Splitting Heirs

Watch Splitting Heirs

"A wickedly funny comedy of Royal proportions"
  • PG-13
  • 1993
  • 1 hr 27 min
  • 5.5  (4,530)

In Splitting Heirs, Eric Idle plays Henry, the long-lost heir to the Duke of Bournemouth's fortune. Henry, having grown up in an orphanage and unaware of his aristocratic lineage, has lived his entire life as a lowly chauffeur. But when the Duke dies, it is discovered that Henry is actually the true heir to the family fortune, which has been badly mismanaged by the current Duke, played by John Cleese.

Henry quickly learns the ways of the upper class, with the help of his fiancée, played by Barbara Hershey, who is attracted to him for his newfound wealth. But things get complicated when Tommy Patel (Rick Moranis), a businessman who was adopted by the Duke and brought up as the heir apparent, realizes that he too may have a claim to the family fortune. The two men engage in a hilarious battle of wits, one trying to cling to his newfound wealth while the other attempts to prove his rightful place as the true heir.

Splitting Heirs is a classic fish-out-of-water comedy, with Eric Idle giving a standout performance as the bumbling but endearing Henry. Idle brings his trademark wit and irreverence to the role, delivering some memorable one-liners and physical gags. Rick Moranis is equally entertaining as Tommy, the conniving businessman who will stop at nothing to get what he feels is rightfully his.

The supporting cast is also strong, with John Cleese providing a hilarious turn as the bumbling Duke, and Catherine Zeta-Jones in an early role as the Duke's scheming mistress. The film also features a number of memorable cameos, including Richard Branson as himself and Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan as a fictional rocker named Ronnie.

The film's story is helped along by some beautiful scenery, as the action moves from London to the stunning countryside estates owned by the Duke. The cinematography captures the opulence of the aristocratic lifestyle, from the grandeur of the estate houses to the lavish parties thrown by the Duke.

Splitting Heirs is a charming and funny film, filled with clever dialogue and slapstick humor. Eric Idle proves once again that he is a master of comedy, while Rick Moranis delivers a strong performance as his conniving rival. The film is a fun and entertaining romp, with enough heart to keep audiences invested in the fate of its lovable characters.

Overall, Splitting Heirs is a classic comedy that has stood the test of time. With an all-star cast, witty writing, and plenty of laughs, it remains a favorite among fans of British humor.

Splitting Heirs
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Description
  • Release Date
    1993
  • MPAA Rating
    PG-13
  • Runtime
    1 hr 27 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.5  (4,530)
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