Name: Downstairs
Genre: Drama
Released: 1932
Duration: 77 min
Cast: John Gilbert, Paul Lukas, Virginia Bruce, Hedda Hopper, Reginald Owen

What Downstairs Is About

At the Austrian manor of Baron and Baroness von Burgen, upstairs and downstairs get on well enough; the servants like each other, and Albert the head butler and Anna the maid are in love. Then Karl Schneider arrives as the new chauffeur and the house comes apart by degrees: he works his way through the women, takes their money and backs the baroness into a corner with blackmail. The story was John Gilbert’s own idea, one he had been pressing on MGM since 1927, and he sold it to the studio for a dollar to get it made. Leonore Coffee and Melville Baker wrote the screenplay and Monta Bell directed. Gilbert and Virginia Bruce married as soon as shooting finished; it opened in New York on 6 August 1932 and never made its money back.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Downstairs about?

At the Austrian manor of Baron and Baroness von Burgen, upstairs and downstairs get on well enough; the servants like each other, and Albert the head butler and Anna the maid are in love. Then Karl Schneider arrives as the new chauffeur and the house comes apart by degrees: he works his way through the women, takes their money and backs the baroness into a corner with blackmail.

Where can I watch Downstairs?

Downstairs isn't currently listed on major digital platforms. Availability can change over time. Check the "Where to Watch" section for the latest.

How long is Downstairs?

Downstairs runs for 77 minutes (1h 17m).

When did Downstairs come out?

Downstairs was released in 1932.

Who directed Downstairs?

Downstairs was directed by Monta Bell.

Who stars in Downstairs?

Downstairs stars John Gilbert, Paul Lukas, Virginia Bruce, Hedda Hopper.

What is Downstairs's rating?

Downstairs holds 7.0/10 on IMDb and 6.6/10 on TMDB. Its Pulse Score is 68 out of 100.