King Ralph (1991)

As the only relative to take over the Royal throne, a down on his luck American slob must learn the ways of the English.

Director:

David S. Ward

Writers:

Emlyn Williams (novel), David S. Ward (screenplay)

Stars:

John Goodman, Peter O'Toole, John Hurt

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Goodman	...	Ralph Hampton Gainesworth Jones
Peter O'Toole	...	Sir Cedric Charles Willingham
John Hurt	...	Lord Percival Graves
Camille Coduri	...	Miranda Green
Richard Griffiths	...	Duncan Phipps
Leslie Phillips	...	Gordon Halliwell
James Villiers	...	Prime Minister Jeffrey Hale
Joely Richardson	...	Princess Anna
Niall O'Brien	...	Tommy McGuire
Julian Glover	...	King Gustav
Judy Parfitt	...	Queen Katherine
Ed Stobart	...	Dysentery
Gedren Heller	...	Punk Girl
Rudolph Walker	...	King Mulambon
Michael Johnson	...	Hamilton

Storyline

When an accident obliterates the British royal family and most of its branches, a desperate geneological search discovers the next king: Ralph, a sleazy American lounge singer. Can Ralph measure up to the job, even with the help of loyal aristocrat Willingham?

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Plot Keywords:

king | american | heir | entertainer | horse carriage | 

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Taglines:

A comedy of majestic proportions

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 February 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

King Ralph - O Primeiro Rei Americano

Filming Locations:

Apsley House, Hyde Park Corner, Hyde Park, London, England, UK

Box Office

Gross:

$34,002,045 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, JBRO, Mirage

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The real royal family name, Windsor, was changed to the fictional name Windham for the movie. Un-synched lip movements in a few parts (most notably the abdication scene) seem to suggest the change was made after the film was shot.

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Goofs

The "punks" who are shown watching television and commenting at various times throughout the months-long reign of King Ralph are always wearing the same clothing.

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Quotes

Ralph Jones: There's no problem that can't be ignored if we really put our minds to it.

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Connections

References The Honeymooners (1955)

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Soundtracks

"Be-Bop A-Lula"
Written by Gene Vincent and Tex Davis (as Sheriff Tex Davis)

User Reviews

A good idea turned into a slightly-above-average movie.

When the entire British royal family is wiped out in an "awful" accident, the American bar entertainer Ralph Jones (excellent: John Goodman, he makes up for most of the boring parts of the plot) becomes the new King of England. After a few adjustment problems with his new job (clothing, manners etc.) he falls in love with a young woman he meets at a local strip club. Problems emerge when his secretary tries to marry him to the Finnish princess to seal a business deal for a few English companies. All in all, a good movie with some great lines but also some boring parts.