Watch My Man Godfrey

My Man Godfrey is an engaging and entertaining 1936 romantic comedy that tells the story of a wealthy and eccentric family who hires a forgotten and troubled man named Godfrey as their butler in the midst of the Great Depression. Directed by Gregory La Cava, the film is a gripping and witty representation of the times and features an all-star cast, including William Powell, Carole Lombard, and Alice Brady.

Set in New York City, the plot begins with Irene Bullock (played by Lombard), who is stubborn and spoilt, arguing with her sister Cornelia (played by Brady) about who can find the best "forgotten man" to bring back to the family's Park Avenue mansion as proof of their social status. Irene finds Godfrey (played by Powell) scavenging through a municipal dump, and brings him home, but discovers that he is far from the indigent he pretends to be.

As the plot unfolds, Irene becomes fascinated with Godfrey and gradually learns about his past and the hardships he's faced, including the loss of his fortune, love, and reputation. Godfrey, on the other hand, becomes close to the family and helps them to overcome their eccentricities and flaws while teaching them important lessons about life and love.

William Powell delivers an outstanding performance in the role of Godfrey, gradually becoming more charming, witty, and mysterious as the story develops. His nuanced portrayal of Godfrey is complemented well by Alice Brady's masterful, Oscar-nominated turn as Cornelia, who is both caustic and comic simultaneously. Carole Lombard steals the show with her effortless portrayal of Irene, who is both ditzy and vulnerable, and who ultimately discovers what she wants from life.

The film was ahead of its time in many ways, with its sharp and incisive commentary on the class divide and the struggles of the working class amid the economic turmoil of the Great Depression. The script is clever and witty, with memorable one-liners that still resonate today, such as Godfrey's famous line "I'm not a butler, I'm the forgotten man".

Overall, My Man Godfrey is a timeless classic that continues to charm audiences today, more than eight decades after its initial release. With its brilliant screenplay, outstanding direction, and standout performances from Powell, Lombard, and Brady, this movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves old Hollywood, classic comedies, and romantic masterpieces. It's a film that has stood the test of time and remains a true gem of its era.

My Man Godfrey is a 1936 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 82.