Ted & Ralph (1998)
One-off comedy drama featuring characters from award-winning BBC sketch series 'The Fast Show'. Ralph Mayhew (Charlie Higson) lives alone in a faded stately home. His only friend is Ted (Paul Whitehouse), the elderly Irish estate worker. But their way of life is under threat: Ralph must marry before his 35th birthday or lose everything. Just when it all seems hopeless, along comes Wendy (Kathy Burke). As Ralph's affection for Wendy grows, his dependence on Ted wanes. Is this the end of a beautiful friendship ? Is Wendy all that she seems ? Will Ralph go through with the marriage ? And will he save the Hall ?
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That was an excellent one.
Please don't spend money on this.
Lack of good storyline.
A story that's too fascinating to pass by...
They took two of the most loved or talked about characters (three if you count Rowley Birkin) from The Fast Show and turn it into a TV made film. Unfortunately the result wasn't that great because it makes the actors and characters combined look corny and embarrassing. Basically Ralph (Charlie Higson) needs to get married before his birthday, or his house and grounds will go to his terrifying Aunt Cecilia (Higson again). He tries to get ideas and advice from his gardener and very, very close friend Ted (Paul Whitehouse) until eventually finds the right girl. Also starring Whitehouse as Rowley Birkin and Kevin Brown, Higson as Ralph's Father, Kathy Burke as Mrs. Ted, Simon Day as Tall Tom, Cliff Carter and Friend of Dorothy, Arabella Weir as Mrs. Jenkins, Ralph's Mother and Henrietta Gladstone, Mark Williams as Confirmed Bachelor, Louise Brill as Lulu, Eryl Maynard as Miss Paxman, Miranda Richardson as Henrietta Blough-Pendleton, Donna Ewin as Girl at Party, Richard Griffiths as Landowner at Party, Richard Wilson as Landowner at Party and John Thomson as the voice of the Vicar. Pretty poor!
Incongruous as it may seem, the romance between Ted & Ralph is far more poignant than any other modern day romance. If you've ever felt shy and tongue-tied around the unsuspecting object of your affection, this is the film to put your feelings (and reactions) into painful 3D! I've thoroughly enjoyed watching The Fast Show (and its spinoffs) and even though the cast are (only!) comedians, I think that they are better actors than most.
This spinoff, from the British TV series "The Fast Show", shines with sparks of wit and comedic genius. It goes far beyond any of the effort of the SNL movie spinoffs. Unfortunately, those who are unfamiliar with the characters from the Fast Show (the titular Ted & Ralph) may require more time to understand the characters. Probably, a viewer should watch a couple episodes of "The Fast Show" before they watch this.I admit I am biased. I believe that the authors (and actors) Charlie Higson and Paul Whitehouse are two of the cleverest comedians ever to come out of England. The story is based on humorous characters rather than relying on the cliched comical situations of American sit-coms. The plot is simple. If the painfully reticent Ralph wants to retain his lands he has to marry... soon. So he begins an odyssey to find a wife, which brings him into contact with many different and bizarre women. The plot is basically a coathanger for showcasing the comedy that typifies the "The Fast Show". Quick, quirky vignettes of odd characters. Think of it as a British SNL, only without the unnecessary musical groups and the overly long skits that die without editing. The show is the best kept secret in televised comedy. Hopefully, someday, it will make its way to American shores.