Ruggles of Red Gap (1935)

Introduction

Ruggles of Red Gap (1935) is a charming and whimsical comedy that represents a delightful intersection of British and American sensibilities in film during the mid-1930s. Directed by the talented Leo McCarey, who is known for his mastery of both comedy and sentiment (e.g., The Awful Truth [1937], Make Way for Tomorrow [1937]), this film adapts Harry Leon Wilson's novel The Ruggles of Red Gap, offering audiences a witty and heart-warming look at class, manners, and cultural misunderstandings. The film boasts a standout performance by Charles Laughton, whose portrayal of a staid, British butler caught in an American social upheaval showcases his exceptional comedic timing and depth as an actor.

With a sharp script, endearing characters, and a lively atmosphere, Ruggles of Red Gap is a fun, escapist film that has aged gracefully, continuing to delight viewers with its clever humour, sophisticated charm, and heartfelt message about self-discovery and personal growth. Although it may not be as well-known as some of the big studio comedies of the era, it is a standout example of 1930s comedy, combining physical humour, character-driven wit, and a nuanced exploration of class and identity.

Plot Summary

The story of Ruggles of Red Gap begins with Ruggles (Charles Laughton), a loyal and highly refined British butler who serves the wealthy Lord Burnstead (Roland Young) in London. The film opens with a bit of typical British aristocracy: Lord Burnstead’s tendency to indulge his whims and Ruggles’s quiet, dignified service. However, everything changes when Lord Burnstead loses a poker game to an American millionaire named Egbert Floud (Charlie Ruggles) during a trip to Paris.

As part of the stakes, Lord Burnstead is forced to give Ruggles to Egbert as part of the debt, sending the butler on a journey across the Atlantic to the small town of Red Gap, Washington, a rapidly developing frontier town in the American West. Once in Red Gap, Ruggles is expected to serve the Flouds, who are far less refined than his British aristocratic employers.

The Floud family, consisting of the kindly but brash Egbert, his free-spirited wife Effie (Mary Boland), and the eccentric townspeople, introduce Ruggles to a new world of American informality and freedom. Initially appalled by the lack of decorum in Red Gap, Ruggles must come to terms with his own identity, his place in the world, and his understanding of class and social structures.

The film’s comedy arises from the clash between Ruggles’s highly polished British sensibilities and the boisterous, egalitarian attitudes of the American West. However, as Ruggles interacts with the people of Red Gap, particularly the Flouds and the progressive-minded Mrs. Judson (Leila Hyams), he begins to shed his rigid British restraint and take on new characteristics of self-confidence, agency, and independence.

The story develops into a transformative journey for Ruggles, as he gradually grows into a man who is not just a servant but a self-possessed individual in his own right. By the end of the film, he has gone through a personal evolution, with newfound dignity and a greater understanding of freedom and equality in the broader social context.

Themes and Social Commentary

Class and Identity

At its heart, Ruggles of Red Gap is a film about class and identity. The film explores the rigid boundaries of class structure, particularly in the context of British society, and contrasts that with the more fluid social structure of American society in the early 20th century. Ruggles, initially a servant and a man defined by his station, must confront and question the meaning of his role in the world.

The contrast between British aristocratic traditions and American egalitarianism serves as the backdrop for Ruggles's journey of self-discovery. His experiences in Red Gap challenge his deeply ingrained understanding of class and social hierarchy. As he begins to shed the strictures of his British background and embrace a more individualistic, American ideal of self-worth and self-expression, Ruggles comes to realize that his true value lies in his own sense of dignity and personal agency, not in his role as a servant.

The film gently satirizes the social stratification of the time while also suggesting that the ideal of personal liberty in America holds the promise of greater freedom for individuals, regardless of their social background. In a world where class distinctions are often rigid, the idea that Ruggles, a butler, can come into his own and achieve personal empowerment is a refreshing and liberating message.

The American West as a Land of Opportunity

Set against the backdrop of a small American frontier town, the film also reflects on the idea of the American West as a land of opportunity. The town of Red Gap, while still a bit rough around the edges, is a place where people of all walks of life can find a fresh start. Ruggles’s transformation mirrors the freedom and possibility that the American West represents—a place where people can reinvent themselves and break free from societal constraints.

This is particularly emphasized in the character of Mrs. Judson (Leila Hyams), a progressive, independent woman who encourages Ruggles to embrace the freedom and opportunities of his new surroundings. Red Gap is a place where Ruggles, once confined by his servitude, can evolve into a more autonomous and fulfilled individual.

Comedy and Social Commentary

While the film is a comedy at its core, it also uses humour as a means to offer commentary on the absurdities of class, manners, and social expectations. The situations Ruggles faces in Red Gap often create moments of comedy that are both humorous and insightful. The juxtaposition of Ruggles’s prim and proper British manners against the rough-and-tumble American frontier creates both hilarious and touching moments.

The film also plays with the concept of cultural misunderstandings. Ruggles, in his formal British ways, is often out of place in the more relaxed, unrefined atmosphere of Red Gap. Yet, it is through these moments of cultural clash that Ruggles experiences the most significant personal growth, revealing the film's optimistic message that people can adapt, change, and transcend the limitations imposed by their backgrounds.

Performances

Charles Laughton is exceptional in the role of Ruggles, showcasing his remarkable versatility. Known for his intense dramatic roles in films like The Private Life of Henry VIII (1933) and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939), Laughton’s performance in Ruggles of Red Gap is a delightful departure. His portrayal of Ruggles is both comedic and poignant, perfectly balancing the character’s initial servility with his eventual transformation into a man of dignity and self-possession. Laughton’s comic timing is impeccable, and his ability to convey Ruggles’s internal shift through subtle nuances makes the character’s evolution genuinely moving.

Mary Boland brings warmth and a sense of playfulness to the role of Effie Floud, the wife of the bumbling American millionaire, Egbert. Effie’s free-spirited nature contrasts nicely with Ruggles's formality, and Boland’s performance adds a sense of lightness and charm to the film.

Roland Young, as the affable but eccentric Egbert Floud, provides the right touch of comic absurdity as the American millionaire who unknowingly changes Ruggles’s life. Young’s portrayal of a man who believes in his own importance but is comically unaware of his true lack of refinement is a key source of humour in the film.

Leila Hyams as Mrs. Judson brings a sense of idealism and encouragement to her role, serving as a catalyst for Ruggles's eventual transformation. Her character’s progressive ideals offer a refreshing perspective on the possibilities available to someone who dares to break free from their social constraints.

Direction and Cinematography

Leo McCarey directs the film with his trademark deft touch, seamlessly combining slapstick comedy with moments of genuine emotional resonance. McCarey’s direction ensures that the humour never feels forced, allowing the characters’ comedic interactions to arise naturally from the situations they are placed in. His careful attention to the pacing of the story keeps the film lively and engaging, while also allowing the more thoughtful aspects of Ruggles’s personal growth to emerge at the right moments.

The cinematography by Henry W. Gerrard is colourful and vibrant, capturing both the quaint charm of Red Gap and the bustling energy of the characters' interactions. The wide shots of the frontier town contrast with the more intimate close-ups of Ruggles’s face, highlighting his emotional journey from isolation to connection.

Reception and Legacy

Upon release, Ruggles of Red Gap received positive reviews for its charm, wit, and the standout performance by Charles Laughton. The film's humour and heart struck a chord with audiences, and it became a critical success. While it is not as famous as some of the other comedies of the 1930s, it remains a delightful and enduring example of early Hollywood filmmaking, appreciated for its insightful commentary on class and identity.

In the years since its release, Ruggles of Red Gap has been rediscovered by audiences and critics alike as a film that combines light-hearted comedy with a touching exploration of personal transformation.

Conclusion

Ruggles of Red Gap (1935) is a delightful and heart-warming comedy that combines wit, humour, and insight into class and identity. Charles Laughton’s comedic genius shines through in a performance that is both hilarious and deeply human. Directed by Leo McCarey with a light touch, the film offers a thoughtful exploration of personal growth and cultural clash, all set against the backdrop of the American West. With its charming performances, clever writing, and timeless message of self-discovery, Ruggles of Red Gap remains a classic comedy that is well worth rediscovering.

A delightful, witty, and touching comedy with a standout performance by Charles Laughton.