Rent My Man Godfrey (1936)

Classic Screwball - My Man Godfrey review by Steve

A party of socialites are on a scavenger hunt among the homeless of New York. Irene (Carole Lombard) explains this 'is like a treasure hunt, except in a treasure hunt you find something you want, and in a scavenger hunt you find something that nobody wants'. She attaches herself to 'forgotten man' Godfrey (William Powell) in the most cynical meet-cute in pictures.

Godfrey becomes the butler to the anarchic Bullock family. The father (Eugene Palette) earns big in the stock exchange, but his dependents spend it bigger; his ditzy wife  (Alice Faye)  and her freeloading protege (Mischa Auer, who is hilarious). Irene has a dangerous sister (Gail Patrick), who has the potential for the political extremism sweeping Europe.

The butler survives the family, and inevitably saves them, teaching them humility and (by implication) the value of Roosevelt's new deal. As Godfrey, William Powell is sensational; charming, with an underlying dignity which is never tarnished no matter how reduced his circumstances: 'The only difference between a derelict and a man is a job'.

My Man Godfrey is a romantic comedy, and Powell and crazy Carole Lombard are adorable as a very odd couple. It is funny, and it is heartbreaking and it is also about the political dangers of the depression. It is a classic example of how adept thirties screwball comedy became at reflecting America back to itself.  

Brilliant 1936 Screwball Comedy based on a novel, Best US Comedy I have seen for Ages - My Man Godfrey review by PV

I loved this. How can a 1936 film be better than any new film this year? But it is.

From a novel by Eric Hatch called '1101 Park Avenue,'.

GREAT characters, really memorable, esp the obese father - he is great and VERY patient. Some madcap characters too, some Italian who eats so much but stays thin and who thinks he is an artist, 2 spoilt rich daughters.

Social commentary within this, however romanticised (so is Oliver Twist though).

I LOVED it.