Doctor Strangelove does his bit.
In celebration of Red Nose Day, we asked our writers what they think are the best comedy films out there. If you try compiling your own top ten, you'll find that it's a difficult task, and we were distressed at having to leave some things out, but these were our winners:-
1. Dr Strangelove Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb. Kubrick's pitch-black satire still hits the nuclear button with its acid dissection of military folly and political pomposity. Despite its rage at the insanely twisted logic of mutually assured destruction, this is still full of laugh-out-loud moments. And Peter Sellers (all three of him) was never better.
2. Airplane! Only just missing out on first place, this perfectly judged disaster movie spoof features an unforgettable performance by Leslie Nielsen, one he's been endeavouring to reprise ever since. Unremittingly childish in the best way, it also contains moments of darker humour that it might be hard to get away with these days. Able support comes from the inflatable co-pilot.
3. Annie Hall. A change of pace at number three, as Woody Allen's neurotic Jewish intellectual agonises over the perils of life and relationships. This is a witty and incisive take on failure, but it is its affectionate nature, and the apparent helplessness of its self-deprecating hero, that make it so endearing. There's also some terrific slapstick. You'll never look at a lobster the same way again.
4. The Return Of The Pink Panther. More Peter Sellers, this time as the inimitable bumbling French detective Inspector Jacques Clouseau. Sharper and more assured than its predecessors, this sees our hero once again on the trail of the famous diamond as his boss tries to murder him and his loyal assistant Cato keeps him on form by attacking when he least expects it.
5. Life Of Brian. Edging out the Holy Grail by a whisker, this is a corking satire on religious hypocrisy with everything that made you love the Monty Python boys in the first place: wit, farce and downright silliness. Plus a great sustained comic acting turn from the much-missed Graham Chapman.
6. Some Like It Hot. Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe star in what is the very definition of a 'class-act' old-style Hollywood comedy. Killer one-liners, beautifully orchestrated farce and star turns from all the principals. Still a joy from start to finish, even after all these years.
7. The Producers. Mel Brooks at his finest, this superbly balanced farce sees Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder sertting out to make money by producing a play guaranteed to make a loss. When Springtime For Hitler proves an inadvertent comic hit, it's downhill all the way, but a hilarious ride for the audience.
8. There's Something About Mary. Gross-out at its finest, as the Farrelly Brothers take a basically simple "boy (eventually) gets girl" story and find something to offend everyone along the way. Posses a sweetness and deft touch that its roughly three billion imitators could usefully learn from.
9. This Is Spinal Tap. The ultimate spoof documentary - or rockumentary - this effortlessly delivers hilarious lines with such deadpan earnestness that it's hard to believe it's not real. An astute understanding of the real humour within the rock world means it hits its targets every time, yet its affectionate approach means it's loved by all. There are some great songs, too.
10. Ghostbusters. Who ya gonna call? As a team of discredited scientists try to set up in business catching supernatural beings, viewers are treated to humour as smart as it is crazy. Packed with witty one-liners, this also delivers great physical comedy and some real thrills. If you're the sort of person who would rent a building just because it had a fireman's pole, this film is for you.
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