The Ruling Class_
When the Earl of Gurney dies in a cross-dressing accident, his schizophrenic son, Jack, inherits the Gurney estate. Jack is not the average nobleman; he sings and dances across the estate and thinks he is Jesus reincarnated. Believing that Jack is mentally unfit to own the estate, the Gurney family plots to steal Jack's inheritance. As their outrageous schemes fail, the family strives to cure Jack of his bizarre behavior, with disastrous results.
Starring
Peter O'Toole, Alastair Sim, Arthur Lowe
Updated Feb 16, 2026
WHERE TO WATCH
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Year context
The Ruling Class was released 54 years ago in 1972.
Overview
When the Earl of Gurney dies in a cross-dressing accident, his schizophrenic son, Jack, inherits the Gurney estate. Jack is not the average nobleman; he sing...
The Ruling Class is a Comedy, Drama film with a runtime of 2h 34m.
CAST (20)
Peter O'Toole
Jack 14th Earl of Gurney
Alastair Sim
Bishop Lampton
Arthur Lowe
Tucker
Harry Andrews
13th Earl of Gurney
Coral Browne
Lady Claire Gurney
Michael Bryant
Dr. Herder
Nigel Green
McKyle
William Mervyn
Sir Charles Gurney
Carolyn Seymour
Grace Shelley
James Villiers
Dinsdale
Kay Walsh
Mrs. Piggott-Jones
Patsy Byrne
Mrs. Treadwell
Graham Crowden
Truscott
Hugh Burden
Matthew Peake
James Grout
Inspector Brockett
JH
James Hazeldine
Fraser
JC
Joan Cooper
Nurse Brice
HO
Hugh Owens
Toastmaster
Henry Woolf
Inmate
GD
Griffith Davies
Inmate
DETAILS
Release
Status
Released
Runtime
154 min (2h 34m)
Language
English
Country
Rating
6.4/10 (93 votes)
Popularity
1
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is The Ruling Class about?
When the Earl of Gurney dies in a cross-dressing accident, his schizophrenic son, Jack, inherits the Gurney estate. Jack is not the average nobleman; he sings and dances across the estate and thinks he is Jesus reincarnated. Believing that Jack is mentally unfit to own the estate, the Gurney family plots to steal Jack's inheritance. As their outrageous schemes fail, the family strives to cure Jack of his bizarre behavior, with disastrous results.
How long is The Ruling Class?
The Ruling Class has a runtime of 154 minutes (2h 34m).
Who stars in The Ruling Class?
The cast of The Ruling Class includes Peter O'Toole, Alastair Sim, Arthur Lowe, Harry Andrews, Coral Browne.
What is the rating of The Ruling Class?
The Ruling Class has a rating of 6.4 out of 10 based on 93 votes on TMDB.
GENRES (2)
Comedy
Drama