PIC of the Week – My Man Godfrey
Article series by Ray Schillaci
I thought this week would be a no brainer with the latest installment of Jurassic World with J.A. Bayona (The Impossible, A Monster Calls) at the helm or the VOD release of the rumored gonzo Nicolas Cage movie, Mandy, which is getting great word of mouth. But, I could not imagine placing them in front the latest Criterion Collection of the delightful 1936 classic comedy/drama, My Man Godfrey starring William Powell and Carole Lombard. Now, back off haters of old movies. This film came with four well deserved Oscar nominations, and was regarded as “culturally significant” by the U.S. Library of Congress and selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. The writing is witty, the direction by Gregory La Cava is smart, and the actors are a joy to watch.
For years, My Man Godfrey was a public domain title allowing the cheapest versions peddled to the public. Criterion now gifts us with the best presentation of this film ever. A new 4K digital restoration with an uncompressed monaural soundtrack on Blu. Gone are the pops, hisses, and the dark and fuzzy images so many have associated with this classic.
My Man Godfrey has been termed a “screwball” comedy, and to some that may be a turn off. This sub-genre of comedy often combined farce, slapstick, and witty dialogue and was most popular in the ’30s and ’40s during the Great Depression. Many “screwball” comedies of that era do not play as well for some viewers. But, there are exceptions that endure, and are as enjoyable to watch as the later screwball comedies of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s (i.e. Some like It Hot, Billy Wilder’s One, Two, Three, and the Barbara Streisand movie What’s Up Doc?). Criterion declares that Godfrey “is one of Hollywood’s greatest commentaries on class and the social unrest of the Depression era.” And, if you have not been introduced to Carole Lombard, you’re in for a real treat. The repartee between Powell and Lombard is so much fun that you may end up finding yourself seeking out their other movies.
A spoiled socialite goes on a society scavenger hunt for “the forgotten man” during the Depression. She finds her man in Godfrey “Smith” Parke, William Powell, living with others at the city dump. He’s not too keen on being put on exhibition, and she offers him $5 to be her showcase. $5 back then would have been about $70 now, and it would buy a lot. He puts her in his place, and leaves her disappointed. However, the woman’s younger sister, Irene, played by Lombard, convinces him to be part of the game and help her beat her older sister. He finds the younger sister kind, although a bit of an airhead and agrees.
Once Godfrey arrives at the party he chastises the idle rich and their parlor games. Irene feels bad and offers him a job as a butler. Godfrey appreciates her generosity and accepts the job. Between the family and friend’s antics, and the other help in the household, Godfrey is able to juggle it all and turn the family on its ear while having Irene’s attraction to him make the whole story all the more enjoyable. To tell any more would be a disservice to all those uninitiated. Let’s just say Powell and Lombard alone are worth the purchase.
Once you do catch this classic comedy, you’ll want to catch some of the other Lombard classics: Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Nothing Sacred, and To Be or Not To Be that was later remade by Mel Brooks. William Powell’s credits include his most famous Thin Man series of movies, Life With Father and one of my favorite fantasies, Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid. Director La Cava is best known for the teaming of the infamous duo Katherine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers in the comedy/drama, Stage Door and the wonderful W.C. Fields film Running Wild.
Criterion has provided a generous portion of extras:
¥ A new program with jazz and film critic Gary Giddins
¥ New interview with critic Nick Pinkerton on director Gregory La Cava
¥ Outtakes (rare for films as old as this)
¥ Lux Radio Theater adaptation of the film 1938
¥ Newsreels depicting Great Depression class divides
¥ Trailer
¥ An essay by critic Farran Smith Nehme
Best Price – $25.99 – tie – Walmart and Amazon (or if you can wait until sometime in November, $20 with Barnes & Noble Criterion 1/2 off sale)
