Alright, fellow tapeheads, let's rewind to a time when high-concept comedies were king, and sometimes, just sometimes, a regular Joe could actually become king. Slide that worn copy of King Ralph (1991) into the VCR, adjust the tracking just so, and prepare for a dose of pure, unadulterated early-90s charm that feels like finding a forgotten favourite on the back shelf of Blockbuster. This wasn't exactly Shakespeare, but man, was it a fun rental night?
The premise alone is the stuff of glorious Hollywood absurdity: a freak photography accident during the royal family portrait wipes out the entire British line of succession (a moment played with just the right amount of dark slapstick). Panic ensues! Scouring the family tree, the Queen's private secretary, the impeccably stiff-upper-lipped Willingham (Peter O'Toole, radiating effortless class even in bewildered exasperation), discovers the only surviving heir... Ralph Jones (John Goodman), a boisterous, good-hearted Las Vegas lounge singer with a penchant for bowling, rock 'n' roll, and absolutely zero royal etiquette. Cue the culture clash comedy!
### Vegas Meets Windsor
What makes King Ralph click, despite its utterly ludicrous setup, is the casting. John Goodman, fresh off Roseanne and already proving his cinematic charisma in films like Raising Arizona (1987), is simply perfect. He embodies Ralph not as a malicious buffoon, but as a genuinely decent, down-to-earth guy completely adrift in a sea of suffocating tradition. His attempts to navigate palace life, from disastrous state dinners ("Which fork do I use to scratch my butt?") to trying to teach parliament the proper way to shoot pool, are the heart of the film. Goodman’s physical comedy and inherent likability sell the whole thing. You can’t help but root for this schlub who just wants to do right but keeps tripping over centuries of protocol. It's rumoured Goodman initially thought the premise was a bit too silly, but thank goodness he signed on – it’s hard to imagine anyone else grounding this regal silliness so effectively.
Opposite him, you have sheer acting royalty. Peter O'Toole as Willingham is magnificent, his dry wit and barely concealed horror providing the perfect foil to Ralph's antics. Their evolving relationship, from exasperated tutor/unruly pupil to grudging respect and even friendship, gives the film a surprising amount of warmth. And let's not forget the delightfully villainous John Hurt as Lord Graves, scheming to usurp the throne with sneering condescension. Hurt, who could bring gravitas to reading a phone book, clearly relishes playing the dastardly blue-blood determined to preserve tradition by any means necessary.
### Crafted Comedy, 90s Style
Director David S. Ward, who gifted us the equally enjoyable underdog story Major League just two years prior, knows how to handle this kind of comedy. He keeps the pace brisk and lets his actors shine. While not heavy on practical effects per se, the film benefits immensely from its practical locations. Shot extensively in the UK, using stunning locales like Blenheim Palace (standing in for Buckingham) and Warwick Castle, the genuine grandeur provides a fantastic visual contrast to Ralph's decidedly un-regal behaviour. Seeing Goodman awkwardly navigate these opulent halls feels much more authentic than any green-screen fakery could achieve. It grounds the fantasy just enough.
Interestingly, the film is a very loose adaptation of the 1980 novel Headlong by Emlyn Williams, which was apparently a much more serious political thriller. The decision to pivot to broad comedy was definitely a Hollywood move, aiming for wider appeal, and while it might have sacrificed depth, it certainly delivered on accessible laughs for the era. The humour definitely has that early 90s feel – some jokes land perfectly, others might feel a bit dated now, but it’s all delivered with an earnestness that’s hard to dislike. Remember that scene where Ralph tries to address Parliament? Pure fish-out-of-water gold, perfectly capturing the awkward charm.
### Royal Reception, VHS Reign
Upon release, King Ralph wasn't exactly crowned a critical masterpiece. Reviews were mixed, often calling it predictable or silly (which, let's be honest, it kind of is). It performed respectably at the box office, pulling in around $52 million worldwide against a $23 million budget, but it wasn't a runaway smash. Where it truly found its kingdom, however, was on home video and cable. This was prime VHS rental fodder – the kind of easy-watching, feel-good comedy you’d grab on a Friday night. It became one of those familiar, comforting films that seemed to be constantly playing on TV throughout the 90s.
It might not be the sharpest satire or the most innovative comedy, but King Ralph possesses a genuine heart, largely thanks to Goodman's winning performance and his chemistry with the legendary O'Toole. It’s a reminder of a time when studios weren't afraid to throw a goofy, high-concept pitch out there and just let charismatic actors run with it.
VHS Heaven Rating: 7/10
Why the score? It earns solid points for its brilliant casting (Goodman/O'Toole/Hurt are superb), genuinely funny fish-out-of-water moments, charming warmth, and its status as a quintessential piece of early 90s comfort viewing. It loses a few points for predictability and some humour that hasn't aged perfectly. Still, the core appeal remains surprisingly strong.
Final Word: King Ralph is a charmingly dated royal flush of 90s comedy – predictable, sure, but anchored by such likable leads that you can’t help but enjoy the coronation. A perfect tape to pop in when you need a reminder that sometimes, the wrong man for the job is exactly the right kind of fun.