ActingFunnyLogo.jpg

The podcast that takes film comedy seriously.

Exploring 125 years of film history, one year at a time.

SEASON ONE IN PROGRESS NOW!

Check out the trailer for Season One and then like, follow, or subscribe on your favorite podcast listening service to make sure you don’t miss any episodes.

 

Recent Episodes

Podcast Episodes
What are magic lanterns? (1659)
What are magic lanterns? (1659)

What did we watch before we watched movies? This episode explores the history of magic lanterns and music halls on the path to early cinema.

Who were the early adopters of film and comedy? (1896)
Who were the early adopters of film and comedy? (1896)

Among the earliest adopters of the new cinema technology in 1896 were magicians. This episode explores the life and legacy of Georges Méliès and how he and others from the world of magic helped bring cinema to the world.

What was the first comedy film? (1895)
What was the first comedy film? (1895)

What was the first comedy film? This episode explores the history of the Lumière brothers and their 1895 film L’Arroseur arrosé (The Sprinkler Sprinkled) to learn why this is considered cinema’s first comedy film.

Coming Attractions

 
Come Along Do.png

The British Are Coming!

In our 1897 and 1898 episodes, we find ourselves in the early days of British cinema to meet a pair of husband-and-wife film comedy pioneers, George Albert Smith & Laura Bayley and Robert W. Paul & Ellen Dawes.

Alice Guy Blache.png

A Woman’s Place Is in the Cinema

In March 2021, Acting Funny begins to explore the legacy of Alice Guy Blaché as one of cinema’s earliest film directors.

Little Tich.png

From Stage to Screen

In March 2021, Acting Funny prepares to make the leap from the 19th to the 20th century, while paying tribute to some of the Victorian-era music hall performers who lent their comedic talents to the early days of cinema.

 
Most Recent
disappearing tricks.jpg
Resource Review: Disappearing Tricks

First in a planned series of reviews of resources used for past episodes. This entry highlights Dr. Matthew Solomon’s excellent book Disappearing Tricks: Silent Film, Houdini, and the New Magic of the Twentieth Century (University of Illinois Press).

Read More →
smith and bayley.jpg
Film Comedy As Family Business: George Albert Smith & Laura Bayley

Film is a collaborative effort. Even when one person gets the credit, there are usually more people involved. In this post, we look at an early husband-and-wife team from the 1890s, who are only just now beginning to be recognized as a true creative partnership.

Read More →
harold lloyd clock.jpg
Schedule Changes
Read More →
512px-Poster_Cinematographe_Lumiere.jpg
Comedy Movie Posters
Read More →
The Rules of the Game

125 films. 125 episodes. 125 years. It seems like a simple concept, but it turns out I have questions. Maybe you do, too. Here are some starting answers.

Read More →
Why I’m Taking Comedy Films Seriously

I’m launching a podcast about the history of comedy films. So, why me? Why this topic? What’s it all about? Do we need this?

Read More →
Shane Rhyne performing stand up comedy.jpg

The Acting Funny Podcast is hosted by Shane Rhyne: a writer, comedian, voice actor, and movie lover.

Learn More