Ruggles of Red Gap (1923)

Synopsis
Edward Everett Horton, who was still new to film, was perfectly cast as the meek and mild English valet Ruggles in this adaptation of the Harry Leon Wilson novel. Ruggles comes into the life of Cousin Egbert (Ernest Torrence) when he and his wife, Mrs. Effie (Louise Dresser), travel to Paris. The couple, from the western town of Red Gap, are nouveau riche and she is determined to teach him how to be a proper gentleman. But Cousin Egbert proves to be unteachable, even after he wins Ruggles in a poker game. Mrs. Effie hopes that Ruggles will show her husband the ropes, and Ruggles is certainly willing. Back home in Red Gap, however, the two men are more pals than master and servant. In fact, Egbert introduces Ruggles as a colonel, and the town honors him. Ruggles' former employer comes to Red Gap and falls in love with Kate Kenner, one of the bohemian set (Lois Wilson). Ruggles, horrified, wires the man's brother to put a stop to it. The brother does just that by traveling to Red Gap and marrying Kate himself. Ruggles then has a romance with Emily (Fritzi Ridgeway) and opens up a restaurant. This wasn't the first time this story was filmed -- there was a version made in 1918, then again in 1935 and 1950. ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide