The Ruling Class
Seen it?1972 | 154 min | Comedy, Drama
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (83% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 6.4 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Four Lions or Ninotchka, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Provocative satire that goes after everyone.
- The pace
- Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 34 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- It's long: 2 hr 34 min.
- Made in 1972: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
When the Earl of Gurney dies in a cross-dressing accident, his schizophrenic son, Jack, inherits the Gurney estate. Jack is not the average nobleman; he sings and dances across the estate and thinks he is Jesus reincarnated. Believing that Jack is mentally unfit to own the estate, the Gurney family plots to steal Jack's inheritance. As their outrageous schemes fail, the family strives to cure Jack of his bizarre behavior, with disastrous results.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
83% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
6.4 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 41K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Peter Medak
- Peter O'TooleJack 14th Earl of Gurney
- Alastair SimBishop Lampton
- Arthur LoweTucker
- Harry Andrews13th Earl of Gurney
- Coral BrowneLady Claire Gurney
- Michael BryantDr. Herder
- Nigel GreenMcKyle
- William MervynSir Charles Gurney
- Carolyn SeymourGrace Shelley
- James VilliersDinsdale