Film Review: My Man Godfrey (1936)

The 1936 film My Man Godfrey is a comedy that emerged during a pivotal period in American history, the Great Depression. The term "forgotten man" became a common phrase used to describe the victims of the economic downturn, and it was a theme that resonated deeply in the Hollywood films of the time. The character of Godfrey, the title protagonist of My Man Godfrey, is a direct reference to this concept, highlighting the struggles of those who were left behind by the economic crisis. The film, based on Eric Hatch's 1935 novel 1101 Park Avenue, tells the story of a wealthy New York City family, the Bullocks, who hire a homeless man, Godfrey (played by William Powell), as their new butler.

The plot begins with when two Bullock sisters – Irene (played by Carole Lombard) and Cornelia (played by Gail Patrick) – taking part in scavenger hunt where the target is “forgotten man”. They find Godfrey in a hobo camp. Initially disgusted by the way spoiled socialites view him, he nevertheless takes Irene’s offer to become family’s new butler. He takes his job very seriously and professionally, and Irene becomes drawn to Godfrey and sees him as a potential escape from her mundane life. As the story unfolds, Godfrey is revealed to be more than just a butler and he has a secret that might explain why he seems to be so adept to work in the world of wealth and privilege.

The film is competently directed by Gregory La Cava, who brings the world of the wealthy New York City upper class to life through elaborate sets, exquisite costumes, and props. The film's setting, during the Great Depression, adds a layer of social commentary to the story, highlighting the stark contrast between the lives of the wealthy and the poor.

The cast of is very good, with William Powell delivering a standout performance as Godfrey. Powell's suaveness and charm are on full display as he brings depth and nuance to the character. Before production he insisted that Lombard, who had been his wife few years earlier, to be cast as Irene. The result of his efforts paid off and his chemistry with her is decent, and the two actors work well together with Lombard confirming her reputation as one of Classic Hollywood's top comediennes. The rest of the cast, including Gail Patrick as the "bad" older sister, Cornelia, and Eugene Pallette as the father, are also well-cast. Alice Brady and Mischa Auer, who play Mrs. Bullock and her "protege" Carlo, respectively, were nominated for supporting Oscars, along with Powell and Lombard for their leading roles.

Despite the solid direction and good acting, My Man Godfrey doesn't quite live up to its lofty reputation among film historians. The script, while attempting to address the burning social issues of poverty, unemployment, and despair caused by the Great Depression, succumbs to cliches and populist sentiments. The film portrays the rich as uniformly decadent and dysfunctional, while the poor are uniformly noble. Additionally, the script plays with time too much, making certain characters, like Irene, initially unlikeable and difficult to redeem. The film's resolution, which relies on a series of not particularly convincing coincidences and plot twists, also falls short.

Despite these shortcomings, My Man Godfrey remains a solid piece of entertainment. The film's attempt to address the social issues of the time, although imperfect, is commendable. The film had success at box office and in 1957 it was remade with David Niven and June Allyson in starring roles.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

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