SYNOPSIS: "My Man Godfrey," directed by Gregory La Cava, is a classic screwball comedy set during the Great Depression. The film opens with a scavenger hunt organized by wealthy New York socialites, where the eccentric and spoiled Bullock sisters, Irene (Carole Lombard) and Cornelia (Gail Patrick), are tasked with finding a "forgotten man." They encounter Godfrey Parke (William Powell), a down-and-out man living in a shantytown by the East River. Irene persuades Godfrey to accompany her to the scavenger hunt, where he surprises everyone by revealing his sharp wit and dignity. Impressed by his intelligence and charm, Irene hires Godfrey as the Bullock family's butler.

Despite the family's dysfunction and frivolity, Godfrey manages to bring order and sanity to their chaotic household. As he navigates the Bullocks' absurd antics, he forms a close bond with Irene, who begins to fall in love with him. However, Cornelia, suspicious and vindictive, attempts to undermine Godfrey, suspecting he is hiding something.

Throughout the film, it is gradually revealed that Godfrey is not just a "forgotten man" but a man of considerable education and wealth who voluntarily left his privileged life after a personal crisis. His time with the Bullocks not only revitalizes him but also leads to his reconnection with his past. Ultimately, Godfrey's influence transforms the Bullock family, helping them become more grounded and compassionate.

The film concludes with Godfrey opening a new hotel in the location where the shantytown once stood, providing jobs and hope for many unemployed men. Irene, persistent in her affection, finally wins Godfrey’s heart, hinting at a future together. "My Man Godfrey" is celebrated for its witty dialogue, sharp social commentary, and the sparkling chemistry between Powell and Lombard, making it a timeless piece of cinema history.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: "My Man Godfrey" begins at the city dump during the Great Depression, where socialite Irene Bullock (Carole Lombard) and her sister Cornelia (Gail Patrick) are participating in a scavenger hunt. They need to find a "forgotten man" and bring him back to the party. Cornelia tries to persuade a homeless man, Godfrey (William Powell), to come with her, but he refuses. Irene, more sincere and empathetic, convinces him to help her win the contest. Out of gratitude, she offers him a job as the Bullock family's butler, which he accepts.

The Bullock household is chaotic and dysfunctional. The mother, Angelica (Alice Brady), is scatterbrained and obsessed with her protégé Carlo (Mischa Auer), a freeloading musician. The father, Alexander (Eugene Pallette), is a gruff businessman struggling to keep the family finances afloat. Cornelia is conniving and spoiled, while Irene is kind-hearted but immature. Godfrey quickly realizes the magnitude of the dysfunction but manages to bring order to the household with his intelligence and wit.

Cornelia, jealous and suspicious of Godfrey, tries to get him fired by framing him for theft. Her plan fails when Godfrey's intelligence and composure win out. Despite the family's antics, Godfrey and Irene develop a close relationship. Irene falls in love with Godfrey, but he maintains a professional distance, hinting at a mysterious past.

As the story progresses, it's revealed that Godfrey was once a wealthy man who fell into despair after a broken engagement and chose to live among the homeless to find meaning in life. He uses his experience and knowledge to help the Bullock family regain their financial footing, including a memorable scene where he outsmarts Cornelia and returns her stolen pearl necklace, proving his integrity.

In the film's climax, Godfrey leaves the Bullocks, but not before revealing his true identity and intentions. He has secretly invested in a nightclub called "The Dump" with the help of friends from the city dump, turning it into a profitable venture. This act of resourcefulness and generosity helps stabilize the Bullock family's finances.

In the final scenes, Irene tracks down Godfrey and insists on marrying him, despite his protests. Her determination and genuine love finally win him over. The film ends with Irene and Godfrey together, suggesting a future of mutual respect and partnership.

PRODUCTION: "My Man Godfrey" was directed by Gregory La Cava, a filmmaker known for his work in the screwball comedy genre. The screenplay, crafted by Eric Hatch and Morrie Ryskind, was based on Hatch's novel "1101 Park Avenue." The film was produced by Universal Pictures, a studio seeking to capitalize on the success of screwball comedies during the Great Depression. La Cava, known for his collaborative approach, encouraged improvisation on set, which contributed to the film's spontaneous and naturalistic feel.

William Powell and Carole Lombard, both established stars, were cast in the lead roles. Powell, with his suave demeanor and impeccable comedic timing, was a perfect fit for the role of Godfrey.

Lombard, known for her vivacious personality, brought a blend of charm and zaniness to the character of Irene. The supporting cast included Alice Brady as the eccentric matriarch Angelica Bullock, Gail Patrick as the scheming Cornelia, Eugene Pallette as the beleaguered father Alexander, and Mischa Auer as the quirky protégé Carlo.

The production design reflected the contrast between the opulence of the Bullock mansion and the bleakness of the shantytown where Godfrey is initially found. The film's art direction and set design were carefully crafted to enhance the narrative's themes of class disparity and social mobility.

Cinematographer Ted Tetzlaff's work ensured that the visual style supported the comedic elements while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic.

"My Man Godfrey" was shot on a relatively modest budget, typical of many films of the era, yet it managed to achieve a polished look thanks to La Cava's efficient direction and the cast's strong performances. The film's production was marked by a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among the cast and crew, which translated to the screen in the form of palpable chemistry and dynamic performances. This collaborative spirit and attention to detail helped cement "My Man Godfrey" as a quintessential screwball comedy and a standout film of the 1930s.

RELEASE: "My Man Godfrey" was released on September 6, 1936, by Universal Pictures. Upon its release, the film received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences. It was praised for its witty dialogue, sharp social commentary, and the sparkling chemistry between its lead actors, William Powell and Carole Lombard. The film's timely themes of class disparity and redemption resonated deeply with audiences during the Great Depression, adding to its appeal.

The performances were particularly lauded, with Powell's portrayal of Godfrey earning accolades for his charm and sophistication, while Lombard's performance as Irene was celebrated for her comedic brilliance and heartfelt vulnerability. The supporting cast, including Alice Brady, Gail Patrick, Eugene Pallette, and Mischa Auer, also received positive reviews for their contributions to the film's dynamic ensemble.

At the box office, "My Man Godfrey" was a commercial success, drawing large audiences and proving to be a profitable venture for Universal Pictures. The film's success was further solidified during the awards season. "My Man Godfrey" made history as the first film to receive nominations in all four acting categories at the Academy Awards, with nominations for Best Actor (William Powell), Best Actress (Carole Lombard), Best Supporting Actor (Mischa Auer), and Best Supporting Actress (Alice Brady). Additionally, the film received nominations for Best Director (Gregory La Cava) and Best Writing (Screenplay) for Eric Hatch and Morrie Ryskind.

Though it did not win any Oscars, the multiple nominations underscored the film's artistic achievements and the industry's recognition of its quality. Over the years, "My Man Godfrey" has maintained its status as a classic, continuing to be celebrated for its clever writing, stellar performances, and enduring relevance. It remains a beloved example of the screwball comedy genre and a testament to the creative talents involved in its production.

CAST:

• William Powell as Godfrey

• Carole Lombard as Irene Bullock

• Alice Brady as Angelica Bullock

• Gail Patrick as Cornelia Bullock

• Eugene Pallette as Alexander Bullock

• Mischa Auer as Carlo

• Jean Dixon as Molly

• Alan Mowbray as Tommy Gray

• Pat Flaherty as Mike Flaherty

• Robert Light as Faithful George

CREW:

• Director: Gregory La Cava

• Producer: Charles R. Rogers

• Writers: Morrie Ryskind, Eric Hatch (screenplay), Eric Hatch (novel)

• Cinematographer: Ted Tetzlaff

• Editor: Ted J. Kent, Russell F. Schoengarth

• Music: Charles Previn, Rudy Schrager

• Art Director: Charles D. Hall

Production Company: Universal Pictures
Distributor: Universal Pictures

Release Date: September 6, 1936
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 94 minutes
Budget: $656,000
Box Office Return: $1.2 million

IMDB Rating =  7.9 / 10

TRIVIA:

• William Powell suggested his ex-wife Carole Lombard for the leading role, explaining that his real-life romance with her had been much the same as it was for the characters of Godfrey and Irene.

• Carole Lombard had a habit of ad-libbing by inserting swear words into the dialogue, which necessitated the re-shooting of several scenes.

• When William Powell and director Gregory La Cava had a disagreement over how Godfrey should be played, they resolved it over a bottle of Scotch in Powell's dressing room. The next day, La Cava returned to the set with a major headache, but Powell was absent. The director received a telegram from Powell stating: "We may have found Godfrey last night but we lost Powell. See you tomorrow."

• Although stars William Powell and Carole Lombard had been divorced for three years by the time they made this film, when offered the title role, Powell declared that the only actress right for the part of Irene was Lombard.

• A stand-in, Chick Collins, was used when William Powell carries Carole Lombard over his shoulder up the stairs to her bedroom.

• This is the only film to receive Oscar nominations for writing, directing, and all four acting awards without being nominated for Best Picture. 

• In earlier drafts of the script, the character of Carlo (Mischa Auer) was identified as Angelica's gigolo, and the Bullock family openly referred to him as such in dialogue. Censor Joseph Breen insisted that the term gigolo be replaced with protégé, and objected to an ending where Alexander Bullock (Eugene Pallette) abandons his family and ends up with a harem in the South Seas.

• This was the first film to ever receive four acting nominations at the Academy Awards, the same year the supporting categories were introduced.

• The film was selected for preservation by the National Film Registry in 1999, deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the United States Library of Congress.

• Jane Wyman has an uncredited role, seen standing at the back of the crowd in the Waldorf Ritz Hotel as Godfrey makes his speech condemning them all as "nitwits."

• Gail Patrick, who played the older sister Cornelia, was almost three years younger than Carole Lombard, who played the younger sister Irene.

• "Premiere" voted this movie as one of "The 50 Greatest Comedies Of All Time" in 2006.

• The film is based on the book "1101 Park Avenue" by Eric Hatch. Early drafts of the screenplay were tentatively entitled "Ten Eleven Fifth." 1011 Fifth Ave. is where the Metropolitan Museum of Art is located.

• When Irene and Molly are sobbing in the kitchen, Godfrey comes in, tipsy from drinking, and sings lines from "Drink a Highball," a song of the University of Pennsylvania.

• Mischa Auer's character Carlo repeatedly sings "Ochi Chornya." Nine years later, in "And Then There Were None" (1945), his character begins playing the same song on the piano before meeting his demise.

• The character of Irene Bullock as written is in her late teens; Carole Lombard was 27/28 during production.

• When "My Man Godfrey" was adapted and broadcast as an episode of the "Lux Radio Theater" on May 9, 1938, David Niven played Tommy Gray. Niven later starred in the remake "My Man Godfrey" (1957).

• This film features the only Oscar-nominated performances of Carole Lombard and Mischa Auer.

• The $5.00 offered by Cornelia in 1936 to bribe a Forgotten Man would be worth $125.00 in 2024.

• In earlier drafts, the hotel for the charity scavenger hunt was identified as the Waldorf Astoria, but censor Joseph Breen objected. It was renamed the "Waldorf Ritz Hotel."

• Rogelio A. González adapted the story into "Escuela de vagabundos" (1955), starring Pedro Infante, a classic comedy in Mexican film history.

• Included among the American Film Institute's 2000 list of the Top 100 Funniest American Movies.

• Marion Davies, Constance Bennett, and Miriam Hopkins were considered for the role of Irene.

• The copyright appeared at the beginning of the film under the "production credit" of "A Gregory La Cava Production," unusual for its time.

• Included among the American Film Institute's 1998 list of the 400 movies nominated for the Top 100 Greatest American Movies.

• "Academy Award Theater" broadcast a 30-minute radio adaptation of the movie on October 2, 1946, with William Powell reprising his film role.

• The writer of the society column "Park Avenue Chatter" is named Hatton Mann, a play on words about Manhattan.

• The scene where Powell puts Lombard into a cold shower fully clothed may have been inspired by a similar moment in the 1934 M-G-M film "The Girl from Missouri."

"My Man Godfrey" remains a classic of the screwball comedy genre, celebrated for its wit, charm, and social commentary. Its timeless appeal and memorable performances continue to captivate audiences.