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MovieMail's Review
Finally available for home viewing in the UK, Leo McCarey's satire on European diffidence and American snobbery is a delight, and showcases Laughton at his comic best, says James Oliver.
Marmaduke Ruggles (Laughton) is a gentleman's gentleman, happy to serve just as his forefathers served. So when his master trades Ruggles' services in a poker game, he is somewhat dismayed. Worse still, his new employer – Egburt Floud (Ruggles) – is an American. Relocating to the uncouth frontier town Red Gap, Ruggles is surprised to find himself most warmly welcomed. More surprisingly still, he finds himself embracing life in the land of the free.
Leo McCarey was one the greatest comedy directors from what was arguably the greatest decade of American funny pictures; Ruggles of Red Gap is one of his finest films, a satire both on European diffidence and the snobbishness of the would-be American elites. Ultimately, however, this is Laughton's show: Scarborough's favourite son rarely had the chance to play comedy, and makes the most of his opportunities here, delivering a charming performance that's (sometimes) numbered amongst his best.
Astoundingly, Ruggles has never been available for domestic viewing in this country before. Now it's finally here, it should be greeted with open arms.
Beautiful new high-definition master, officially licensed from Universal Pictures
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired
Optional music and effects track
Ruggles on the Radio: three adaptations made for radio broadcast, all featuring Charles Laughton and Charlie Ruggles in a reprisal of their famous roles
Charles Laughton reciting Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, originally released as a 78-rpm record in 1937
Booklet.
Film Description
The great Charles Laughton found one of his most iconic roles in Leo McCarey's definitive screen version of Harry Leon Wilson's best-seller Ruggles of Red Gap – a wryly humorous tapestry of the American West at the turn of the 20th century.
When the Earl of Burnstead (Roland Young) transfers the services of Ruggles (Laughton), his immaculate English valet, to Egbert Floud (Charlie Ruggles), a wealthy, brash American, the repercussions prove more dramatic than anyone could have anticipated. Relocating to Red Gap, Washington, Ruggles slowly overcomes his disconcertment as he encounters new alliances, enemies, the route to independence, and, possibly, love.
A riotous clash between the Old World and the New, McCarey's legendary comic instincts combine with his customary tender respect to make one of the most glorious and enduring comedies of classical Hollywood.
