Jennings
(Alan Bates)
The McCordles' butler; head manservant of the house; oversees Gosford Park with Mrs Wilson
Jennings is the very model of the perfect butler, with the sole exception of occasionally imbibing too much of his master's port, about which the other servants gossip. He takes his position as head of the household belows stairs very seriously. He does however greatly enjoy Ivor Novello's music, and when he is in his cups can be seen swaying in time to Novello's singing in the drawing room after dinner.
Jennings was a conscientious objector during the war, was sent to prison for refusing to fight. It is not clear if it is on religious grounds, or moral grounds as a pacifist. Jennings kept his prison record secret from his employers out of shame, and fears that were it known, he would be sacked and lose his position as the head of the household. After the police arrive to investigate Sir William's murder, Jennings is found drunk in the kitchen by Mrs Wilson, who conscripts Dorothy to help get him to his rooms before he is found by any of the other servants.
Jennings is blissfully unaware that Dorothy the stillroom maid is in love with him, and when he is made aware of her affection is uncomfortable and has no idea how to proceed. |
