MovieChat Forums > My Man Godfrey (1958) Discussion > 'dark' my eye !

'dark' my eye !

posted 11 years ago by dwgryph
1 reply | jump to latest

I recently came across this unknown-to-me film and was struck by the number of negative reviews about the original. Specifically how the first version was "dark" and "politically correct."

Wrong on both counts. The original was a lighthearted comedy ABOUT the Depression made DURING the Depression -- and audiences from then 'til now have found it to be a comedy classic. There's nothing dark about it.

Not only is there no political correctness in the film, the concept wouldn't be invented for almost half a century ! Nor is there any "message." The closest thing is the fact that Godfrey is not interested only in his own welfare. He uses his fortune to help the other "forgotten men" -- just as he helps the Bullock family (by being patient with the father, understanding with the mother, etc.). From the reviews here, it appears that the 1957 Godfrey is a self-centered millionaire who only cares about himself and his legal troubles.

If you feel that this version is as good as, or better than, the original, I won't argue. (I couldn't; I've never had the chance to see this one.) But please don't make stuff up to justify your choice.

[–] Emmjewels 8 years ago

Saw both versions and don't know where the dark or political commentaries came from, just sorry to say I found it boring with maybe a few laughs in between, and the main character in the original version was too stiff as well (very sorry my opinion only here).
David Niven ALWAYS brings a wonderful element to his characters, and for me only I very thoroughly MORE than enjoyed his and the others performances as well. The actors who played the Bullocks were right on target, as was Jay Robinson with his rendition of the song titled 'Lovely'. They ALL did an EXCELLENT job in my book.