Splitting Heirs
Eric Idle stars with Rick Moranis, Barbara Hershey, Catherine Zeta-Jones and John Cleese in this madcap romp the Los Angeles Times dubbed "irreverent, fun to watch...a killer!"
At a wild party during the '60s, baby Thomas Henry Butterfly Rainbow Peace (a.k.a. the 15th duke of Bournemouth) is accidentally "misplaced" but his rich hippie mum and dad. When the wrong baby is claimed, the real heir winds up being raised by a poor Pakistani family, while the "heir apparent" grows up in America with a silver spoon in his mouth.
Once Tommy Patel (Idle) learns that he, not Henry Martin (Moranis), is the true Duke of Bournemouth, he'll do anything to get back what he's lost! fortunately for Henry, Tommy's a pretty inept assassin. Unfortunately for them both, Tommy's seedy lawyer Shadgrind (Cleese) is a tad more adept! Add to the mix a scandalous, nymphomaniacal Duchess (Hershey), a gorgeous gold-digger (Zeta-Jones), plus a host of assorted loonies, and you have a Pythonesque cavalcade of silliness.
Can Tommy regain his dukedom, survive Shadgrind's schemes, avoid being seduced by his own unwitting mom, and marry the girl of his dreams? Find out for yourself. You'll split your sides laughing!
Member Reviews
"...and introducing John Cleese..." - BarbinBC
...who of course is COMPLETELY unknown... Well, I must say I greatly enjoyed this rather bizarre little comedy starring not one but two ex-Pythons, and incidentally (I believe) written & directed by Eric Idle who also filled one of the starring roles to loopy perfection. In the good old Python tradition, Idle spends the better part of one scene naked - though a strategic garment is clutched over the most naughty of the bits, this is still not a sight for the faint of heart! Oh yes, then there's the be-tasselled stripper...and much cleavage courtesy of the ladies...
Well, sexy references notwithstanding, this is a smart and very funny little film. If you liked Cleese & yet another ex-Python, Michael Palin, in "A Fish Called Wanda" you will be most pleased with this rather obscure little film. The straight-faced Indian family is delightful; Rick Moranis is a hoot; the Brits poke fun at themselves most competently; and the rather hackneyed story of babies-switched-at-birth gets yet another airing, with a few murderous twists.
There's even a car chase...and two rude French cyclists...roller blades...explosions...a homicidal pool cleaner...scuba diving with helium...what more can we ask for in an evening's silly entertainment?
Loved it, as did my teens. Not for the prissy or prudish; but those who enjoy rather naughty British comedy will greatly approve.3 Stars - bleuorchid21
Splitting Heirs is the story of Tommy Patel, a British man who learns he was adopted by a Pakistan family at birth. It also tells of Henry, a man from America who learns, after his father's death, he is the next heir to the throne. Unfortunately for him, Tommy learns that he is the rightful heir and will stop at nothing to reclaim what should be his.
The movie is good for a few laughs and the actors all do a good job throughout. Barbara Hershey plays the loving (and sex crazed) mother of Henry, Catherine Zeta-Jones is the bombshell bride to Henry, Rick Moranis stars as Henry (who is nice to everyone even after he learns of his new title), and Eric Idle as Tommy, who just wants what is rightfully his. John Cleese also makes an appearance as the money grubbing lawyer for Tommy, who will also stop at nothing to get rid of Henry.splitting heirs - movie_goer
I had a good laugh with this film, i can't believe i never heard of it until now by fluke i changed the channel.. Splitting Heirs is wack, sarcastic approach to revenge and bitter sweet lies. After the duke (eric idle) was forgotten in a restraunt and never found they quickly replaced him with another baby (rick moranis) brought up westernised he fails to fit into his new role as ruler to England. With many jealous and after his fortune his head is practically on the chopping block.
Member Reviews
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"...and introducing John Cleese..." - BarbinBC
...who of course is COMPLETELY unknown... Well, I must say I greatly enjoyed this rather bizarre little comedy starring not one but two ex-Pythons, and incidentally (I believe) written & directed by Eric Idle who also filled one of the starring roles to loopy ...3 Stars - bleuorchid21
Splitting Heirs is the story of Tommy Patel, a British man who learns he was adopted by a Pakistan family at birth. It also tells of Henry, a man from America who learns, after his father's death, he is the next heir to the throne. Unfortunately for him, Tommy ...splitting heirs - movie_goer
I had a good laugh with this film, i can't believe i never heard of it until now by fluke i changed the channel.. Splitting Heirs is wack, sarcastic approach to revenge and bitter sweet lies. After the duke (eric idle) was forgotten in a restraunt and never ...