Here are a couple of snippets on comedy from the book Money for Film Stories by Norman Lee, published 1937.

Mr Lee writes: Plot is not to be confused with situation. Situation is a section of the plot in which characters suffer embarrassment…

The Character Comedy is better described by my friend H.F. Maltby as true comedy. Maltby, like Priestley, understands people and produces his humour out of their failings, conceits, peccadilloes, vanities and weaknesses. This is the best type of comedy to exploit…

Light comedy needs a refined and intelligent mind; I do not think a really effective broad comedy author could write real light comedy. Its main effects are gained by delicate touches, a pointed wit, an air of gay impudence. The dialogue for a light comedy must sparkle. Light comedy contrasts with broad farce as champagne does with beer…

Personality comedy is my own term for the humorous screenplay written round the personalities of established stars. Laurel and Hardy, for instance. Or “Schnozzle” Durante.

Check out Writing for Film Stories, by Norman Lee, published 1937 by Pitman. Norman Lee was born on October 10, 1898 in Sutton, Surrey, England. He was a director and writer, known for The Pride of the Force (1933), Josser on the River (1932), and The Monkey’s Paw (1948). He also directed low budget comedies. He died on June 3, 1964 in Surbiton, Surrey. The book is still available for sale on the internet. A lot of the principles in the book would still make for good stories.

-readersvoice.com