AllMovie

A comedy of manners satirizes a group with a set pattern of behaviors. Often the upper classes are the target, but the genre has broadened considerably to include California teenagers (Clueless), swinging couples of the '60s (Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice), and other such definable groups. One of the older forms of comedy in the theatre (Moliere was a master), the comedy of manners has existed as long as there was a class structure. In the modern comedy of manners (Down and Out in Beverly Hills), a person of lower standing is often brought in to point up the arrogance and shallowness of the group being satirized.