Whether we live in the Depression Era or the age of Occupy Wall Street and the Panama Papers, there remains great suspicion of and derision for those conspicuous faces of the upper classes, and few films capture and satirize this better than My Man Godfrey. It begins, as largely it ends, with strong associations- the dump by the waterfront is cluttered and grimy, filled with cynical but tenacious men, while the ballrooms and mansions of the rich are scenes of incredible chaos. Debauched and manic, these petty denizens amuse themselves with idiotic games, notably a scavenger hunt that calls for a "forgotten man," or rather a citizen of the aforementioned dump. This turns out to be our man Godfrey, played by William Powell with masterfully dry humor and proletarian dignity. His counterpart and perfect opposite is Carole Lombard as Irene, who manages her depiction of extreme ditziness and delusion with convincing charm. Godfrey's attempts to pull himself up from the dump lead him into the circus of Irene's family life, and the film is at its best in scenes where he is forced to navigate through their various inanities. It's difficult to choose any particular moment in this company over another, but wouldn't we all like to watch a pretentious Italian artiste imitating a gorilla? It might be nearly impossible for a major Hollywood comedy to be created today that could balance sympathy for the poor with criticism of the rich without coming across as insincere or blandishing, and Godfrey sometimes seems dangerously close to doing the same, but overall the film remains strong in its message, characterizations, and acting, making it one of the most lovable examples of screwball comedy.

A scavenger hunt amongst the rich leads two competitive sisters to the local dump where one has the idea to bring back one of the "lost men". She offers Godfrey $5 to come with her, Godfrey played by the fabulous William Powell doesn't take it very well and shoves her into an ash heap. The younger much sweeter sister, Irene, strikes up a conversation with Godfrey and explains about the scavenger hunt etc and he goes with her in order for her to beat her sister Cornelia for nothing.

After winning, Irene suggests that since he helped her by doing a favor that she would like to help him in some way...he says the only thing he needs is a job. She hires him on the spot to be her family's butler.

This is how Godfrey ends up in the home of the most screwball rich family I have ever seen...with Cornelia taking stabs at him and trying to get him fired and Irene wanting him to be her protégé...and eventual love interest.

"My family came over on the boat...oh, not the mayflower, but the one after that."-mom

"I wouldn't say anything behind your back that I wouldn't say in public."-Mom

As it turns out Godfrey has a mysterious past including being a Yale man, he was a "Park" of the Parks of Boston.

"I'm sorry boys, I want to apologize for my family, they are slightly hysterical!"-Dad

"The village of forgotten men."-Godfrey

"If I end up in jail it will be the first peace I have had in years."-Dad

This is a wonderful film with a superb cast, gorgeous sets, luxurious costumes and a fabulous ending! This is a worthwhile film and really highlights 1930's screwball comedy.

"Stand still Godfrey, it will all be over in a minute."-Irene.

'My man Godfrey' wastes no time in catching our eye, treating us to inventive opening credits that come across as a precursor to modern Pixar wizardry - and then a grotesque, riotous spectacle of classism in which the title character gratifyingly drops the proverbial mike. With each scene to follow the screenplay presents a distinctly farcical scenario reminding of the electrifying satire of P. G. Wodehouse, filled with outstanding sharp wit and repartee, physical comedy, situational humor, and exaggerated characters and performances. There are a couple points where the resounding laughs briefly lets up so we can take a breather. Yet where this is true, the narrative instead advances with wonderful heart and sincerity - and all the while, it's built through and through with incredible intelligence and cleverness. This is a film that imparts life lessons just as much as it entertains, and the result is an absolute must-see.

Everyone in the cast is an absolute joy as they bring the picture to vibrant life. Mischa Auer, Eugene Pallette, Jean Dixon, Gail Patrick, and Alice Brady, among still others, embrace the utter absurdity of the fantastic and wildly energetic characters, dialogue, and scene writing. Moreover, with William Powell and especially Carole Lombard starring, it rather goes without saying that they handily take the spotlight, and manage it with aplomb. Lombard in particular leans wholly into the fraught, frivolous fancifulness of Irene, giving a bombastic display that lights up the imagination and cements her as one of the truly great comedic actresses of cinema. She above all - but certainly every actor among the assemblage - demonstrates vivid nuance, range, personality, and physicality in realizing the buffoonery, and I can't overstate what a blast it is to watch them all at play.

The focus in the writing, adapting Eric Hatch's novel, was most certainly on highlighting the abject silliness of the Bullock clan, and to that end it is a marvelous success. Yet there's also some gleefully pointed commentary and wisdom to enjoy along the way, rounding out the picture's jocular jest with very satisfying earnestness. Consider as well strong direction from Gregory La Cava, fetching work from the costumers and hair and makeup departments, and fine set design and decoration, and when all is said and done it very simply feels erroneous to call 'My man Godfrey' anything other than perfect.

To sing the praises of the film at greater length would begin to require discussion of specific jokes and plot points. All I can say is that I already had high expectations based on the cast alone, and still I walked away having been impressed. I can only give my highest, most enthusiastic recommendation of this to all viewers - it's superbly entertaining from start to finish, executed with excellence and flying colors in all aspects. More than 80 years later, 'My man Godfrey' remains an exemplar of fabulously slick, robust comedy, unquestionably besting the vast majority of other would-be romps in all the years since. Wherever you have the opportunity to watch this, you don't want to pass it up!