Ruggles of Red Gap

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ChrisCSH H @RT12343453 Nov 29, 2025 Brilliantly witty with excellent writing and a magical cast with marvelous acting by Charles Laughton and Charlie Ruggles. The film has its moments of comedy and it also has those heartwarming moments. See more Karen L. @MamaCat60 Nov 14, 2025 Funny and heartwarming. See more Alec B @Alec97 May 7, 2025 A little corny at times but Laughton is perfect. See more michael d @RT16138633 Dec 17, 2021 Director Leo McCarey, in his heyday a famous director and rival of Frank Capra's, and now largely forgotten, made one of his best films, Ruggles Of Red Gap, adapted from Harry Leon Wilson's novel, in 1935. It tells the story of a meek English butler named Ruggles, who is "lost" in a poker game by his boss, an English earl. Living out west, in Washington state, he is gradually assimilated into American life, makes himself somewhat of a local celebrity, and falls in love along the way. That's about all there is to the story, and it's more than enough in director McCarey's capable hands. As Ruggles, Charles Laughton is more restrained than he's ever been, and gives a fine comedic performance of rare delicacy. There's none of the usual hamming one expects of him. As his new "bosses", Egbert and Effie Floud, Charlie Ruggles and Mary Boland are wonderful as middle-aged denizens of the Pacific northwest. As Ruggles' girl, Prunella, Zasu Pitts is at her dithering best; while Roland Young is sly and stylish as the earl. The actors interact with exquisite timing, with no one missing a beat, as was nearly always the case with McCarey, who had a rare feeling for the way people actually behave,--as opposed to the way movie people do--which makes his films, when good, a special treat. This movie is a classic, if a quiet one, and used to be far better known than it is today, which is a pity. Capra's films are shown all the time, while McCarey', aside from his two "Catholic" films of the mid-forties, Going My Way and Bells Of St. Mary's, tend by be neglected. There are no "big scenes" in this one, but an awful lot of brilliant little ones, as when Roland Young learns how to play the drums; or when Charle Laughton recites the Gettysburg Address, the latter the high point of the film, and its most famous moment. One can't help but think, after seeing this movie, that all's right with the world. It isn't, of course, and never has been, but it's awfully nice to feel that way without having to resort to drugs or alcohol. For that one can think Mr. McCarey. See more william d @acsdoug Feb 23, 2021 Charles Laughton proves he is adept at comedy as well in this amusing and very entertaining film. See more steve d @RT35616104 Jul 23, 2020 Really cute and Laughton is great. See more Read all reviews

Ruggles of Red Gap

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