He'll seduce your wife, your daughter, your maid, her daughter, well you get the picture. That man is none other than silent lothario John Gilbert, playing a role more suited in 1932 for that era's "It" man, Clark Gable.
When wealthy, married Olga Baclanova (the villainess in that year's cult classic "Freaks") hires him, it's apparent she has bedroom eyes for him since her husband is much older. Gilbert's former employer (none other than Hedda Hopper) warns Baclanova about him, making it obvious she once had him for herself. But while Gilbert is obviously not oblivious to Baclanova's intent on seduction, it's the bride of butler Paul Lukas he really is out to get, and it's not just for a fling.
Sweet Virginia Bruce is the heroine, gaga over Gilbert's charms even though she's just said "I Do". But she's determined to remain true to her husband whom at first wants to befriend Gilbert, but before the evening is out, you'll know he'll want to toss him into the Medeterranian. It's murder in the making once Lukas becomes aware of Gilbert's intentions, and it seems like that is what is going to happen.
This is a pre-code drama of innuendo and sexual tension. Gilbert is a little too old to be really believable as the ladies man he is, getting the hefty cook to pine for him outside of her first floor window after he uses her. He's still attractive and obviously had some clout left at MGM to get the lead in this, but it's obvious that time has taken its toll on him. Married to Virginia Bruce the same year this was released, Gilbert had one more major release ("Queen Christina") left, then a disaster ("The Captain Hates the Sea") before dying in 1936. His marriage to Bruce lasted less than two years. Together, the couple do have some sex appeal, but Gilbert's slimy character is too sleazy to really be likable even with his charm. It's apparent that Lukas, who is more settled and equally as handsome, is the more loyal partner. Looking very much like a younger Bela Lugosi, Lukas even sounds like him without the overwhelming accent. He gives the best performance in the movie.
There is a great fight scene in the wine cellar between Lukas and Gilbert (during one of Baclanova's party) that is the best scene in the film. While there are better pre-code films about life upstairs and downstairs (and certainly not as far fetched), "Downstairs" does have some interesting moments and has top drawer set decoration, wardrobe, and especially excellent photography. The final scene is a hoot of irony.
When wealthy, married Olga Baclanova (the villainess in that year's cult classic "Freaks") hires him, it's apparent she has bedroom eyes for him since her husband is much older. Gilbert's former employer (none other than Hedda Hopper) warns Baclanova about him, making it obvious she once had him for herself. But while Gilbert is obviously not oblivious to Baclanova's intent on seduction, it's the bride of butler Paul Lukas he really is out to get, and it's not just for a fling.
Sweet Virginia Bruce is the heroine, gaga over Gilbert's charms even though she's just said "I Do". But she's determined to remain true to her husband whom at first wants to befriend Gilbert, but before the evening is out, you'll know he'll want to toss him into the Medeterranian. It's murder in the making once Lukas becomes aware of Gilbert's intentions, and it seems like that is what is going to happen.
This is a pre-code drama of innuendo and sexual tension. Gilbert is a little too old to be really believable as the ladies man he is, getting the hefty cook to pine for him outside of her first floor window after he uses her. He's still attractive and obviously had some clout left at MGM to get the lead in this, but it's obvious that time has taken its toll on him. Married to Virginia Bruce the same year this was released, Gilbert had one more major release ("Queen Christina") left, then a disaster ("The Captain Hates the Sea") before dying in 1936. His marriage to Bruce lasted less than two years. Together, the couple do have some sex appeal, but Gilbert's slimy character is too sleazy to really be likable even with his charm. It's apparent that Lukas, who is more settled and equally as handsome, is the more loyal partner. Looking very much like a younger Bela Lugosi, Lukas even sounds like him without the overwhelming accent. He gives the best performance in the movie.
There is a great fight scene in the wine cellar between Lukas and Gilbert (during one of Baclanova's party) that is the best scene in the film. While there are better pre-code films about life upstairs and downstairs (and certainly not as far fetched), "Downstairs" does have some interesting moments and has top drawer set decoration, wardrobe, and especially excellent photography. The final scene is a hoot of irony.