King Ralph is directed by David S. Ward who loosely adapts the screenplay from the novel Headlong written by Emlyn Williams. It stars John Goodman, Peter O'Toole, John Hurt, Camille Coduri, Richard Griffiths and Leslie Phillips. Music is by James Newton Howard and cinematography by Kenneth MacMillan.
When the entire ruling family of the United Kingdom is killed by a freak accident, the search begins for any surviving heirs to the throne. One is found in Las Vegas, Ralph Jones, an easy going slob like lounge singer. Getting Ralph to take his role seriously is one thing, learning him the graces of the monarchy is another! Standard fish-out-of-water (bull-in-a-china-shop) premise that's boosted by the ebullient John Godman as the hapless title character. The makers try hard to garner laughs from a roll call of by the numbers scenarios, enter Ralph being introduced to cricket, cuisine, tea drinking, walking with a straight back and talking eloquently. Things are further muddied when Ralph meets and forms a relationship with a failed stripper with a heart (Coduri). A big no no for the King of England, who must marry into royal stock. Around Goodman is a ream of quality thespians from Britain and Ireland, all adding some dignity to the weak script whilst simultaneously looking for all they are worth that they are coasting for the money.
It's hardly a stinker of a movie, it does have charming moments, but all involved deserved better and even back on release the formula was looking frayed around the edges. 5/10
When the entire ruling family of the United Kingdom is killed by a freak accident, the search begins for any surviving heirs to the throne. One is found in Las Vegas, Ralph Jones, an easy going slob like lounge singer. Getting Ralph to take his role seriously is one thing, learning him the graces of the monarchy is another! Standard fish-out-of-water (bull-in-a-china-shop) premise that's boosted by the ebullient John Godman as the hapless title character. The makers try hard to garner laughs from a roll call of by the numbers scenarios, enter Ralph being introduced to cricket, cuisine, tea drinking, walking with a straight back and talking eloquently. Things are further muddied when Ralph meets and forms a relationship with a failed stripper with a heart (Coduri). A big no no for the King of England, who must marry into royal stock. Around Goodman is a ream of quality thespians from Britain and Ireland, all adding some dignity to the weak script whilst simultaneously looking for all they are worth that they are coasting for the money.
It's hardly a stinker of a movie, it does have charming moments, but all involved deserved better and even back on release the formula was looking frayed around the edges. 5/10