The Ruling Class (1972)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  154 Minutes

Rated: PG

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Musical

Director: Peter Medak

Starring: Peter O’Toole, Alastair Sim, Arthur Lowe, Hugh Owens, Kay Walsh, Michael Bryant, Nigel Green

IMDB Rank: 7.3/10

Part 1 Time:  96 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  58 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Jack Gurney (Peter O’Toole) undergoes treatment from Dr. Herder (Michael Bryant). In his treatment, Jack “God of Love” come face-to-face McKyle “The High Voltage Messiah” (Nigel Green) who provides electroshock therapy, altering Jack’s persona.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “I’m Jack, I’m Jack” Jack 14th Earl of Gurney repeats himself while being held by Tucker (Arthur Lowe).

First line of dialogue on the second part: “On the wings of a dove far away far away would I roam over the wind” A soundtrack sings with a burning in the background.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Jarring, Jack Gurney is a paranoid schizophrenic who believes he is Jesus Christ. But now that Jack has unwittingly had electroshock therapy which has clearly affected him. Has he returned to senses or has he become something worse?

Which part is better? The film is split into two parts with each part presenting one of Jack’s personas. Part one shows Jack’s ‘Jesus Christ’ identity with part two showing his “Jack the Ripper” identity. Part one is better due to the comedy and interactions presented in Jack’s ‘Jesus Christ’ personality.

Academy Awards: Best Leading Actor (Nominated- Peter O’Toole)