the film cleverly bypassed strict Hollywood censors and why its themes still resonate with audiences today.

Film historian and author Olympia Kiriakou, PhD introduces the Screwball Comedy Nothing Sacred (1934 film), discusses Carole Lombard’s best performance and the advent of media influencers and the cult of personality. Sponsored by Aliece Pickett, founder of the Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org).

Film historian and author Olympia Kiriakou, PhD discusses how Media Fakes and Phonies can influence the masses in her commentary on the Screwball Comedy Nothing Sacred (1934 film). Sponsored by Aliece Pickett, founder of the Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org).

Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org) founders Edward Schroeder & Aliece Pickett discuss The Awful Truth (1937 film) and director Leo McCarey’s influence on Cary Grant perfecting his film persona; the film’s satire on wealth, use of the screwball element “comedy of remarriage” and use of 7-musical episodes for comic effect. The film co-stars Irene Dunne and Ralph Bellamy; production designer Lionel Banks; and costume designer Robert Kalloch.

Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org) founder Aliece Pickett discusses with Lauren Wolfer what makes a film a Screwball Comedy, the spectrum of Screwball Comedy and the reasons Bringing Up Baby (1938 film) is more Screwball Comedy than Slapstick Comedy or Romantic Comedy. It stars Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, May Robson and Charles Ruggles; director Howard Hawks; and screenplay by Dudley Nichols and Hagar Wilde.

Legendary film critic and author Molly Haskell introduces the genius of Ernst Lubitsch and his roles in creating the 1939 classic Ninotchka. Discover Lubitsch’s fascinating background, his hands-on filmmaking approach, and secrets behind of the “Lubitsch Touch”.

Join legendary film critic and author Molly Haskell and Aliece Pickett as they break down the brilliant contrast of opposites and Screwball Comedy elements that define Ninotchka. The duo also explores the legendary creative dynamic between director Ernst Lubitsch and co-writer Billy Wilder.

Best-selling author Scott Eyman reveals the dramatic behind-the-scenes production challenges of the classic film My Favorite Wife (1940). Discover how director Leo McCarey overcame a near-fatal car accident and severe addiction before teaming up with the writers to craft the movie's winning third act.

Cary Grant biographer Scott Eyman and Aliece Pickett discuss how Grant’s brilliant on-screen persona masked a troubled and complex private life. Explore how he overcame profound insecurity and hidden misery to become Hollywood's most beloved leading man.

Ernst Lubitsch biographer Scott Eyman illustrates the profound gravity and delicious surprises that elevate the masterpieces To Be or Not to Be and Trouble in Paradise and Lubitsch to the cinematic pantheon.

Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org) founder Aliece Pickett & Lauren Wolfer discuss the gender bender Role Reversal in the Screwball Comedy His Girl Friday (1940 film) and director Howard Hawks. It stars Cary Grant, Rosalind Russell, Ralph Bellamy and Gene Lockhart; production designer Lionel Banks; and costume designer Robert Kalloch.

Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org) founder Aliece Pickett discusses with Lauren Wolfer the Screwball Comedy of Remarriage in The Philadelphia Story (1940 film) and the evolution of the careers of Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. It stars Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, James Stewart and Ruth Hussey; director George Cukor; and screenplay by Donald Ogden Stewart.

Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org) founder Aliece Pickett discusses with Edward Schroeder Screwball Comedy’s sexiest scene in The Lady Eve (1941 film), and the mastery of writer-director Preston Sturges. The film stars Barbara Stanwyck, Henry Fonda and Charles Coburn.

Join Film Society of Screwball Comedy co-founder Edward Schroeder as he introduces the 1941 classic Love Crazy, spotlighting the brilliant catalog of screenwriter Charles Lederer and co-star Jack Carson. Discover how William Powell’s masterful voice and physical comedy cemented his legacy as the genre's ultimate rascally anti-hero.

Film Society of Screwball Comedy co-founders Edward Schroeder and Aliece Pickett dive into the business of Classic Hollywood, exploring how vertical integration, monopolies, and economies of scale shaped filmmaking. Learn how the star system and genre classification helped audiences discover the exact movies they wanted to see without wasting time or money.

Film Society of Screwball Comedy co-founders Edward Schroeder and Aliece Pickett show how looming World War II shifted screwball comedy away from escapism and luxury toward mature realism while still lampooning traditional institutions. The duo examines the film’s "comedy of remarriage" and famous disguise sequence, and highlights Myrna Loy’s stellar movie career and humanitarian work.

Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org) founder Aliece Pickett & Lauren Wolfer discuss the brilliant satire of out-of-touch professors in the Screwball Comedy Ball of Fire (1941 film). And Barbara Stanwyck’s sexy performance with Gary Cooper under the direction of Howard Hawks, and the hilarious script written by Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder.

Entertainment journalist and author Kristen Lopez joins Aliece Pickett, founder of the Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org), to discuss Screwball’s forgotten heroine, Veronica Lake. They examine her films, life and acting in the Screwball masterpiece, Sullivan’s Travels (1941 film). As well as her and Joel McCrea’s performances for director and writer Preston Sturges. Kristen shares stories from her interviews of the families of Veronica Lake and Joel McCrea.

Legendary film critic and author Molly Haskell joins Aliece Pickett, founder of the Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org), to look beyond Screwball Comedy’s escapist froth to its challenge of Romantic Comedy’s “happily ever after” trope. And they examine the parallels between writer-director Preston Sturges’ film The Palm Beach Story (1942) and his personal life.

Film Society of Screwball Comedy founder Aliece Pickett (FSOSC.org) introduces Adam’s Rib (1949 film), and discusses Judy Holliday’s audacious response to being targeted by the FBI, and her Congressional testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC).

Film Society of Screwball Comedy founder Aliece Pickett (FSOSC.org) discusses with Edward Schroeder how Adam's Rib (1949 film) playfully satires career vs. marriage and adultery / domestic violence via role-reversal plots. It stars Katherine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy and Judy Holliday; director George Cukor; and screenplay by Ruth Gordon and Garson Canin.

Film Society of Screwball Comedy (FSOSC.org) founders Edward Schroeder & Aliece Pickett discuss Harvey (1950 film), a screwball comedy satire on post-WWII social, economic and political conditions that led people to retreat into conformity and strict gender roles that became known as the "Age of Conformity"; and the film’s Broadway origins. The Pulitzer Prize winning play was written by Mary Chase. The film stars James Stewart, Josephine Hull, Jessie White, and Peggy Dow; director Henry Koster; and film editor Ralph Dawson.

John Ford used satirical deception in his early comedy The Whole Town's Talking to expose a society obsessed with convenient fictions. Ford biographer Scott Eyman and Aliece Pickett follow this thematic to Ford’s revolutionary Westerns Fort Apache and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance where myth, lying, and manufactured legends prevail over the truth, and where society chooses a comforting lie over an ugly truth.