Ten Best Romantic Comedy Pairings for Those Over 50

I originally thought that choosing the best on-screen romantic comedy couples for those over 50 would be easy. Unfortunately, that turned out not to be the case. There were so many wonderful performances to choose from that I could have easily listed 25 or even 50 couples.

When magic happens on-screen between the two leads it can make even a mediocre film memorable. Sometimes that magic is easy to identify, but other times it can remain illusive as it has with some of my picks.

Comedy Duo #10 - Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn in "Roman Holiday"

Although this film is more of a dramedy than a strict comedy, it had its humorous moments. One might think the May/December romance between Peck and Hepburn wouldn't work; especially given the fact he was a commoner to her princess. However, in this case it did. There is nothing quite like unrequited love.

Supposedly the couple's chemistry even spilled over into real life, threatening Peck's marriage and Hepburn's squeaky-clean reputation. Still, there is something utterly charming about this on-screen pairing. But it is so illusive that it's hard to pin down. It simply works.

Comedy Duo #9 - Rock Hudson and Gina Lollabrigida in "Come September"

This may be a film that many of you have over looked and that is a real shame. It is one of Hudson's funniest performances.

He plays an American playboy who likes to spend vacations in his Italian villa with his Italian mistress (Lollibridgida). She, of course, wants a commitment. He doesn't. It is the perfect setup for this fun comedic romp.

When a young Sandra Dee and her friends are stranded and stay in Hudson's villa along with a pack of rather wild boys, Hudson begins to see his actions in a totally different light. Hudson and Lollibridgida manage to set the screen on fire, both in romance and in comedy.

Comedy Duo #8 - Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee in "If a Man Answers"

This is one of my favorite movies. I'm a huge fan of Dee and Darrin, especially when they are on film together and this is probably one of their best films.

The on and off-screen couple had that elusive "it" quality that movie producers wished they could bottle and transfer to every screen pairing. Of course that wasn't possible.

Lightning in a bottle rarely happens but this couple defintely had it in an absolutely adorable comedy. It that suited them to a T.

Comedy Duo #7 - Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn in "The Desk Set"

Although perhaps not their best film together, "The Desk Set" is memorable because it was made later on in both of their careers. Hepburn plays an officer manager who is concerned about Tracy's computerization of the jobs in her section. Determined to dislike the efficiency specialist (Tracy), Hepburn's character just can't quite pull it off.

This romantic duo always lit up the screen when they were placed on it together. Both amazing actors in their own right, they knew how to play off one another perfectly. It made watching them fun and entertaining.

Comedy Duo #6 - Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn in "Sabrina"

Here again, Hepburn is paired with a love interest obviously beyond her tender years and yet, once again, it shouldn't work. But it does. Perhaps it was Hepburn's European sophistication or the fact that she had been through so much in her young life. Whatever, the reason, she could easily mix with both older and younger men.

I have watched this film many times and even I cannot tell you why this pairing is so magical. It simply is!

Comedy Duo #5 - Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn in "Funny Face"

It may seem like I'm in a rut, choosing one Hepburn film after another. However, it is merely a testament to the strength of the actress's work as well as her ability to pair well with a variety of actors.

Once more Hepburn is paired with a much older Astaire. Yet, their romance is totally believable, romantic, and delightful. Easily one of my favorite films for both actors, "Funny Face" is a classic that should never be missed.

Comedy Duo #4 - Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner in "Romancing the Stone"

This film would likely have been half as successful if not for the inspired pairing of Turner and Douglas. Prior to the movie, if you had asked me whether or not either actor could do comedy, I probably would have scoffed and said "impossible!" I would have been wrong.

"Romancing the Stone" was one of those films where everything came together in perfect alignment. Douglas and Turner could spar with one another one moment and set the screen on fire in the next. Best of all, they did it while keeping the movie light, fun, and deliciously devilish.

Comedy Duo #3 - Cary Grant and Doris Day in "That Touch of Mink"

You are probably surprised that I didn't choose a Hudson/Day film. The truth is I would have if I could have chosen between them. I could not so I went for the equally satisfying pairing of Grant and Day in "That Touch of Mink."

Together, Grant's ne'er do well playboy and Day's virgin goddess made for the best kind of movie magic. Every moment of their on-screen work is utterly charming and amazingly funny.

They worked as easily as Day and Hudson or Day and Garner. Come to think of it, Day paired well with just about all of her leading men.

Comedy Duo #2 - Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in "Sleepless in Seattle"

Most people prefer the pairing of Ryan and Hanks in "You've Got Mail" but for me, "Sleepless in Seattle" is the better film. Perhaps it was the fact it took the duo so long to actually share a screen moment. Perhaps it was the story line. Maybe it was the writing or the direction.

Who really cares? This movie was a classic beginning with its first moment. Enough said.

Comedy Duo #1 - Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman"

This is one of my top ten favorite films of all time. It was beautifully written, perfectly directed and acted with restraint and perfect heart. I probably would have liked it no matter who was in the starring roles. Nonetheless, the fact that is was Roberts and Gere made it a sure-fire smash hit.

Roberts never looked more beautiful and Gere never looked more vulnerable and handsome. Together, the pair was everything you could want in a movie couple - - sheer perfection.

There you have it: My list of the Top Ten Romantic Comedy Duos for those over 50. If you disagree, feel free to comment in the section below. Better yet, share your choices for comedy duos.