The film My Man Godfrey shows the specific characteristics of a Classic Hollywood film. One main technique that was used during this period was to have a structured narrative that the producers knew would work. In My Man Godfrey there are two storylines that are tied together; the love Irene has for Godfrey, and the series of events that lead Godfrey to opening a club at the city dump. These two plots come together at the end, in a Classic "girl gets boy" closure. This strong ending, accompanied by the strong opening are another characteristic of Classic Hollywood narrative style. There are only a few main characters in this film, which, like many Classic Hollywood movies, made it easier for the audience to follow their clear and defined motives. The deadline that is used to create suspense throughout the film is that of Irene claiming the love of Godfrey before he leaves his job as a butler. This deadline is not as strongly defined as many other Classic Hollywood film!
In Hitchcock's Rear Window, the protagonist has to solve a murder mystery before the killer leaves his apartment without a trace. Just like in My Man Godfrey, there are few main characters with strong motives and the love plot ties into the mystery. These stories are sufficiently closed at the end when the murder is solved and the girl is happily with the protagonist.
Another similarity between My Man Godfrey and Rear Window is the subject matter. Both include a mystery of some sorts and a love affair, but another significant subject is that of class. Many screwball comedies of the time used humor to criticize the social system in America. The protagonist is making a statement that he can be as successful and good hearted as anyone else, even though he is a bum. Also, it is clear that the Bullock's would not allow Irene to date a butler, much less a bum. We get Godfrey's point of view,
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