THE BARONESS AND THE BUTLER
US, 1938, 80 minutes, Black-and-white.
William Powell, Annabella, Helen Westley, Henry Stephenson, Joseph Schildkraut, J.Edward Bromberg, Nigel Bruce, Lynn Bari.
Directed by Walter Lang.
The title suggests one of those screwball comedies of the 1930s. And, with the presence of William Powell in a very strong supporting cast of character actors, it is – although made by 20th Century Fox, directed work by Walter Lang who would began in silent films and it was continue with comedies and many musicals during the 1950s, including The King and I.
Hollywood seem to like going to central Europe for stories during the 1930s. On the one hand, they had a kind of fairytale background. On the other, as with this one, there is a focus on politics and the need for social reform.
At the opening, audiences will think that William Powell is the king of the castle but, in fact, he is the meticulous butler to the count and Countess for many years. The revelation is that he is standing for parliament, on the opposing side to the Count (a very tolerant Henry Stephenson) but continuing as butler to the family.
There are social comment. There is political intrigue involving Joseph Schildkraut (who are just won an Oscar) as well is a romance with the young Princess, Katarina, played by French actress Annabella.
A blend of the romantic comedy, the screwball comedy, imagining life in central Europe, political and social comment.
1. A romantic comedy of the 1930s? With political and social comment? Implicit in the title?
2. The writer, Hungarian background, adaptation to Hollywood? Hollywood perspectives on central Europe during the 1930s? The touch of the fairytale – and the touch of realism?
3. The cast, William Powell and his suave manner, introducing Annabella and her career in the US, the reliable team of character actors? The musical score?
4. Johann, waking up, his being attended to, but his being the perfect, the kitchen, supervising the staff, the meals, bringing them to the Countess, to Katrina? Seeing him at work?
5. The election, listening to the radio, the broadcast, the announcement that your home had been elected? His speech with the Count, opposite sides of politics, more socialist? His being interviewed, is performance in Parliament, his decision to remain as a butler, even helping the Count with his closing clothing during the speech?
6. Katrina, marrying George, his smug attitude, in Parliament, expectations, seeing the couple kiss, his political blackmail, to be nominated, Johan to resign?
7. Katrina, her relationship with her parents, marrying George, defying Johan, in the parliament, throwing the object, causing the fight in the parliament? Johann’s behaviour?
8. The Count and Countess, Johan success, the party, his serving? The time with Katrina, declaration of love? Changing Katrina?
9. Her hurrying to the parliament, her mother present, the previous visit to Parliament and her bewilderment, her intervening? The speech, nominating George, the hostile reaction, public acclaim? George leaving?
10. The genial Count, his manner, relying on Johann? The Countess, her daughter asking her to remember her romantic past? The touch of the rough diamond?
11. Life in the household, the flirtatious made, the details of attention? The finale and Cristina dressed as the maid?
