the greatest British films.
The incomparable Charles Laughton plays the perfect London butler who is "sold" to an American parvenu from a small town in Washington state (Red Gap). His (mal)adjustment to America is the source of the humor. Charlie Ruggles plays his new American master and Zasu Pitts his love interest. Roland Young gives one of the most convincing portraits of an upper-class Englishman ever portrayed.
Rather an unexciting plot but don't be fooled: the writing is absolutely brilliant with some of the best dialogue you ever will hear in a film. Laughton delivers, in the midst of all this mirth, one of the most thrilling soliloquies in film history: it actually got me a little emotional.
I have bought very few films (less than 20) but this one occupies a special place on a very small shelf.
Laughton is an unfortunately undervalued artist, these days almost forgotten. Yet, his Captain Bligh in "Mutiny on the Bounty" is fabulous performance as are his portrayals of Henry VIII and Rembrandt. Oh, and let's not forget his amazing turn behind the camera for, "The Night of the Hunter."
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Topic - "Ruggles of Red Gap" certainly should be on all lists of - tinear 13:50:23 03/11/09 (12)
- His most memorable role for me... - chris.redmond2@bushinternet.com 02:55:55 03/14/09 (3)
- RE: His most memorable role for me... - patrickU 03:54:40 03/14/09 (2)
- It wasn't very memorable then... [nt] - chris.redmond2@bushinternet.com 11:55:34 03/14/09 (1)
- RE: It wasn't very memorable then... [nt] - patrickU 14:04:50 03/14/09 (0)
- RE: Just bought that one! - patrickU 09:57:22 03/12/09 (2)
- Your outdated comment actually should be - tinear 16:20:09 03/12/09 (1)
- RE: Your outdated comment actually should be - patrickU 04:32:46 03/13/09 (0)
- Another great Laughton role is in the almost unknown - danj 23:59:13 03/11/09 (1)
- Thanks, I'll look for it. Laughton, along with Alastair Sim, may be the - tinear 07:30:26 03/12/09 (0)
- One of Leo McCarey's best. - eppis1 15:58:05 03/11/09 (2)
- Director was listed as Arthur Hornblower on the DVD though - tinear 17:25:03 03/11/09 (1)
- McCarey had a love-hate relationship with Paramount - danj 10:21:39 03/16/09 (0)