Porfiada Irene

Irony. splendid performances. social critic. and a fairy tale. a film about people, perspectives, using a noble message and the right cast. and a brilliant script. in fact, a parable about selfishness and superficiality. special for the bitter humor and the impecable dialogues. and, sure, for the portrait of a familiar world, maybe too obvious but enough for succes to large public. the great virtue - maybe the performance of Will Powell and the adorable sweetness of Carole Lombard in two roles who are not real unique in the context of the cinema of period but who works in beautiful manner. and, maybe, that is the key for the seductive force of this old movie about money, family, society and ...love.

Am a huge fan of classic film and screwball comedy is one of my favourite comedy film styles. Seeing as it is more often than not very funny and clever (unlike the very crude humour seen nowadays) and has been done so well in many 30s and 40s films (such as 'It Happened One Night', 'Arsenic and Old Lace' and 'His Girl Friday'). Gregory LaCava's filmography was not a big one but it was worth watching, with his best being absolute classics ('Stage Door' being in this category).

Had absolutely no doubt whatsoever that 'My Man Godfrey' would be a great film with its pedigree of talent (as it also has a wonderful cast on paper), and was thankfully proven right. Actually thought it was excellent, with its best aspects (the performances and writing) masterclass level. 'My Man Godfrey' got a lot of awards attention and no wonder. It is one of LaCava's best films by quite some way and when it comes to screwball comedy, for me it is definitely up there.

My only issue really is the more farcical character behaviours do strain credulity, especially with the rather unrepentent character played by Carole Lombard.

Other than that, the film is excellent. William Powell brings his usual debonair suavity and sharp, sophisticated wit that made him so much loved, as well as deeply felt depth. Lombard's character may be unlikeable, but Lombard was always a joy in screwball comedy and she here shows genuine exuberance and hilarity, as well as charm. Gail Patrick portrays a character that is easy to hate effortlessly, and a wonderfully featherbrained Alice Brady and posturing Mischa Auer delight too. It is shame that Jean Dixon is so overlooked when talking about 'My Man Godfrey', because she really does sparkle in the wisecracking.

The script also plays a massive part in the film's appeal. It is razor sharp in wit, is wonderfully sophisticated and achieves a perfect balance of hilarious comedy, rapid fire is a good way to describe the delivery, and poignant pathos, a screwball comedy with a heart if you will. The story always compels, it didn't feel cluttered, over-stuffed or confusing, all of them having the impact they should.

LaCava keeps all the elements going at a lively pace without being out of control, while letting the serious elements breathe without losing momentum. Beautifully filmed and designed 'My Man Godfrey' is too, not "grand" but amateurish it never is.

Concluding, truly excellent. 9/10.

The great depression of the 30s, in a way, created inequality in this country. On the one hand, great fortunes were made and many more were lost. In those days Hollywood's idea for escapism was the screwball comedy, with an emphasis in presenting how the privileged classes lived. This was in sharp contrast with what the majority of regular citizens were experiencing.

With that background, Gregory La Cava, a man who knew how to entertain an audience, took the direction of "My Man Godfrey". In the film we are given, on the one hand, what appears to be a city dump near to Sutton Place, one of the richest areas in Manhattan. We are shown a destitute man, Godfrey, who comes in contact with a couple of rich girls out on a scavenger hunt. Godfrey will change their lives forever.

"My Man Godfrey" gathered a distinguished cast. William Powell and Carole Lombard were at the pinnacle of their popularity. Both actors exuded charisma in any film they graced with their charming presence. They both left a mark of distinction in this comedy. Both are elegant and sophisticated, and they make us care about the characters they are playing.

The best thing about those 30s comedies were the marvelous ensemble casts assembled to support the stars. Thus, one is treated to delicious performances by Gail Patrick, Eugene Palette, Alice Brady, Micha Auer, Jean Dixon and Alan Mowbray.

This is a classic film that will live forever.

This screwball comedy is centred around a homeless man who becomes the butler for a well-to-do but eccentric family and has to contend with two very different types of attention from its young adult members. With an undercurrent of social commentary and a generally wholesome vibe, 'My Man Godfrey (1936)' provides plenty of laughs and a good amount of heart as it jaunts along to its somewhat abrupt end. Some of its set-pieces are almost bonkers, with bizarre behaviour and flustered dialogue blending for a chuckle-worthy effect. It's a genuinely funny film on more than one occasion and it makes you care about its characters, too. Each of its core players are well-written and well-performed, as lively and distinct as possible. The plot is pacy and, ultimately, satisfying, making for a remarkably rounded experience overall. It's an entertaining affair right from its fantastic opening titles. 8/10

A scavenger hunt amongst the rich leads two competitive sisters to the local dump where one has the idea to bring back one of the "lost men". She offers Godfrey $5 to come with her, Godfrey played by the fabulous William Powell doesn't take it very well and shoves her into an ash heap. The younger much sweeter sister, Irene, strikes up a conversation with Godfrey and explains about the scavenger hunt etc and he goes with her in order for her to beat her sister Cornelia for nothing.

After winning, Irene suggests that since he helped her by doing a favor that she would like to help him in some way...he says the only thing he needs is a job. She hires him on the spot to be her family's butler.

This is how Godfrey ends up in the home of the most screwball rich family I have ever seen...with Cornelia taking stabs at him and trying to get him fired and Irene wanting him to be her protégé...and eventual love interest.

"My family came over on the boat...oh, not the mayflower, but the one after that."-mom

"I wouldn't say anything behind your back that I wouldn't say in public."-Mom

As it turns out Godfrey has a mysterious past including being a Yale man, he was a "Park" of the Parks of Boston.

"I'm sorry boys, I want to apologize for my family, they are slightly hysterical!"-Dad

"The village of forgotten men."-Godfrey

"If I end up in jail it will be the first peace I have had in years."-Dad

This is a wonderful film with a superb cast, gorgeous sets, luxurious costumes and a fabulous ending! This is a worthwhile film and really highlights 1930's screwball comedy.

"Stand still Godfrey, it will all be over in a minute."-Irene.