No, nor would you really need to.
To get the opening sequence, maybe. Airport would be better, though it’s not a comedy.
That is, Airport or Zero Hour! would be better.
I agree with The Big Bus, but I think nowadays, it would have to be put into context for someone like Rick’s daughter. That wouldn’t be hard to do–explain that just as superhero movies are in vogue today, star-studded disaster movies were in vogue in the 1970s. Point out that the stars that studded real disaster movies were almost all A-listers but that most of the stars in The Big Bus were B-listers at the time. Don’t forget to mention how big a deal the US Bicentennial was–that will explain the gaudy Americana that decorated the Bicentennial Dining Room aboard the bus.
Coming from 1976, in the thick of 1970s disaster movie popularity, I rather like The Big Bus better than Airplane. Bus doesn’t have nearly as many sight gags, so when it does, they’re almost twice as funny (“Stand back! He’s got a busted milk carton!” in the bus drivers’ barroom brawl). And there are the moments played absolutely straight that are logical, yet absurd (Mary Jane Beth Sue trying to demonstrate the radiation suit, or Shoulders O’Brien deploying the Flags of All Nations to try to slow down).
But The Big Bus is overall funny as hell, and I still enjoy it. Great choice!
Speaking of the Bicentennial and “A-listers” (albiet ones “past their prime”), you should watch The Giant Spider Invasion. Whether intended or not, it is hilarious!
Rick’s daughter won’t have time for all these. I’m interested to hear what she thinks of the ones she sees, though.
I’d also consider several John Candy classics. Who’s Harry Crumb?, The Great Outdoors, Summer Rental, Uncle Buck, and Delirious are some of my favorites.
She has the rest of her life to enjoy such gems as
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure
Borat
Plan 9 from Outer Space
They Saved Hitler’s Brain
Billy the Kid vs Dracula
Dr Black and Mr Hyde
and the ever-popular
Beach Blanket Bingo.
Bells are Ringing with Judy Holiday and Dean Martin (1960). An unappreciated gem. Worth it just for the “bookies” musical number.
The Trouble With Harry (1955) by Alfred Hitchcock. See if your daughter likes the quirky humor. (If yes: Continue on with Bob & Ray radio shows.)
One thing you could try: View comedies that were remade, then discuss the changes.
The Shop Around the Corner (1940): You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Bachelor Mother (1939): Bundle of Joy (1956)
…this is a stretch of “remade”, but I HAD to recommend the Cary Grant movie:
Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948):The Money Pit (1986)
If you ain’t eating Wham, you ain’t eating ham.
Trying no to repeat suggestions:
Coming to America
Scott Pilgrim vs The World
Stripes
Adventures in Babysitting
Volunteers
Private Benjamin
The Gods Must Be Crazy
Tampopo
Local Hero
Gregory’s Girl
Ah, yes. The Weekend at Bernie’s of an earlier generation. It was Shirley MacLaine’s first feature as well.