Ruggles of Red Gap

McCarey isn't the worst of the classic directors, but he's at his best when he sticks to silly cheese. Ruggles of Red Gap is exactly that, a simple comedy about a clash of cultures. It's not a great film by any measure, but at least it doesn't take itself too seriously, and it doesn't overstay its welcome.

Ruggles is a proud English butler, but in a game of poker, his master loses him to an American gentleman. Ruggles is forced to move to America, where he has trouble getting used to the boarish people. He does however pick up their taste for freedom, and he starts his own little company.

Whatever drama there is, is exploited for laughs. The performances are okay and the tone is light throughout, but the jokes are pretty bland and the presentation is dull as can be. The lead character isn't much fun either, so it's all quite forgettable. I've seen worse classics, but I'm sure I won't remember this one for long.