Comediennes Of Film, Radio, And Television1900 - 1980

Charles Chamberlain

Thursdays, 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
March 25 - May 13, 2004
D.O.C. House

Based on the idea that what makes a nation laugh at any time is just as important as what makes it weep, this course will look at American comedy in the twentieth century, specifically the role of comediennes in this period. We will consider the background of this period from the "concert saloons" of the 1860's and 70's through vaudeville to silent films, sound film, radio, and TV and the role of women in comedy in each setting. After we watch films of major women comedy figures in each medium, we will return to questions students often ask about comedians. "Why did they do it (comedy)?" "What made them tick?" We will follow how women made their way in the world of comedy, a field dominated then by men; how they worked within three stereotypes that dominated their comedy roles for so long until they achieved stardom in their own right. The format includes short talks by the study leader, brief readings in the text, participants' reports on comediennes not covered in the syllabus, films, and discussion. Laughter is encouraged if not urged, but the course is more than just a "show." It is a study of changes in the role of women in comedy which reflected changes in women's status in the past century.

Class is limited to 12 participants.

Charles Chamberlain has always had an appreciation of comedy and has a profound respect for those who do it well. This is especially true of women in comedy where he regards those who do it well not only as “funny” but of what they do as art. Charles has been an English and reading teacher for most of his professional life in a variety of settings including college and university. He has been an actor in community theater (preferring comedies, of course) and has performed for civic groups. He has also led courses in comedy at Colby-Sawyer's Adventures in Learning.