Travis Simpkins

My Man Godfrey (1936): William Powell and Carole Lombard

Directed by Gregory La Cava, My Man Godfrey (1936) is a quintessential "Screwball Comedy" and has stood the test of time. The success rests largely with the on-screen chemistry between William Powell and Carole Lombard, who were real-life ex-spouses (they had divorced three years prior). The story focuses on a rich lady who hires a homeless man to become her family's butler, only to fall in love with him. Hilarious and poignant, and full of classic scenes and memorable moments, the film is a true "must see" picture.

My Man Godfrey. 1936: Carole Lombard and William Powell

My Man Godfrey. 1936

My Man Godfrey. 1936: William Powell

My Man Godfrey. 1936: Carole Lombard and William Powell

My Man Godfrey. 1936: Carole Lombard

Twentieth Century (1934): John Barrymore and Carole Lombard

Directed by Howard Hawks, Twentieth Century (1934) is credited as being one of the first "Screwball Comedies." It received a "dismal reception" upon it's release, but has since become an undisputed comedy Classic. Full of rapid-fire humor, the plot focuses on a theater producer's tumultuous relationship with his young female protege. John Barrymore and Carole Lombard are excellent in the lead roles.

Twentieth Century. 1934: Carole Lombard

Twentieth Century. 1934: Carole Lombard and John Barrymore

Twentieth Century. 1934: Carole Lombard

Twentieth Century. 1934: Carole Lombard and John Barrymore

Svengali (1931): John Barrymore and Marian Marsh

Ripe with great sets, harking back to the German Expressionistic era in film, Svengali (1931) is expertly shot, wonderful to look at and still holds up after eighty years. Full of psychological intensity, the film is both hypnotic and unnerving. Marian Marsh is perfectly innocent and graceful as Trilby, the victim to Svengali's mind control. John Barrymore, ever the artist, is especially great in this early talkie role. Svengali is a tragically under-appreciated masterpiece.

Svengali. 1931: John Barrymore and Marian Marsh

"There are more things in heaven and earth, than are dreamt of in your philosophy," are the words Svengali (played by the brilliant John Barrymore) deliver to one who questions his power. Svengali is a composer and music instructor, living in Paris, who uses mind control through hypnosis to control those he wishes to benefit from.

Svengali. 1931: John Barrymore

Looking to borrow money from his artist friends, Svengali stumbles across pretty young model Trilby (played by the adorable Marian Marsh) in their dwelling.

Svengali. 1931: Marian Marsh

Svengali has an immediate physical attraction to her, and is dismayed that Trilby in falling in love with one of the painters instead.

Svengali. 1931: John Barrymore and Marian Marsh

Complaining of a headache one day, Trilby agrees to let Svengali cure her.

Svengali. 1931: John Barrymore and Marian Marsh

He uses his powers to hypnotize her, making her receptive only to him.

Svengali. 1931: John Barrymore

She breaks off the relationship she had with the artist (who fears she might have committed suicide, due to the nature of the note she left him) and follows Svengali on tour. They play the biggest, best Opera houses in Europe and are a huge success.

Svengali. 1931: John Barrymore and Marian Marsh

When their tour brings them back around to Paris, the artist goes to the show, curious to see if Svengali has changed. To his dismay, he discovers Trilby is not only alive, but is being manipulated and controlled by Svengali. He vows to put a stop to it and follows them wherever they go. Meanwhile, Svengali's health is failing, and the weaker his physical condition the less control he has over Trilby's mind, leaving hope that she may be released from his hypnotic hold...