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Features: DVD
In this classic screwball comedy, socialite Carole Lombard hires William Powell as a butler, believing she's giving a break to a tramp - but he's not what she thinks, and proves that money isn't everything. Poor Alexander Bullock (Eugene Pallette) has his hands full with dueling daughters Irene (Lombard) and Cornelia (Gail Patrick), plus a dizzy wife (Alice Brady) and her lazy "protege," Carlo (Mischa Auer). Found living in the city dump, Godfrey (Powell) is used as a "forgotten man" to win a scavenger hunt, and has to cope with Irene's insistent advances while hiding the fact that he is a Boston blue blood. Both leads scored Academy Award nominations, as did Auer and Brady (Best Supporting Actor and Actress), director Gregory La Cava and the script by Morrie Ryskind and original author Eric Hatch.
"One of the all-time great screwball comedies." AMC Classic Movie Companion
"Delightful romp...Classic screwball comedy..." Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide
"A screwball feast." MovieLine
Editor's Note
Based on the novel by Eric Hatch, this screwball comedy is a genre favorite. On a scavenger hunt for a society ball, haughty Cornelia Bullock discovers Godfrey, a dirty, dishevelled bum lurking around the city dump. She's looking for a "forgotten man" and Godfrey fits the bill perfectly. Hoping to win her first prize, she offers him five dollars to come along with her. Proud and dignified, he refuses, casting her aside. Minutes later, when her lovely younger sister Irene makes the same request, an enamored Godfrey accepts. The hunt sets off an unusual chain of events that bring Godfrey into the Bullock household as a permanent fixture. He'll become deeply embroiled in their family saga before anyone learns his true identity. Re-made in 1957.
Plot Summary
Based on the novel by Eric Hatch, this screwball comedy is a genre favorite. On a scavenger hunt for a society ball, haughty Cornelia Bullock discovers Godfrey, a dirty, dishevelled bum lurking around the city dump. She's looking for a "forgotten man" and Godfrey fits the bill perfectly. Hoping to win her first prize, she offers him five dollars to come along with her. Proud and dignified, he refuses, casting her aside. Minutes later, when her lovely younger sister Irene makes the same request, an enamored Godfrey accepts. The hunt sets off an unusual chain of events that bring Godfrey into the Bullock household as a permanent fixture. He'll become deeply embroiled in their family saga before anyone learns his true identity.
| Features | Audio: English Dolby Digital Mono | | Interactive Menus | | Scene Selection |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: KC SALES |
| Release Date: 12/19/2006 |
| Running Time: 90 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1936 | | UPC: 00877694005341 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Video: B&W |
Aspect Ratio | | Standard 1.33:1 [4:3] |
| Cast & Crew | Alice Brady | | Carole Lombard | | Eugene Pallette | | William Powell | | Charles Previn - Original Music By | | Charles R. Rogers - Executive Producer | | Eric Hatch - Based On Novel By | | Gregory La Cava - Director | | Gregory La Cava - Producer | | Morrie Ryskind, et. al. - Screenplay | | Rudy Schrager - Original Music By | | Russell F. Schoengarth - Editor | | Ted J. Kent - Editor | | Ted Tetzlaff - Cinematographer |
| Awards |
Nominee (1937) | | | Oscar, William Powell, Best Actor in a Leading Role | | | Oscar, Mischa Auer, Best Actor in a Supporting Role | | | Oscar, Carole Lombard, Best Actress in a Leading Role | | | Oscar, Alice Brady, Best Actress in a Supporting Role | | | Oscar, Gregory La Cava, Best Director | | | Oscar, Eric Hatch, Morrie Ryskind, Best Writing, Screenplay |
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| | Professional Reviews | USA Today
"...[A] screwball classic....The first film to win Oscar nominations in all four acting categories..." 08/03/2001 p.5EVariety 9 of 10
William Powell and Carole Lombard are pleasantly teamed in this splendidly produced comedy. Story is balmy, but not too much so, and lends itself to the sophisticated screen treatment of Eric Hatch's novel...Alice Brady, as the social mother in whom the family's psychopathic ward tendencies seemingly originate, does a bangup job with another tough part. Gail Patrick, as Lombard's sparring partner-sister, is excellent. Eugene Pallette, as the harassed father, and Mischa Auer, in a gigolo role, a beautiful piece of sustained comedy playing and writing, are both fine.
Crazy for Cinema 9 of 10
Carole Lombard proves she's more than just a pretty face in this screwball comedy that has her falling in love with a down-and-out William Powell. Like most comedies of the day, Godfrey pokes fun at the frivolous habits of the upper class, while attempting to impart a social message about the troubles of the common man. Thankfully, the message is buried under witty dialogue and romantic posturing...Lombard is luminous and funny as the headstrong little rich girl with love on her mind. Powell tries to keep his distance and resist her charms, but it's clear who's going to win in the end. This is not your typical romance, but that's part of its charm. That and Powell's suave intelligence. This is a lovely and funny trifle.
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