Directed by Leo McCarey
1935/USA
Paramount Pictures
Repeat viewing
Egbert Floud: [pouring champagne] What you want is… is… is… some more of this imprisoned laughter of the pleasant maids of France.
This seldom mentioned treasure is one of the reasons I keep watching these old movies! It has a perfect cast, a wonderful script, and is expertly directed by Leo McCarey.
The time is the Gay 90’s. The place is Paris. Charles Laughton plays Ruggles, the proper English valet to the Earl of Burnstead (Roland Young). The Earl “loses” Ruggles to the rough-and-ready American Egbert Floud (Charlie Ruggles) in a poker game. Mrs. Floud has taken a fancy to Ruggles because she thinks he can civilize her boisterous husband and improve her social standing. Egbert immediately treats Ruggles as his equal, much to Ruggles’ embarrassment.
The Flouds soon return with Ruggles to Red Gap in Wild West Washington State. Due to a misunderstanding, society thinks that Ruggles is a house guest of the Floud’s and they are hard-pressed to deny it. In the meantime, Ruggles is introduced to American ways. Then the Earl comes to visit and Ruggles has some decisions to make. With Zasu Pitts as Ruggles’ lady love and Leila Heims as the local “bad girl”.
I smiled throughout this entire film, even when I had a little tear in my eye. I think this is Charlie Ruggles’ finest performance, and I always like him. Roland Young and Zasu Pitts are also perfectly charming. And just watch Charles Laughton recite the Gettysburg Address! This movie is great. My highest recommendation.
Peter Bogdanovich comments on the film with clips
I own this one. You’ve inspired a revisit!
Here’s to the long take!
I thought it was even better than I had remembered. I think McCarey deserves more credit as one of the greats.
This is one I must see even if it is not on the list. Leo mccareyd did a lot of good films in this era.
I think Leo McCarey is a really excellent director of actors. Everyone seems so natural and to be having such a good time in his movies.
Oh yes………..a delightful movie and, like you, Bea, I think Charlie Ruggles is absolutely whimsical. I have always liked him. It is just a great film and then there is the Gettysburg Address!!!
That “Foghorn Leghorn” type character is quite different for Charlie and he pulls it off brilliantly!
Again, sorry, have to disagree with all you wiser heads. This one I thought was awful with Laughton hopelessly miscast and mugging horrendously, way too much reliance on steroyupical behaviour and carry on to try (and fail) to generate a laugh. This has aged very badly
Well I’m beginning to think 1930’s comedies may just not be for you. When did Laughton not mug? It’s just that he does it so well. We’ll agree to disagree here.