My Man Godfrey

Plot

During a high society scavenger hunt, flighty heiress Irene Bullock discovers Godfrey Park living in a Hooverville shantytown by the East River and recruits him as her 'forgotten man' to win the contest. Impressed by his dignity, Irene hires Godfrey as the Bullock family's butler, much to the consternation of her cynical sister Cornelia, who had previously tried to humiliate Godfrey during the hunt. As Godfrey brings order to the chaotic Bullock household, Irene falls deeply in love with him while he secretly works to help the forgotten men of the Hooverville where he once lived. The film reaches its climax when Godfrey reveals his true identity as a wealthy Harvard graduate who voluntarily lived among the poor to escape his own family's dysfunction, ultimately teaching the Bullocks about compassion and humanity while finding his own path forward.

Historical Background

My Man Godfrey was produced during the height of the Great Depression, a time when Hoovervilles (shantytowns named after President Herbert Hoover) dotted the American landscape and unemployment reached 25%. The film directly addressed the class tensions of the era while providing escapist entertainment. The 'forgotten man' concept referenced President Franklin D. Roosevelt's inaugural address, where he spoke of helping the forgotten man at the bottom of the economic pyramid. The film's sympathetic portrayal of the wealthy learning compassion from the poor resonated with audiences struggling through economic hardship. Released during Roosevelt's New Deal era, the film reflected growing social consciousness about inequality while maintaining the optimistic spirit that characterized American cinema of the mid-1930s.

Making Of

Director Gregory La Cava was known for his unorthodox methods, often encouraging improvisation and allowing actors to find their own rhythms within scenes. William Powell and Carole Lombard, despite their recent divorce, maintained a warm professional relationship that translated into electric on-screen chemistry. La Cava would frequently rewrite scenes overnight based on the actors' discoveries during the day's filming. The famous 'forgotten man' sequence was shot in a single day with actual homeless men from Los Angeles as extras, adding authenticity to the Hooverville setting. The film's rapid production schedule was made possible by La Cava's preparation and the cast's professionalism. Mischa Auer, who played the piano-playing protégé Carlo, was a classically trained musician who actually performed all his own piano pieces in the film.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Ted Tetzlaff employed sophisticated lighting techniques that highlighted the contrast between the opulent Bullock mansion and the stark Hooverville. Tetzlaff used soft focus for the romantic scenes and more dramatic lighting for the comedy sequences. The camera work was notably fluid for its time, with smooth tracking shots that followed the actors through the chaotic Bullock household. The film's visual style helped establish the look of screwball comedies, with bright, high-key lighting for the comedy scenes and more romantic, shadowy lighting for the intimate moments between Godfrey and Irene.

Innovations

My Man Godfrey showcased advanced sound recording techniques for its time, particularly in capturing the rapid-fire dialogue that characterized screwball comedies. The film's editing, by Ted J. Kent, was notable for its pacing, maintaining comedic rhythm while allowing for character development. The Hooverville set construction was technically impressive, creating a realistic shantytown environment that stood up to close scrutiny. The film's success in balancing multiple storylines and characters while maintaining narrative coherence was considered an achievement in screenwriting and direction.

Music

The musical score was composed by Heinz Roemheld, who incorporated both popular songs of the era and original compositions. The film features several memorable musical moments, including Mischa Auer's character Carlo performing classical piano pieces that serve as comic relief. The soundtrack exemplifies the sophisticated approach to film music developing in Hollywood during the mid-1930s, with music used to enhance both comedic and romantic elements. The film's theme music became recognizable enough to be referenced in subsequent Universal productions.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening scavenger hunt scene where Irene discovers Godfrey in the Hooverville, establishing the film's social commentary and romantic premise.
• The chaotic breakfast scene where Godfrey first witnesses the Bullock family's dysfunction, showcasing the film's masterful ensemble comedy.
• Godfrey teaching the Bullock family how to make breakfast, demonstrating his transformative influence on the household.
• The final revelation scene where Godfrey exposes his true identity and explains his philosophy about helping others.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics hailed My Man Godfrey as a masterpiece of sophisticated comedy. The New York Times praised its 'brilliant dialogue and expert direction,' while Variety called it 'one of the year's best pictures.' Modern critics continue to celebrate the film; Roger Ebert included it in his Great Movies collection, praising its 'perfect blend of social satire and romantic comedy.' The film holds a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics consensus calling it 'a witty and sophisticated screwball comedy that stands as one of the genre's finest examples.' Film scholars frequently cite it as a prime example of how Hollywood could address social issues within the constraints of the studio system.

What Audiences Thought

My Man Godfrey was a major box office success upon its release, resonating with Depression-era audiences who appreciated its blend of escapist entertainment and social relevance. The film's themes of compassion and understanding across class lines struck a chord with viewers struggling through economic hardship. Audiences particularly embraced the chemistry between Powell and Lombard, making them one of the most popular screen teams of the era. The film's popularity has endured through decades, with it regularly appearing in polls of the greatest comedies ever made. Modern audiences continue to discover the film through revivals, home video, and streaming platforms, maintaining its status as a beloved classic.

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