My Man Godfrey (1936)
Directed by Gregory La Cava, My Man Godfrey is one of the defining films of the screwball comedy era, blending sharp wit, class satire, and romantic chaos. Starring William Powell and Carole Lombard, the film was a critical and commercial triumph, earning six Academy Award nominations and later being selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry for its cultural significance.
Plot Summary
During a scavenger hunt among New York’s elite, ditzy socialite Irene Bullock (Carole Lombard) stumbles upon Godfrey (William Powell), a homeless man living in a Hooverville. She hires him as the family butler, bringing him into the absurd world of the eccentric Bullocks. Godfrey, however, is no ordinary “forgotten man”—he’s educated, composed, and quietly transformative.
As Irene falls in love with him, Godfrey navigates the family’s dysfunction while secretly working to uplift others in his former community. The film’s climax reveals Godfrey’s mysterious past and his plan to turn the tables on the idle rich.
Cast Highlights
- William Powell as Godfrey
- Carole Lombard as Irene Bullock
- Alice Brady as Angelica Bullock (Oscar-nominated)
- Mischa Auer as Carlo (Oscar-nominated)
- Gail Patrick, Eugene Pallette, and Jean Dixon round out the ensemble
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
- Powell personally recommended his ex-wife Carole Lombard for the role of Irene, saying their real-life romance mirrored the film’s dynamic
- Lombard’s habit of ad-libbing swear words during takes led to multiple reshoots
- A stand-in was used when Powell carried Lombard up the stairs—Chick Collins doubled for the scene
- Powell and director La Cava once resolved a disagreement over Godfrey’s character by drinking Scotch together; Powell later sent a telegram saying, “WE MAY HAVE FOUND GODFREY LAST NIGHT BUT WE LOST POWELL”
- The film was shot in just six weeks, with a budget of $575,375—Powell earned $87,500, Lombard $45,645
