NYU cinema studies student and Thousand Oaks High School graduate Monica Sandler will look at two comedy classic movies that served as a form of escapism in a rough time at the Grant Brimhall/Thousand Oaks Library, 1401 E. Janss Road.

Many films of the 1930s were more than pure escapism. They discussed societal issues and difficulties, all in a highly entertaining package. Sandler will share insights into the films and how they reflect the culture of the '30s and maybe even today.•

"Vaudeville, Early Sound, Surrealism and the Marx Brothers" will be presented at 1 p.m. Wed., Aug. 5.

"Monkey Business" will be screened. The film runs 77 minutes.

Sandler will examine the comedy trio's style, their roots in vaudeville and the social commentary in their films.

•"Screwball Comedy and Class Conflict" will be presented at 1 p.m. Thurs., Aug. 6.

"My Man Godfrey" will be screened with a running time of 94 minutes.

The screwball comedy was a genre inherently linked to the Great Depression culture of the 1930s. Plots focused on making fun of the absent-minded upper class.

In this film, William Powell works as a butler for a wealthy family and spends his days both mocking and enjoying his employers.

This screening will examine the class conflict that arose during an era of extreme poverty.

For more information, call the library at (805) 449-2660, ext. 258, or visit www.toaks.org/ library.