Irene, a Teimosa

My Man Godfrey (1936) : Brief Review -

Hollywood's lost treasure. A Timeless Classic Comedy which has been remade many times through other films in parts. You hear many times people saying that, "They don't make films like this anymore' or 'This is what we are missing now days' or 'Lost Classic' and such stuff, right? Well, here's one more that fits in all. My Man Godfrey is one of those rare comedies from golden era of Hollywood I mean from 30s that has a timeless impacts till date and will have it forever. A simple human driven story, mad and lovable both characters, humourous dialogues, situational gags and at last a perfect finale with a certain emotional touch, that's all about it. And it's lot more than what you can expect. A scatterbrained socialite hires a vagrant as a family butler - mad family to be more precise, but there's more to Godfrey than meets the eye. There are so many good comedies made after this that have took references from it but all in parts not as one solid remake. Yes there was a remake but not upto the mark so here i meant only those different comedies who got upto the Mark. William Powell as Godfrey, my man, what a beautifully played character it was. I would love to hire a butler like him one day. Carol Lombard gives an unforgettable performance as a cracked chatterbox girl. Her dialogue delivery is something you might never forget after watching this film. Alice Brady and Gail Patrick both look gorgeous and gets enough punches to hit the level. Gregory La Cava's direction is unmissable for every director who wants to learn that how a good script is handled in comedy genre without losing its essence and simplicity. Overall, My Man Godfrey surpasses all the overrated comedies of 30s by margin and surely makes a highly recommendable product. A Classic Comedy that cannot be missed by any chance.

RATING - 8/10*

By - #samthebestest

Whether we live in the Depression Era or the age of Occupy Wall Street and the Panama Papers, there remains great suspicion of and derision for those conspicuous faces of the upper classes, and few films capture and satirize this better than My Man Godfrey. It begins, as largely it ends, with strong associations- the dump by the waterfront is cluttered and grimy, filled with cynical but tenacious men, while the ballrooms and mansions of the rich are scenes of incredible chaos. Debauched and manic, these petty denizens amuse themselves with idiotic games, notably a scavenger hunt that calls for a "forgotten man," or rather a citizen of the aforementioned dump. This turns out to be our man Godfrey, played by William Powell with masterfully dry humor and proletarian dignity. His counterpart and perfect opposite is Carole Lombard as Irene, who manages her depiction of extreme ditziness and delusion with convincing charm. Godfrey's attempts to pull himself up from the dump lead him into the circus of Irene's family life, and the film is at its best in scenes where he is forced to navigate through their various inanities. It's difficult to choose any particular moment in this company over another, but wouldn't we all like to watch a pretentious Italian artiste imitating a gorilla? It might be nearly impossible for a major Hollywood comedy to be created today that could balance sympathy for the poor with criticism of the rich without coming across as insincere or blandishing, and Godfrey sometimes seems dangerously close to doing the same, but overall the film remains strong in its message, characterizations, and acting, making it one of the most lovable examples of screwball comedy.

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.

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.

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