My Man Godfrey
1936, Comedy, 1h 35m
37 Reviews 5,000+ RatingsWhat to know
A class satire in a class of its own, My Man Godfrey's screwball comedy is as sharp as the social commentary is biting. Read critic reviews
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My Man Godfrey Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Godfrey
Irene Bullock
Angelica Bullock
Alexander Bullock
Cornelia Bullock
Tommy Gray
News & Interviews for My Man Godfrey
Critic Reviews for My Man Godfrey
All Critics (37) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (36) | Rotten (1)
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My Man Godfrey emerges with that evasive quality that is not skillful playing, writing or direction, but something that mysteriously adds itself to these things, and makes a tip-top picture.
April 24, 2009 | Full Review… -
[A] screwball masterpiece.
February 6, 2009 | Full Review… -
God, but this film is beautiful.
February 6, 2009 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review… -
Gregory La Cava's improvisational style received its highest critical acclaim for this 1936 film, a marginally Marxist exercise in class confusion during the Depression.
February 6, 2009 | Full Review… -
William Powell and Carole Lombard are pleasantly teamed in this splendidly produced comedy.
October 18, 2008 | Full Review… -
The film has lost some of its allure over the years, but it's still streets and streets ahead of the addled whimsy favoured by latter-day Hollywood.
February 9, 2006 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for My Man Godfrey
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Oct 21, 2018A delightful comedy with lovable stars and some nice social messages as well. You don't get much better than William Powell for a leading man in the 1930's, and he's as charming as always as a hobo who is hired as a butler by a rich family. Carole Lombard is one of the two daughters, and because she's so ditzy and disconnected from the real world, you'd think her character would be one you'd hate; however, she's so lovable in her hopelessly romantic outlook, and how silly she gets when she falls in love with Godfrey, that you can't help but smile when she's on the screen. She's just wonderful in her overly dramatic moments, trying comically to assume a sorrowful pose, seduce Godfrey with her gaze, and make grand, sweeping gestures. In one scene, as she expresses her torment theatrically, her sister (Gail Patrick) quips, "Oh, I remember that pose so well. I learned it in Dramatics School. It's Number 8 isn't it?" I love the little ways both stars use their bodies in this film, for example, when Powell struts across the room whistling a tune after he's had a few drinks on his day off, and when Lombard's head bobs around like a rag doll's when he picks her up over his shoulder and takes her up the stairs. The script is peppered with clever dialogue, rapid jokes, and lines that engage us, such as Lombard saying "You have a wonderful sense of humor. I wish I had a sense of humor, but I can never think of the right thing to say until everybody's gone home." While the film has a lot of zaniness, it also delivers messages that were pitch perfect for the Great Depression, and which we could use a dose of today. When we first meet the sisters, they're on a scavenger hunt for a 'forgotten man', who they must bring back to a lavish party, completely oblivious to his situation, and treating him as an object. The film keeps up its satire of the wealthy, showing them as vapid and spoiled, but at the same time, it shows us that everyone - rich or poor - sometimes needs a helping hand in life. The film is really about understanding others, even when someone seems pretty far removed from our own situation. About the poor, Godfrey says "The only difference between a derelict and a man is a job." To Gail Patrick's character, who's been an adversary the whole movie, he says "You taught me the fallacy of false pride. You taught me humility," before encouraging her to use her "high spirits in a more constructive way." He's got civility, empathy, and class, and it's a lovely counterpart to Lombard's lovable melodrama.Antonius B Super Reviewer
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Jun 28, 2014A witty political satire that will probably leave you smiling more than laughing out loud, especially when showing the hilarious eccentricities of its crazy family, and it boasts some wonderful, Oscar-nominated performances by Powell, Lombard and Brady.Carlos M Super Reviewer
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Jan 15, 2014I loved this film. Godfrey is an absolute delight as an unlikely family butler. A true treat.John B Super Reviewer
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Nov 03, 2013A comedy from the 30's that actually holds up quite nicely. Still funny, and great performances from William Powell and Carole Lombard... especially Lombard. Did you know that they used to call hobos "forgotten men" back in the day? Well, if you're like me, you'll find that out after watching this movie!Jared H Super Reviewer
My Man Godfrey Quotes
| Carlo: | Money, money, money! |
| Angelica Bullock: | What happened to Carlo? |
| Alexander Bullock: | He had to leave suddenly. |
| Irene Bullock: | Stand still, Godfrey. It'll all be over in a minute. |
| Alexander Bullock: | Well, all you need to start an asylum is an empty room and the right kind of people. |
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