Review of My Man Godfrey (1936) by Happy F — 14 May 2017

My Man Godfrey is the perfect marriage of screwball comedy and probing social commentary. Arguably (and in my opinion) the best screwball comedy of all time! Ditzy, golden-hearted heiress Irene(Lombard) chances upon Godfrey(Powell) as she and a group of society friends embark on a unique scavenger hunt across New York to find the most priceless treasure: "a forgotten man." The first person to return with "a forgotten man" receives the sincerest accolades of New York's upper echelon. Unbeknownst to Irene who adopts Godfrey as her pet project ( a protégé in training), Godfrey is not a pauper but an irascible prince of a guy who is disenchanted with the snobbish attitudes of the upper crust.

Rounding out the rag-tag band of uproarious characters is Irene's equally ditzy mother (Burke), long-suffering father (Pallette), and spoiled sister (Patrick). Irene's mother has her own protégé, a talentless windbag who mooches off the family. Set in the midst of The Great Depression, this film brilliantly highlights the plight of those in despair, and turns the subject on it's ear by satirizing elitist society and its vain, self-absorbed pageantry.

Eventually, after her million-and-one broken engagements and unable to attain Godfrey's attentions, Irene storms off to Europe. Meanwhile, Godfrey is setting in motion a plan for his redemption as a humanitarian. What ensues is glorious hilarity. In the end, Irene saddles her man and Godfrey tames his "little Irene" ,or does he?

A film that far outshines many of its predecessors and many of its progeny. Films including The Awful Truth, Sullivan's Travels, and Meet John Doe who tried to claim credit for the Depression-era screwball genre or allusion to the "forgotten men" really channeled this amazing gem directed by Gregory La Cava. The others pale in comparison: it is indeed the best of the genre and the top comedy of all time!

In addition, this 20th Century Screen Legends release features the best print of any currently available including Criterion. It also has a marvelously wonderful colorized version that is pristine and clear, which may attract younger audiences attention more raptly. This is definitely the definitive version of this timeless masterpiece!