My Man Godfrey (1936)

William Powell, Carole Lombard

Directed by Gregory LaCava

Available to stream on YouTube

In this classic Depression-era screwball comedy, ditzy Carole Lombard hires homeless “forgotten man” William Powell to be her rich family’s butler, not knowing that he is in reality a wealthy philanthropist in disguise.

Carole Lombard and William Powell

Why we love it: William Powell is always wonderful and this film is funny, glamorous, and enjoyable. We do find Carole Lombard’s character slightly irritating and her strange hairdo a little off-putting (but audiences at the time adored her and this film cemented her reputation as one of the era's best comedic actresses.)  Why would William Powell fall in love with her, you may ask yourself.  Just put that thought aside, and enjoy -- the ditzy mother, the harassed father, the eccentric protégé, and the beautiful 1930’s sets and fashions. 

Review from "Photoplay" 1936

Fun Facts:

• This was the first film to receive Oscar nominations in all four acting categories -- Best Actor for Powell, Best Actress for Lombard, Best Supporting Actress for Alice Brady, and Best Supporting Actor for Mischa Auer. This is also the only film to be nominated for Best Writing, Best Director, and all four Actor categories without being nominated for Best Picture and the only film to receive all of those nominations and not win a single one!

Alice Brady and Mischa Auer in "My Man Godfrey"

• William Powell and Carole Lombard had been married from 1931 to 1933. After their divorce they remained friends and it was actually Powell who insisted that Lombard play the part of Irene in My Man Godfrey.

Powell from "Photoplay" 1936

Lombard, "Movie Classic" 1936

Mischa Auer

Brady, Lombard, and Powell

Lombard and Powell

• Carole Lombard married Clark Gable in 1939. In 1942 Lombard tragically died at the age of 33 in a plane crash on her way home from a war bond rally in her home state of Indiana. She is remembered as the best comedic actress of the 1930's and 40's, especially know for screwball comedies like My Man Godfrey.

From "Modern Screen" 1942

For reviews and articles from the time, go to the Fan Magazine Reviews page.

Featured Cocktail:

Colony Cocktail

This drink was created during Prohibition at The Colony—a popular restaurant, gambling club, and upmarket speakeasy in New York City. Mayor Jimmy Walker frequented the restaurant and protected it from raids by the police. Even so, drinks were served in cups instead of glasses and the liquor was stored in the service elevator, which could be sent to the basement or the attic, in case federal agents raided.

1½ oz (45 ml) gin

½ Tbsp (7.5 ml) maraschino liqueur

¾ - 1 oz (22.5 -30 ml) freshly squeezed grapefruit juice

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with grapefruit twist.

Cheers to the Classics!