Audience Member
Director Leo McCarey, in his heyday a famous director and rival of Frank Capra's, and now largely forgotten, made one of his best films, Ruggles Of Red Gap, adapted from Harry Leon Wilson's novel, in 1935. It tells the story of a meek English butler named Ruggles, who is "lost" in a poker game by his boss, an English earl. Living out west, in Washington state, he is gradually assimilated into American life, makes himself somewhat of a local celebrity, and falls in love along the way. That's about all there is to the story, and it's more than enough in director McCarey's capable hands.
As Ruggles, Charles Laughton is more restrained than he's ever been, and gives a fine comedic performance of rare delicacy. There's none of the usual hamming one expects of him. As his new "bosses", Egbert and Effie Floud, Charlie Ruggles and Mary Boland are wonderful as middle-aged denizens of the Pacific northwest. As Ruggles' girl, Prunella, Zasu Pitts is at her dithering best; while Roland Young is sly and stylish as the earl. The actors interact with exquisite timing, with no one missing a beat, as was nearly always the case with McCarey, who had a rare feeling for the way people actually behave,--as opposed to the way movie people do--which makes his films, when good, a special treat.
This movie is a classic, if a quiet one, and used to be far better known than it is today, which is a pity. Capra's films are shown all the time, while McCarey', aside from his two "Catholic" films of the mid-forties, Going My Way and Bells Of St. Mary's, tend by be neglected. There are no "big scenes" in this one, but an awful lot of brilliant little ones, as when Roland Young learns how to play the drums; or when Charle Laughton recites the Gettysburg Address, the latter the high point of the film, and its most famous moment. One can't help but think, after seeing this movie, that all's right with the world. It isn't, of course, and never has been, but it's awfully nice to feel that way without having to resort to drugs or alcohol. For that one can think Mr. McCarey.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/08/23
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william d
Charles Laughton proves he is adept at comedy as well in this amusing and very entertaining film.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
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steve d
Really cute and Laughton is great.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
03/30/23
Full Review
david l
Ruggles of Red Gap is technically weaker, silly in its plot, implausible and quite repetitive overall, but it's still a surprisingly solid comedy which has its genuinely amusing sequences, solid characters, good direction from Leo McCarey, playful dialogue and a particularly strong, rare comedic performance from the great Charles Laughton.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
Audience Member
The best comedy movie ever made!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/26/23
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Audience Member
Charles Laughton shines as a butler who moves to America to be the servant of a group of rich country folk. There he learns to stand on his feet and searches for the america dream. A bit hokey at times, but also quite moving as well.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
02/09/23
Full Review
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