Scope Note:

Fictional work in which the plot normally focuses on a comic battle of the sexes between an eccentric, well-to-do female and a generally passive or weak male. They are caught up in a romantic pursuit or patching up a marriage, with romantic love triumphing in the end. The heroine is often the only one aware of romance until the male's resistance is overcome. The characters behave in wacky manner and the dialogue is fast paced and witty. Note: Not necessary to include the term Romance, since that is implied by Screwball comedy. Feature examples: THE AWFUL TRUTH; BALL OF FIRE; BRINGING UP BABY; IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (with Adaptation); THE LADY EVE; THE MORE THE MERRIER; MY MAN GODFREY; THE PALM BEACH STORY; TWENTIETH CENTURY; WHAT'S UP, DOC?; WHO'S THAT GIRL.

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