The Baroness and the Butler (1938)

Directed by Walter Lang and released by 20th Century-Fox, The Baroness and the Butler is a romantic comedy set in prewar Hungary, blending political satire with upstairs-downstairs intrigue. Based on the play Jean by Ladislaus Bus-Fekete, the film stars William Powell as a butler who unexpectedly becomes a member of parliament, challenging both his employer’s politics and his daughter’s prejudices.

Plot Summary
Johann Porok (William Powell), a third-generation butler in service to Count Albert Sandor, the Prime Minister of Hungary, is elected to parliament as a member of the opposition Social Progressive Party. Despite his new political role, Johann insists on continuing his duties as a servant, much to the confusion of the aristocracy.

The Count’s daughter, Baroness Katrina Marissey (Annabella), views Johann as a traitor and treats him with icy disdain. But as Johann’s political influence grows and his integrity shines through, Katrina’s contempt begins to soften. Their relationship evolves from antagonism to affection, culminating in a romantic twist that challenges class boundaries and social expectations.

Cast Highlights

• William Powell as Johann Porok
• Annabella as Baroness Katrina Marissey
• Helen Westley as Countess Sandor
• Joseph Schildkraut as Baron Georg Marissey
• Nigel Bruce, Lynn Bari, and Henry Stephenson in supporting roles

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

• The film marked Annabella’s American English-language debut, though she had previously appeared in Hollywood’s French-language productions
• It was adapted from the 1936 Viennese play Jean, which was later translated into English as The Lady Has a Heart and staged on Broadway in 1937 with Vincent Price in the lead role
• The film was rejected by censors in Quebec, while Romanian authorities removed all references to Hungary
• Count Sandor’s car is a 1937 LaSalle Series 37-50, a luxury model produced by General Motors’ Cadillac division
• The party scene features Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 4, later reused in Mel Brooks’ The Twelve Chairs with new lyrics