The Big Parade of Comedy (1964)

The Big Parade of Comedy Poster

Film clips highlight the funniest scenes and brightest comic stars in MGM's history.

Introduction
Directed by Robert Youngston, "The Big Parade of Comedy" is a 1964 documentary-styled compilation film that provides a wonderful collection of the finest minutes in cinematic comedy. The movie was produced and released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and supplies a nostalgic comic flight through some of the most memorable funny scenes and sketches in movie history.

The Concepts
"The Big Parade of Comedy" is basically a compilation of snippets gathered from Hollywood's Golden Age funnies, using a variety of classic humor and extraordinary slapstick comedy. The movie doesn't follow a conventional storyline; rather, it's a collection of amusing series from widely known traditional comedies. Audiences are dealt with to iconic scenes from precious movies, including the works of the Marx Brothers and the antics of the formidable Laurel and Hardy.

Iconic Works Featured
The movie cherry-picks some of the most famous comedy sequences of perpetuity, acting as an ode to the comedy legends that illuminated the screens in the early 20th century. It features heavyweights like Buster Keaton, William Powell, Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow, Marie Dressler, and Charlie Chaplin, among others. The movie infamously consists of a good number of scenes from the Marx Brothers' movies, the madcap shenanigans of Laurel and Hardy, plus extracts from MGM's early sound funnies like "Love in the Rough" and "Way Out West". Other noteworthy classics featured consist of "A Night at the Opera", "Dinner at Eight", and "The Thin Man".

The Big Parade of Comedy: Humor and Nostalgia
"The Big Parade of Comedy" files a journey that passes through the development of cinematic humor from the silent era to talkies, introducing the audience to different comical designs and tastes. Packed with legendary minutes of wit, the movie adopts an uncluttered technique towards presentation. The focus is purely on the private scenes themselves, without diving into the context of each-- an option that enables audiences the large joy of experiencing each comical minute as a standalone "act". Showcasing the skill of the period's most renowned funny figures, the film serves as a tribute to traditional movie comedy, stimulating a strong sense of fond memories and love for the genre's golden past.

Crucial Reception
In spite of no story or remarkable structure, "The Big Parade of Comedy" was appreciated for its unique concept and got favorable evaluations from audiences and critics alike. The film was commemorated as an amazing testament to the age of timeless comedy, a 'harvest' of comic gems that represented the comedy super star lineup of the era. Its success caused subsequent installations, developing it as a sort of anthology showcasing movie theater's evolution.

Conclusion
In summary, "The Big Parade of Comedy" is a salute to the brilliance of Hollywood's traditional funny, including an elegant collection of ageless comic scenes. On one hand, for those who experienced these movies during their preliminary release, this movie brings a wave of fond memories. On the other hand, it uses newer audiences an unique insight into the comedic skills of stars that shined vibrantly during cinema's golden age. Cleaned in shades of humor and belief, "The Big Parade of Comedy" remains a classic antique for comedy film lovers.

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