My Man Godfrey

Overview

Roger Ebert reviews "My Man Godfrey" (1936), highlighting its status as a treasure of screwball comedy, praising the performances, visual style, and underlying social commentary about class and the Depression era.

Plot Summary and Themes

• The film centers on Irene, a spoiled heiress, who hires a homeless man, Godfrey, as a butler after finding him during a scavenger hunt.
• Godfrey, played by William Powell, transforms from a bum to a polished butler, concealing his own privileged past.
• The story contrasts the frivolous, oblivious Bullock family with the struggles of the Depression's "forgotten men."
• Irene's hopeless romantic pursuit of Godfrey is a recurring comedic and emotional thread.
• The film uses the implausible events of screwball comedy—like a pearl theft and stock market schemes—to create a hopeful, escapist experience.

Performances and Characterization

• Carole Lombard's portrayal of Irene is described as dreamy and breathless, embodying a yearning innocence.
• William Powell’s understated delivery and deep voice bring depth and restraint to Godfrey, avoiding overt emotion yet suggesting passion.
• Supporting characters, especially Eugene Pallette as Alexander Bullock, provide comedic counterpoints and memorable moments.
• The film benefits from a cast filled with sharply defined characters, each contributing to the overall dynamic.

Cinematography and Style

• Ted Tetzlaff’s black and white cinematography is praised for its shimmering, tactile beauty, making the film visually exceptional.
• Costume and set designs, especially the women's wardrobes and the stylized apartment, create a glamorous, movie-set feel.
• Ebert notes specific memorable compositions and encourages viewers to appreciate the artistry of the visuals.

Social Commentary and Lasting Impact

• The film lampoons the idle rich while maintaining empathy for the “forgotten men” of the Depression.
• Ebert argues that screwball comedy’s implausibility serves as cinematic tonic, offering hope and joy.
• He laments the loss of such sophisticated filmmaking in modern pop culture, asserting the film’s enduring value.

Cast and Crew Highlights

• Starring: William Powell (Godfrey), Carole Lombard (Irene), Eugene Pallette (Alexander), Jean Dixon (Molly), Alice Brady (Angelica), Gail Patrick (Cornelia), and Mischa Auer (Carlo).
• Directed by Gregory La Cava; screenplay by Eric Hatch and Morrie Ryskind.

Recommendations / Advice

• Ebert recommends watching the restored Criterion DVD for its alluring visuals.
• He encourages viewers to appreciate the subtle genius and artistry, rather than focusing on plot plausibility.

Questions / Follow-Ups

• The review notes some online critics find the plot implausible, prompting reflection on the purpose and nature of screwball comedy.