My Man Godfrey

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My Man Godfrey

Released Sep 17, 1936

1h 35m

Comedy

Drama

Romance

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Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

38 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Fifth Avenue socialite Irene Bullock needs a "forgotten man" to win a scavenger hunt, and no one fits that description more than Godfrey Park, who resides in a dump by the East River. Irene hires Godfrey as a servant for her riotously unhinged family, to the chagrin of her spoiled sister, Cornelia, who tries her best to get Godfrey fired. As Irene falls for her new butler, Godfrey turns the tables and teaches the frivolous Bullocks a lesson or two.

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Critics Consensus

A class satire in a class of its own, My Man Godfrey's screwball comedy is as sharp as the social commentary is biting.

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TIME Magazine

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.

Apr 24, 2009

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Hazel-Dawn Dumpert

Village Voice

[A] screwball masterpiece.

Feb 6, 2009

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

God, but this film is beautiful.

Rated: 4/4

Feb 6, 2009

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

'…My Man Godfrey’s class critique stings…La Cava’s comedy has more social relevance that a dozen ‘prestige’ pictures…’

Rated: 4/5

May 22, 2024

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

This scintillating comedy was the first film to be Oscar-nominated in all four acting categories.

Rated: 3.5/4

Nov 2, 2020

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Allen Almachar

The MacGuffin

It is a wonderful film with a conscientious mind.

Aug 10, 2020

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Glen H

Just an absolutely delightful heartfelt classic. Lombard and Powell are just magical together. One of the greatest from the Golden Age.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/24/24

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nick s

Some sharp dialogue and a lot of energy. However it's quite stagey and has the vibe of a play. The actors throw their lines out a bit too fast and don't give the conversations time to breathe. I liked the quirkiness of the play but really struggled with the shrill voices of the actresses.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/19/24

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Mark B

This is an enjoyable picture that is part screwball comedy part Downton Abbey. The social commentary is quite Capra like but it is coming out of depression era times. The writing is quick witted and holds up. A great movie overall and a fun time.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/09/24

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Aileen O

Just loved this movie. Delightful entertainment. Very surprised I had never heard of it before. Made in the 30s but, to me, it's more entertaining than most films being produced today.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/28/24

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Scott W

Powell is always a delight. This is a great vehicle.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/30/24

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Gorptholemew T

🍅 8.1/10 These are some of the sickest burns for 1936. Great 1930s romance comfort film. Grade A-

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/10/24

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Gregory La Cava

Director

William Powell

Godfrey

Carole Lombard

Irene Bullock

Alice Brady

Angelica Bullock

Eugene Pallette

Alexander Bullock

Gail Patrick

Cornelia Bullock

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Synopsis

Fifth Avenue socialite Irene Bullock needs a "forgotten man" to win a scavenger hunt, and no one fits that description more than Godfrey Park, who resides in a dump by the East River. Irene hires Godfrey as a servant for her riotously unhinged family, to the chagrin of her spoiled sister, Cornelia, who tries her best to get Godfrey fired. As Irene falls for her new butler, Godfrey turns the tables and teaches the frivolous Bullocks a lesson or two.

Director: Gregory La Cava
Producer: Charles R. Rogers
Screenwriter: Morrie Ryskind, Eric Hatch
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal Pictures
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 17, 1936, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 26, 2013
Runtime: 1h 35m

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