Plot:

In the midst of the Great Depression, a man named Godfrey "Smith" Parke finds himself unemployed and living alongside other destitute individuals in a Hooverville, a makeshift settlement, near New York City's East River, close to the 59th Street Bridge. One night, he encounters a privileged socialite named Cornelia Bullock, who offers him money to participate in a scavenger hunt as her "forgotten man." Irritated by her insensitivity, Godfrey declines the offer, leading to Cornelia's unfortunate tumble into ashes. Her younger sister, Irene, revels in Cornelia's embarrassment.

After conversing with Irene, Godfrey recognizes her kindness and proposes to assist her in outdoing Cornelia in the scavenger hunt. Intrigued by the challenge and eager to support Irene, he gets involved. The story continues at the lavish Waldorf-Ritz Hotel's ballroom, where Irene's father, Alexander Bullock, observes his wife and her leech-like companion, Carlo, playing the game. Godfrey arrives and is recognized as the "forgotten man," granting Irene victory. However, he seizes the opportunity to express his disdain for the frivolous spectacle before departing in annoyance. Realizing her mistake, Irene apologizes to Godfrey and offers him the position of the family's butler, a role he graciously accepts.

In his new role, Godfrey faces challenges as previous butlers have been unable to endure the Bullock family's eccentricities. Yet, he displays remarkable competence and resourcefulness. Despite Cornelia's enmity, Irene proves to be kind-hearted, empathetic, and smitten by Godfrey's charm. Their interactions remain professional, though Irene's feelings become more apparent.

Events take a turn when Godfrey is recognized by his old friend Tommy Gray during a tea party at Irene's home. He concocts a story about being Tommy's valet at Harvard, leading to humorous exaggerations. Irene's engagement announcement to another man is short-lived due to her emotional turmoil, triggered by the concocted story. Over lunch, Tommy learns about Godfrey's fall from grace and subsequent rejuvenation inspired by the homeless community at the dump.

As the plot unfolds, Irene calls off her engagement, and Cornelia's malicious intentions escalate. A confrontation between Cornelia and Godfrey results in a cunning scheme involving stolen pearls, police involvement, and Mr. Bullock's revelation of the family's financial downfall due to his unscrupulous actions.

In a surprising twist, Godfrey uses his knowledge of the stock market to turn the situation around, preventing the Bullocks from ruin and returning the necklace to Cornelia. Touched by Godfrey's actions, the Bullock family expresses gratitude and remorse. However, Godfrey decides to resign as their butler due to Irene's persistent behavior.

As Godfrey prepares to leave, Mr. Bullock reveals the family's dire financial situation, prompting Godfrey to use his remaining profits to open a nightclub named "The Dump." This endeavor transforms the once desolate area into a vibrant space, providing employment and housing opportunities for the homeless. During the grand opening, Irene, undeterred by challenges, tracks down Godfrey and persuades him to marry her, resulting in a touching civil ceremony officiated by the Mayor.

Directed by: Gregory La Cava
Screenplay by: Morrie Ryskind, Eric Hatch
Contributing writers: Zoë Akins, Robert Presnell Sr.
Based on: 1101 Park Avenue1935 novel by Eric Hatch
Produced by: Charles R. Rogers
Starring: William Powell, Carole Lombard
Cinematography: Ted Tetzlaff
Edited by: Ted J. Kent, Russell F. Schoengarth
Music by: Charles Previn, Rudy Schrager (both uncredited)
Production company: Universal Pictures
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Release date: September 6, 1936
Running time 94–95 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English