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?

---

Plot Keywords:

king | american | heir | entertainer | horse carriage | 

---

Taglines:

When Ralph becomes royalty, laughter reigns!

---

Genres:

Comedy | Romance

---

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

John Goodman does his own singing.

---

Goofs

At the hot dog stand the top of a Tabasco bottle is seen above the napkin holder. Then it disappears and Ralph has to go to the counter and ask for the Tabasco.

---

Quotes

Sir Cedric Willingham: It's I who should be thanking you. You showed me how to be a king.
Ralph Jones: Me? I was a lousy king.
Sir Cedric Willingham: On the contrary. You are a good and decent man, and you've acted honorably. I shall try to follow your example.
Ralph Jones: Thank you, Ced.

---

Connections

References Sign 'o' the Times (1987)

---

Soundtracks

"Good Golly Miss Molly"
Written by Robert 'Bumps' Blackwell (as Robert Blackwell) and John Marascalco
Performed by John Goodman

User Reviews

An Underrated Classic

Although I own the DVD, whenever King Ralph show up on television I watch it all the way through. This is a clever satire sending up both the pretentiousness of the British monarchy and the crassness of American society. Peter O'Toole and John Goodman....both gifted actors give this film real depth in their nuanced performances. William Hurt's over the top performance as the villainous pretender to the throne is pitch perfect, and the supporting cast, including the aides to the King, the visiting Roals from Finland, the African King and Ralph's love interest are solid, leaving this movie without a weak performance. There is something in this for everyone; romance, betrayal, friendship, and a fast moving plot with just the right kinds of twists and turns that keep the pace of this relatively short movie moving right along.