Review of The Ruling Class (1972) by Jonathan B — 04 Jun 2009
"Behaviour which would be considered insanity in a tradesman is looked upon as mild eccentricity in a lord".
Peter O'Toole plays the 14th Earl of Gurney, a paranoid schizophrenic who succeeds to his title after the death of his father in 'embarrassing circumstances. The film plays upon the idea of the upper classes being absolutely barking and has 'unlikely, extravagant, and improbable situations' which provide a strong element of farce in the first half.
I think that funny though some of the comedy is, its great strength is further on in the film, in Peter O'Toole's portrayal of a man who really is insane, very frightening and not in the least bit amusing.
This review of The Ruling Class (1972) was written by Jonathan B on 04 June 2009.
The Ruling Class has generally received positive reviews.
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