King Ralph (1991)

User Rating:

4.8/10   

Director:

David S. Ward

Writers (WGA):

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

Release Date:

15 February 1991 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

A comedy of majestic proportions

Plot:

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

Plot Keywords:

King | British Parliament | Photograph | Tea Ceremony | Punk

Cast

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

Runtime:

97 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Australia:PG | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Iceland:L | Netherlands:6 | Finland:S | Germany:6 | Spain:T | Sweden:Btl | UK:PG | USA:PG | Ireland:PG

Filming Locations:

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

Company:

Universal Pictures

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.

Goofs:

Continuity: Near the beginning, when Duncan is explaining Ralph's heritage to him at the hotdog stand, one of the soda glasses alternates between being upright and being slightly tipped between shots.

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.

Movie Connections:

References U2: Rattle and Hum (1988)

Soundtrack:

Be-Bop A-Lula

Predictable but Hilarious

I confess that "King Ralph" is one of my favorite movies. Yes, the basic plot concept of the film has been done in MANY stories, both written and filmed, but the superb acting coupled with the not-so-subtle jabs at British Royalty push the plot right over the top. Never mind that John Goodman is brilliant (as usual), but the well-done and loosely-serious role of Peter O'Toole adds a much needed anchor to Mr. Goodman's highly-anticipated antics. The filming locations of the film as well provide a truly beautiful backdrop to the production, steeped strongly in tradition and British heritage. Two thumbs up for this light-hearted comedy that dares to poke at some of the more serious issues of royal responsibility and pressure.

Highly recommended for fun entertainment, I give "King Ralph" a 9 out of 10.