Karl Schneider
Search results
Downstairs is a 1932 American pre-Code drama film. [1][2] It stars John Gilbert as a charming but self-serving chauffeur who wreaks havoc on his new employer's household, romancing and fleecing the women on the staff, and blackmailing the employer's wife.
Downstairs: Directed by Monta Bell. With John Gilbert, Paul Lukas, Virginia Bruce, Hedda Hopper. An amoral chauffeur seeks to seduce a young bride.
- (1.9K)
- Drama, Romance
- Monta Bell
- 1932-11-11
On the Austrian estate of Baron von Burgen, butler Albert and maid Anna are given a wedding by their employers, who appreciate their years of loyal service. During the reception, Karl Schneider, the new chauffeur, arrives, disturbing the Countess De Marnac, a guest and his former employer, with whom he once had an affair.
- Monta Bell, Harry Sharrock
- John Gilbert
Overview. In the Austrian manor of Baron and Baroness von Burgen, the relationship between the upstairs aristocracy and the downstairs staff is quite positive. The servants seem to enjoy their time together, and some even fall in love, as head butler Albert and maid Anna have done.
'Downstairs', developed into a film from John Gilbert's original story, is a fairly run-of-the-mill story of masters and servants for the most part, but the scenes between Karl and Anna have a raw power that makes the film stand out from others of the period.
Downstairs movie (1932) review summary: In his final notable starring role, silent era icon John Gilbert shows he could be a first-rate “talkie” actor, while the Monta Bell-directed movie itself is evidence that they don’t make risqué social dramas like they used to.
Downstairs. 1932. Directed by Monta Bell. HE WAS A BACHELOR ON A PERPETUAL HONEYMOON! In the Austrian manor of Baron and Baroness von Burgen, the relationship between the upstairs aristocracy and the downstairs staff is quite positive.
