screwball

Screwball is a term used in several contexts, most notably in baseball and in film. In baseball, it designates a breaking pitch whose movement is opposite to that of a typical curveball, often accompanied by downward motion as it nears home plate. In film, screwball refers to a subgenre of romantic comedy that flourished in the 1930s and early 1940s, noted for rapid-fire dialogue, mismatched couples, and brisk plots.

Baseball screwball: The pitch uses wrist action to impart reverse spin, causing downward movement and a break opposite to a curveball. Grips vary, but the goal is deception rather than velocity. It is slower than a fastball and can be effective against hitters expecting other breaking balls. The screwball can stress the throwing arm and today is less common, with many pitchers preferring other pitches. It gained prominence in the early 20th century with players such as Christy Mathewson and Burleigh Grimes and persisted as a specialty pitch into mid-century.

Film: Screwball comedy emerged in 1930s Hollywood as lighthearted romance and satire, featuring rapid-fire dialogue, zany plots, and mismatched couples. It often spotlighted independent heroines and energetic ensembles. Notable films include It Happened One Night (1934), Twentieth Century (1934), Bringing Up Baby (1938), Easy Living (1937), and The Philadelphia Story (1940). Directors such as Frank Capra, Howard Hawks, and Preston Sturges were central to the genre, which is praised for its fast pace and social wit.