My Man GodfreyRating:
Release Date: 09 March, 2000 Retail Price: $7.98 OUR Price: $7.98 You SAVE: $0.00! Cast: Complete Cast (14 total) |
My Man Godfrey Reviews
Its worth the extra dollars!
I admit I was a bit reluctant to spend the money for this version of the classic movie, being perfectly content (I thought) with the cheaper versions. But having once purchased it, I can assure you it is worth the extra dollars. The picture is crystal clear and the sound (always a problem on some of the other versions) is wonderfully restored. Powell and Lombard never looked or sounded better, even in 1936. The brief missing scene (mentioned in the other review) included here is a nice
addition, adding even more... tension between Godrey and Irene. Godrey is appalled that Irene would enter his private domain and Irene, as ever, is oblivious to all disapproval, having only eyes for Godrey. The radio play is an interesting extra, reuniting the two stars, plus Gail Russell is back as the conniving Cornelia. Also, a young David Niven is in the radio play, as Godfrey's friend Tommy Gray. The commentary is interesting, sometimes more for film students than fans, but still a good addition. Outtakes from any film made in the 1930's are rare, so these, although brief, are a bonus.
All in all, the digital transfer itself is worth the money, the rest of these extras are just gravy for the collector. I highly recommend this disc, for those who cherish the immortal screwball comedy films and the discerning fans of William Powell and Carole Lombard.
GREAT SCREWBALL COMEDY
A terrific movie which exposed the mindless artificiality of some thirties Fifth Avenue socialites with sparkling verve and wit. A whimsical tale of a well-born down-and-out who's engaged as the butler for a family of wealthy loonies (whom he saves later from financial ruin). As in most such escapades, this wacky social farce relies on the comic expertise of its cast. In the title role, William Powell is completely at home with Godfrey Smith's wry humour and unflappable reactions to the unpredictable chaos all around him. Carole Lombard, as a heroine less vivid than in 1934's TWENTIETH CENTURY or 1937's NOTHING SACRED is as zany as she is beautiful, however icey, cynical Gail Patrick frequently manages to steal the scenes they share and ultimately leaves the more indelible impression. As the flibbertigibbet mother, Alice Brady portrays a fluttering, falsetto-voiced scatterbrain with amusingly innane dialogue: "If you're going to be rude to my daughter, you might as well at least take your hat off"! Basement-voiced Eugene Pallette, as the Bullocks' failing breadwinner, is, as always in fine form. Mischa Auer's ape-mimicking Brady protege almost makes the nuttiest of the clan look sane! Jean Dixon, the gal who plays Molly, the all-wise household maid delivers her lines with exquisite comic timing; she should have had more to do in films. The fun lies in the development of character as the Bullock clan's fortunes change for the worse and they learn a few lessons in humanity. The wit derives form a well-crafted screenplay by Morrie Ryskind, Eric Hatch and Gregory La Cava, and the verve is easily attributable to the inspired guidance of comedy expert La Cava, a director known for his penchant for improvisation.
More Customer Reviews (18 total)
You like My Man Godfrey?
|
