I love the films, it would be almost impossible to make both Jeeves and Bertie adorable. But they did it.
Lets not forget Lady Penelope’s faithful butler and chauffer Parker from
Thunderbirds
The Admirable Crichton
I never thought of Edmund as a butler, being so imposing. But I suppose he was. What does that make Baldrick?
I can’t believe that John Gielgud’s acidic Hobson from the Arthur movies hasn’t been mentioned. (I wonder if he’s the only butler character ever to win an Academy Award- Hattie McDaniel won one as a maid but…)
I loved Ian Wolfe as Mama Carlson’s obnoxious butler in several episodes of WKRP.
I always thought that Joseph Marcell had too affected a British accent on Fresh Prince of Bel Air, then learned of course that it was his own voice (though Caribbean as opposed to English). And Daniel Davis, the acerbic British butler of The Nanny, is of course from Arkansas (and is currently on Broadway as half of the lead couple in the revival of La Cage Aux Folles).
I like the Butler/chef in the Nero Wolfe mystery stories. Can’t remember his name though.
BTW why do people call the Jeeves and Wooster programmes ‘films’? Is it cultural because to me they are not films, but miniseries’
And, Someone said Jeeves wasn’t all that smart, just smarter than Bertie. From the TV show(s) I get the impression he is particularly smart. Seeming able to anticipate all likely occurences and make plans for them. Even when his plans seem to fail, they turn out to be a success somehow. Plus, Steven Fry (particularly intelligent in his own right) portrays the character brilliantly.
There is also Kato, the homicidal attacking manservant to the good Inspector in the Pink Panther movies.
Oh yes, it’s fascinating to see the interaction between Eve and Summerset. It’s always interesting when you learn more about his past.
Senior Chief Steward MacGuinness, from the Honor Harrington books. I mean, just because your ship is being blown out from underneath you, doesn’t mean you can skip meals. You surely at least have enough time for a sandwich. And please, try to get some rest.
Though again, Honor is no bumbling toff.
Well, not all the interesting Butlers buttle for bumbling toffs I admit.
But what makes a butler interesting to me is their ability to steer the Master’s life almost without the master’s sensing it happening.
P.S. Don’t you just love the phrase “I took the liberty of”? A butler can get away with quite a lot with that phrase.
“Sir. I took the liberty of transfering your bank balance into my own account, and having the bank declare you bankrupt. Will you be retiring early tonight?”
Stevens (Anthony Hopkins) from Remains of the Day. Probably the most loyal butler ever. So loyal that he was torn between visiting his dying father (also a butler) and working.