Ruggles of Red Gap (1935)

The Story

"One of the great comedies of all time, a wonderful source of pleasure." – Virgin Film Guide

1908. Charles Laughton plays the droll British butler Marmaduke Ruggles whose employer loses him in a Parisian poker game to a crass American ranching couple from Red Gap, Washington State. Laughton clearly enjoys this role and his comedic underplaying is outstanding. He fortunately resists the temptation to wink at the audience. Nobody has ever failed to be moved by Laughton’s famous Gettysburg Address scene and nobody ever laughs more than when Roland Young is taught to play the drums by the local courtesan. Directed by Leo McCarey (Duck Soup, The Awful Truth, Make Way for Tomorrow, Love Affair, An Affair to Remember, Going My Way).

“Charles Laughton, greatest of character actors, will astound you.” — Esquire

“McCarey understands people better than anyone in Hollywood.” — Jean Renoir

“Few gentler or more remarkable studies of cross-cultural engagement.” — Aaron Cutler

The 4.15 pm screening on Friday 28 April will be introduced by Geoff Gardner, Chair of the Cinema Reborn Organising Committee.

Watch a wonderful introduction to the film by the great modern director Peter Bogdanovich, here.

Rating

G

Duration

92 min

Cast

Charles Laughton, Mary Boland, Zasu Pitts, Roland Young, Charlie Ruggles

Director

Leo McCarey