☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
My Man Godfrey (1936) – G. La Cava
Classic screwball comedy that isn’t quite as frantic as some but which still contains a fair few throwaway jokes buried in the hubbub. As part of a scavenger hunt searching for a “forgotten man”, sisters Irene (Carole Lombard) and Cornelia Bullock (Gail Patrick) find Godfrey (William Powell) at the New York City dump, living with other homeless men and looking the worse for it. When he decides to return with Irene (after pushing condescending Cornelia into an ash pile), the night ends up with Godfrey being offered the job of butler to the Bullocks, a surprise to father Eugene Pallette and mother Alice Brady (and her “protégé” Mischa Auer – the source of many laughs). He soon learns the family is chaotic, nearly unhinged in their need for drama, and although living in a wealthy manner, almost broke (a secret kept by Mr. Bullock). What unfolds next is a life-lesson for spoiled children, a fairytale for those living through the Great Depression, and a well-acted/directed/written (six Oscar nominations) comedy. Surprisingly, Powell is given the straight role here but he plays it with expert skill and holds things together while those around him improvise. Highly recommended.
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