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.
Where to watch The Ruling Class in United States
HBO Max Amazon Channel
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Criterion Channel
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Tubi TVClick a service to open The Ruling Class there. Availability last verified on June 20, 2026.
Where is The Ruling Class streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | HBO Max Amazon Channel, Britbox Apple TV Channel , YouTube TV, Criterion Channel | — |
| India | Tubi TV, Plex | — |
| United Kingdom | Tubi TV | — |
| Canada | Criterion Channel, Britbox Apple TV Channel , Tubi TV, Plex | — |
| Australia | Tubi TV, Plex | — |
| Germany | Plex | — |
| France | Plex | — |
| Spain | Filmin, Acontra Plus, Acontra Plus Amazon Channel, Tivify | Acontra Plus |
| Brazil | Plex | — |
| Japan | Plex | — |
About The Ruling Class
The Ruling Class is a 1972 English-language comedy and drama film directed by Peter Medak. The cast is led by Peter O'Toole, Alastair Sim, Arthur Lowe. It has a runtime of 2h 34m. Viewers rate it 6.5/10 across 100 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on HBO Max Amazon Channel, Britbox Apple TV Channel , YouTube TV.
The Ruling Class was produced by Keep Films and made in United Kingdom. It was released on May 24, 1972, and carries a PG certification.
- Director
- Peter Medak
- Writers
- Peter Barnes
- Release date
- May 24, 1972
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- PG
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Production
- Keep Films
The Ruling Class cast & crew
The Ruling Class was directed by Peter Medak and written by Peter Barnes.
The cast features Peter O'Toole as Jack 14th Earl of Gurney, Alastair Sim as Bishop Lampton, Arthur Lowe as Tucker, Harry Andrews as 13th Earl of Gurney, Coral Browne as Lady Claire Gurney, and Michael Bryant as Dr. Herder.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by John Cameron, cinematography is by Ken Hodges, and it was produced by Jules Buck and Jack Hawkins.
Is The Ruling Class worth watching?
The Ruling Class holds an audience score of 6.5/10 from 96 ratings, a solidly received comedy films.
At 2h 34m, it's a full-evening commitment.
If you enjoy comedy and drama, The Ruling Class is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch The Ruling Class
In United States, you can stream The Ruling Class on HBO Max Amazon Channel, Britbox Apple TV Channel , YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, and HBO Max. Click any service above to open it directly.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
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Cast of The Ruling Class
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
The Ruling Class — FAQs
▸Where can I watch The Ruling Class in United States?
The Ruling Class is streaming on HBO Max Amazon Channel, Britbox Apple TV Channel , YouTube TV, Criterion Channel in United States.
▸Is The Ruling Class on HBO Max Amazon Channel?
Yes — The Ruling Class is currently available on HBO Max Amazon Channel in United States.
▸What language is The Ruling Class in?
The Ruling Class is originally in English, with audio tracks including German, English, French, Italian. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is The Ruling Class?
The Ruling Class runs 2 hours 34 minutes (154 minutes).
▸What is The Ruling Class rated?
The Ruling Class is rated PG. It holds a 6.5/10 audience score from 96 ratings.
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