Downstairs (1932)

Downstairs
Directed by Monta Bell
Written by Lenore Coffee and Melville Baker from a story by John Gilbert
1932/US
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
IMDb page
First viewing/Forbidden Hollywood Vol. 6

Albert, the Baron’s Butler: Life downstairs is very simple. But, up there, the rules are different.

John Gilbert pushed making this film to revive his career.  I wonder why he thought his thoroughly amoral character would appeal to audiences.

The setting is a country in Central Europe between the World Wars.  Aristocracy still thrives.  The film opens with a wedding hosted by the Baron and Baroness for Albert , their chauffeur, and Anna (Virginia), their lady’s maid.  Karl (Gilbert), the new chauffeur, strolls in and it is immediately clear that servile decorum is not for him.  In fact, he is a born trouble-maker.  His first move is on Anna, whom he relentlessly pursues.

Paul Lukas walks into his room and finds John Gilbert attempting to seduce his new wife Virginia Bruce.

Gilbert then moves on to seduce the Baroness and even the old cook.  He also lies and steals freely.

John Gilbert makes nice with past conquest Hedda Hopper and future conquest Olga Baclanova

If this had starred Ronald Coleman the character would have been portrayed as a charming rapscallion.  Gilbert plays him more like an uncouth bad boy whose looks have helped him get along all his life.  I found the character unlikeable and his actions deplorable.  So this is not a movie I love.  That said, the acting, even Gilbert’s, is fine and it does have that MGM glamour going for it.