The Ruling Class



"''"How do you know you're... God?" "Simple. When I pray to Him, I find I'm talking to myself.""

The Ruling Class is a 1972 British black comedy film produced by Jules Buck and directed by Peter Medak. It is an adaptation of Peter Barnes' satirical stage play which tells the story of a paranoid schizophrenic British nobleman (played by Peter O'Toole) who inherits enormous power and privilege in Great Britain.

""Oh please help! I'm stuck in the brambles!""
 * The Bad Guy Wins: Played With
 * Berserk Button: Don't call the 14th Early of Gurney "Jack", or contest any of his reality.
 * A God Am I: The 14th Earl of Gurney. Another delusional believes he is the angry, Old Testament God.
 * Hell Is That Noise: This gem, complete with Kubrick Stare and Skyward Scream.
 * Lie Detector: It says the 14th Earl is lying, when asked if he is God. He said no.
 * Mood Whiplash: From musical absurdity to horror.
 * Psycho Psychologist: Dr. Herder.
 * Really Gets Around: Lady Claire. Grace is implied to be this, but settles down with Jack.
 * Royally Screwed-Up: The 14th Earl of Gurney.
 * Strawman Political
 * Talkative Loon: The 14th Earl of Gurney sure talks a lot.
 * Upper Class Twit: Dimmesdale.


 * Word Salad Humor: The 14th Earl of Gurney does this in the first half.