"Downstairs" (1932)

“Downstairs” (1932) - Intro

Written by: Josh Lansky

TCM’s “The Essentials”

Intro:

Hi everybody, I’m Dave Karger and welcome to Turner Classic Movies. We continue next with our showcase of Hedda Hopper films. From MGM in 1932 it’s, “Downstairs.” “Downstairs” is a black comedy starring and written by Jack Gilbert. Also appearing in the film: Paul Lukas, Virginia Bruce, and, of course, Hedda Hopper. The film was green-lit under a somewhat precarious circumstance. In 1932 Jack Gilbert was in a deeply depressed state. His contract with the studio was nearing its end and this proved to be troubling for the star. He began keeping to himself more and more, cooping himself up in his home. While claiming to prefer solitude, he would often phone friends in the hours just before dawn and beg them to come over, as he was afraid to be alone. Friends claimed to come out of fear, worried Jack might destroy himself if they did not come to visit. He became increasingly paranoid and would keep his gun by his side at all times. Producer Irving Thalberg was saddened by Gilbert’s deterioration, so Thalberg decided to do Gilbert a favor. He dusted off an old story that Jack had written a few years prior and brought it to Erich Von Stream in hopes Stream would want to make the film. Stream said yes, the story was “Downstairs,” and the rest is history. “Downstairs” is the story about the servants of an aristocratic Venetian household. Jack plays Karl, the chauffeur. The female lead was given to newcomer Virginia Bruce who Gilbert fell for instantly. And Hedda Hopper gives a great performance as countess De Marnac…But more about Hopper after the film. From 1932, Directed by Monta Bell, starring Jack Gilbert, Virginia Bruce, and Hedda Hopper, here’s “Downstairs.”

“Downstairs” (1932) - Outro

Written by: Josh Lansky

TCM’s “The Essentials”

Outro:

A few years after making this film, Hedda Hopper became the powerful gossip columnist we know her as today. She became more powerful as a columnist than she could have ever hoped to be as an actress. A pioneer for women, she was one of the first women to head a national newspaper. Hopper’s column for the Los Angeles Times intimidated Hollywood during its reign from 1938 till her death in 1966, which for some, couldn’t come soon enough. Known for taking on anything or anyone who went against her “American” values she did just that when she took on her former co-star from “Downstairs,” Jack Gilbert. Hopper wrote about the affair between Laurette Taylor and Jack Gilbert, proving once again, Hedda Hopper is ruthless. Up next, Adolphe Menjou, Leila Hyams, Norman Foster, and Hedda Hopper in “Men Call it Love.” ****** (Men Call it Love - 1931)