I am a big fan of Hollywood comedy classics in the 30s and 40s, from masters like Lubitsch or Sturges; but with "Godfrey", which is obviously supposed to be good enough to merit a Criterion Collection issue, (at least) my first viewing failed to make me see what the big deal is. The story is along the feel-good social conscience line, and pretty lame for that. The characterization is quite poor, even from a 1930s comedy. Compare to, for instance, "Philadelphia Story", or "Arsenic and Old Lace". With all the latter films' extravagant caricatures and eccentricities, you still walk away feeling that you just witnessed drama among lively, albeit larger-than-life human beings, whom you cannot help liking, even though you may choose to poison their coffee if such encounters occur in your wake life.
Not here, my friend. To say that "My Man Godfrey" has a paper-board characterization is unfai…
