Upstairs, Downstairs (TV Series) A Suitable Marriage (1971) User Reviews

The first of a batch of shocking episodes to feature in the very first season!

[arrival · 9/10 · 7 July 2010]

'A Suitable Marriage' was 'Upstairs, Downstairs'' first of several 'skirmishes' with homosexuality. Here, Elizabeth after breaking a previous engagement with the rather 'tame' Angus McAllister, becomes attached to 'Baron Von Rimmer' - a gay German. The infamous lines of Lady Marjorie: 'To think - a pervert in our house' would have quite upset telly viewers of today! A visiting Baron looks up Elizabeth Bellamy whilst in London. From then on, he develops what from all outward appearances appears to be a mutual love affair. However; behind the scenes, he is not what he seems - on several levels; one of which is a gay man more interested in the sinister footman from Eaton Place 'Alfred'! We see the last of Alfred in this for nearly ten years, when he re-emerges almost a decade later on the run for murder! Strangely; our next encounter with homosexuality would also involve Elizabeth yet again, when she meets, falls in love, and marries a gay Poet four years later.

This episode introduces the Bellamy's long-standing and closest friend: 'Lady Prudence Fairfax' - marvellously played by the actress Joan Benham. She is one of only a handful of characters to be featured regularly in the series throughout its run (outside of the family) up to its end in 1930.

Methinks the Reviewers Protest Too much

[robtaday · 8/10 · 30 April 2013]

I just watched this episode again after several years and it is just as potent as ever. I am not surprised, however, that the current reviews are upset over the treatment of homosexuality. I suppose such reviewers think it is perfectly all right that servants have sex with guests. I'll remember that the next time I stay at a Holiday Inn. In any event it was quite daring and could only have been a product of Great Britain. I might add that much of the same complaint is being made of Downton Abbey in that the gay character, Thomas, hasn't been given more screen time or story line. I find the criticism vexing. Role models should not be had based on their sexual orientation but on their character. All that said, I still don't know why the baron took Alfred with him. The baron was obviously sadistic so I'd imagine he'd leave the chap to face the music.

A German Baron tries to trick Richard in international espionage

[sjm887 · 9/10 · 14 June 2006]

A homosexual or bisexual German baron gains entry to the Bellamy household, endears himself to Elizabeth, and finally makes off with Alfred. His goal: to gain access to British naval secrets.Richard and a colleague were astute, however, and perceived the plot in time. Richard was overheard speaking to Hudson by Alfred giving the Baron and Alfred time to make an escape before being arrested. There is a good deal of intrigue and interest in the main plot and various sub-plots. My major objection to this story is that, though it reflected attitudes towards homosexuals at the time, it is rather caustic and insulting. Nevertheless, it is a period piece, and portrays genuine feelings held in those days. This must be taken with a grain of salt by modern viewers, who are or should be, more tolerant. The same is true in other episodes when there are rather nasty comments about Jews.

Vilifying homosexuality in a historical atmosphere...

[lyskabot · 9/10 · 2 January 2013]

I just read a review of this episode, in which the writer concurs with the portrayal of homosexuality as being deviant. Being gay is often viewed as perversion, especially in period pieces, but that doesn't make it an appropriate adopted opinion... or valid.

Inside this environment even inappropriate day-wear is considered an atrocity, and certainly non heterosexuality is bewildering at best. However, there were progressive people in this era, and the pulpy viewpoint of gay lust is a ridiculous farce. It reads as a farce, and is as modernly relevant as the curtsy.

This show is amazing, and just like all dramatic fiction, is more about weaving a story than providing a doctrine.

A Suitable Marriage

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 19 August 2022]

Elizabeth Bellamy has a suitable match with a young Scots landowner. It all seems set but Elizabeth has cold feet.

Elizabeth does fall for dashing Baron Klaus von Rimmer. It claims that he works in the family's German bank.

However one friend of Bellamy's remarks that foreign aristocrats are not all what they seem and you need to check up on them.

Indeed the Baron is a German arms dealer and wanted Richard Bellamy's influence to get a British government contract.

It seems his attentions towards Elizabeth were never genuine. The Baron does have an eye for Alfred the Footman.

There never seemed to be any suggestions previously that Alfred was gay. I guess Alfred's story was planned in advance.

I guess audiences at the time were shocked with the story regarding the Baron and the Footman. It was largely suggestive here.