8
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The Message--for CathoIlcs of Southwestemlndlana
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Entertainment
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March 8, 1991
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Jolm Goodman stars as Ralph Jones, an American piano player
from Las Vegas who becomes King of England.
-- Photo by Frank Connor, Copyright 1990 Universal City Studios Inc.
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Comedy "King Ralph' gets mired down
in one-joke situation, wasted efforts
By GERRI PARE
Catholic News Service
NEW YORK (CNS) -- When
an accidental tragedy wipes out
the entire British royal family, a
good-natured American slob in-
herits the throne and becomes
"King Ralph" (Universal).
At first Ralph (John Good-
man), a floundering Las Vegas
lounge singer, assumes it's a
joke when two proper British
gentlemen, toting a one-way
ticket to London, inform him he
is the sole heir to the Englilsh
crown.
But life in Buckingham
Palace is not an easy fit for the
cranky Yankee who's forever
tryng to escape the attentions of
his starchy private secretary,
Willingham (Peter O'Toole).
King Ralph is much more at
home in an exotic dance club
where he's met Miranda, an im-
poverished shopgirl (Camille
Coduri).
However, duty calls and
Ralph's expected to give up his
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PARTIES SERVED FAMILY STYLE
commoner, woo the Princess of
Finland (Joely Richardson) and
undo a plot by smarmy Lord
Graves (John Hurt) to dethrone
him. He can't quite score a tri-
ple header on these counts but
with a little encouragement
from Willingham, he meets his
obligations in a manner befit-
ting a king.
Writer-director David S.
Ward directs a clash of cultures
comedy that turns out to be
equal parts affable and
forgettable.
Goodman's likable enough in
this minor league effort, but
O'Toole and Hurt are wasted in
roles in which they look stifled
in and O'Toole's dry delivery is
far funnier than the dreary
dialogue.
There are sprightly moments
and sight gags that capitalize on
Goodman's enormous
physical size, but the
screenplay is soon mired in its
one-joke situation. High point
of the film is the royal ball with
regally attired King Ralph
breaking loose on the harp-
sichord with (to the upper-crust
attendees) a shocking, rocking,
stomping version of "Good
Golly, Miss Molly."
The rest of this simplemind-
ed diversion is lame and tame,
though the overbearing musical
score tries hard to make you feel
emotionally touched and
grandly giddy.
Due to occasional vulagar ex-
pressions, double entendre and
a flash of rear nudity, the U.S.
Catholic Conference classifica-
tion is A-II -- adults and
adolescents. The Motion Pic-
ture Association of America is
PG -- parental guidance
suggested.
i ......... 'i"00;Dubois County Bank
LOSE TO YOU WITH 9 CONVEIIIENT LOCATIONS
A Great Opportunity In Education
Owensboro Catholic High School is seeking a school
principal for their 600 student.40 faculty & staff facility.
Salary range $30K - $35K. Requirements.
• Practicing Catholic
• Four years teaching experience in Catholic schools
• Kentucky secondary school administration certificate or
working toward certification
• Excellent administration/communication skills
Send resume by 3/15/91 to:
Principal Search Committee
600 Locust Street
Owensboro, KY 42301
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