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Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #532 in Movie
- Released on: 2008-01-13
- Rating: Unrated
- Running time: 94 minutes
Customer Reviews
A Screwball Social Comedy
Often cited as a masterpiece of the screwball genre because of Carole Lombard's hilarious and endearing performance as Irene Bullock, Gregory La Cava's finest film is also very much a social comedy in the Frank Capra vein. It tackles many of the same issues as the darker "Meet John Doe" but in a more upbeat and funny manner, its message somewhat overshadowed by Lombard's Irene and Powell's dapper but troubled Godfrey.
William Powell requested his ex-wife Lombard for the role of Irene and it's hard to imagine anyone else in the part. Sometimes overlooked, however, is Powell's brilliantly shaded turn as Godfrey, a man running from his family's money and influence after having his heart broke by a woman. Traveling and living as a hobo, he fits right in with others bitter and lost during the depression.
Being a denizen of society's upper crust hasn't prepared him for the likes of Irene Bullock and her family, however. From the moment he gives in to her wish that he come with her as a "forgotten man" and become her "Cornelia beater" in a scavenger hunt, he becomes a part of the family and teaches them all some valuable lessons.
Eugene Pallette is marvelous as the harrassed father in financial trouble trying to curtail his family's high living and crazy lifestyle. Gail Patrick is a perfect contrast to Lombard's sweet and ditzy Irene as her cold and scheming sister, Cornelia. Mischa Auer gives a crazy performance as a moocher funded by Irene's mom. But it's really the chemistry of Powell and Lombard that holds it all together.
Irene, who has no idea Godfrey is living in the dump by choice, falls head over heels for him. He in turn, numb from being hurt, and not ready to open that door again yet, puts his energy into transforming that dump into a working place where men can feel useful again. While he works for the Bullock's, however, Irene works his way into his heart.
Lombard works her way into the filmgoer's heart as well, giving one of the great comedic performances in sound film. This is a marvelous film from the 1930's which blends social commentary with screwball comedy perhaps better than any other from the era. Powell is magnificent here, and if you've never seen Lombard, you'll be a big fan after seeing her here for the first time. A real gem.
Annoying RE logo in the bottom right corner 
This is a great movie. However there is an annoying RE logo in the bottom right corner throughout the whole picture. The only reason we do not return it is that it only cost $8... Some day a more professional version will be available and we will purchase it.
William Powell is at his best
A dysfunctional but seemingly wealthy family takes in a new butler of dubious background. In return the butler saves the family in more ways than one. (This is a comedy)
I really appreciate this movie on many levels. You may recognize several people types just in the Bullock family. The interaction between Carole Lombard and William Powell is worth watching in its self. I particularly like when Tommy Gray (Alan Mowbray) has to explain his earlier relationship with Godfrey.
As good as this movie is I still like the remake with David Niven and June Allyson just as well. My Man Godfrey (1957) but many of his movies are hard to find. Such as "The Statue" and "Prudence and the pill."
My Man Godfrey Starring: June Allyson, David Niven