ball comedy, a genre that flourished during the Great Depression, is making a comeback in the Coachella Valley. The Palm Springs Cultural Center is reviving Screwball Sundays, a weekly film series celebrating the genre’s fast-paced dialogue, gender role reversals, and comedic antics.

Starting April 6 at the historic Camelot Theater, the series will showcase classics such as Ernst Lubitsch’s Ninotchka, starring Greta Garbo. The screenings are hosted by the Film Society of Screwball Comedy, a Palm Springs-based organization dedicated to preserving and promoting these timeless films.

"Screwball comedies are different from traditional romantic comedies," explains a society representative. "They are unsentimental, full of witty banter, and often feature women holding their own against their male counterparts in a comedic battle of the sexes."

Each Screwball Sundays event will be followed by a discussion featuring guest speakers, including film critics and historians. At a recent screening, renowned critic Molly Haskell shared insights into Ninotchka, a film that blended romance, satire, and Garbo’s undeniable screen presence.

For film lovers seeking humor, sharp dialogue, and a touch of nostalgia, Screwball Sundays offers a chance to experience cinema’s golden age in a lively, interactive setting.

For more details, visit the Film Society of Screwball Comedy’s website or check out the Palm Springs Cultural Center’s schedule.

Screwball Sundays Return to Palm Springs Cultural Center