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Gilbert and Downstairs

posted 14 years ago by heather_m1986
2 replies | jump to latest

He must have been a very different kind of movie star to chose this as a vehicle for himself. I reminds of a line from Barry Paris' biography of Garbo where Gilbert says he didn't mind playing a weak or unsymphathetic character so long as the film was good. That takes some kind of artistic integrity. I think he could have done comedy if he survived the thirties. He has the manner and voice of actors like David Niven or William Powell. Movies like Downstairs were extinct by 1934 but screwball took the place of risque. Really talented guy who can really carry a film. Such a waste!

[–] mdonln 9 years ago

I agree, it was such a waste of Gilbert's talent that his career fizzled. Some say it was because of his voice but I heard he also had some run-ins with studio heads and that's what really did him in.

I think Gilbert was a fine actor. I've enjoyed everything I've seen him in. If he couldn't continue in front of the camera, surely this movie shows he should have been able to find a place behind the scenes. It was that good! The fact that wasn't the case, I suspect his downfall was due to studio interference. Some of those guys were apparently drunk with power and often used it to destroy careers and lives however they saw fit.

Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]

[–] mackjay2 9 years ago

Agree about Gilbert's talent.. He wrote DOWNSTAIRS and it's very accomplished and enjoyable. His playing of Karl is excellent and his voice perfectly fine...