Starring: Rick Moranis, Eric Idle, Barbara Hershey, Catherine Zeta Jones, John Cleese
Director: Robert Young
Producers: Simon Bosanquet and Redmond Morris
Screenplay: Eric Idle
Music: Michael Kamen
Released by Universal Pictures
It's a case of two babies switched at birth. Tommy (Eric Idle), really a duke, has been growing up as one of many children in an Indian household in London. Henry (Rick Moranis), really the son of a cook, has been accepted for years as the legitimate heir to the dukedom. When Tommy discovers that he is actually the heir, he begins to scheme how to assume his rightful position. With the help of an unethical lawyer named Shadgrind (John Cleese), Tommy plots to assassinate Henry and take his place. After Tommy is shown to be an inept killer, Shadgrind decides to take matters into his own hands, but his attempts are little more successful.
Without a doubt, John Cleese is one of the modern masters of comedy. In addition to his large body of Monty Python work and the riotously funny television series Fawlty Towers, Cleese turned in a terrific performance in the little-known Clockwise, and was the creative force behind A Fish Called Wanda. But even his presence can't save Splitting Heirs.
Actually, although his appearance has been heavily promoted, Cleese has little more than a cameo -- at most, his screen time totals ten minutes. As was the case in the late-'80s flick Eric the Viking, his scenes are hilarious, but the rest of the production is in desperate need of resuscitation.
Sadly, Eric Idle, another of the Pythons, is part of the problem. He is not the same comedian that he was twenty-five years ago -- or even ten years ago. Those who have enjoyed his recent, banal projects will appreciate Splitting Heirs. The humor here recalls that from the awful Nuns on the Run -- juvenile and unfunny. Too often, this movie plays like a run-of-the-mill television sitcom. This is Blame it on the Bellboy with John Cleese -- tripe garnished with caviar.
Since Little Shop of Horrors, Rick Moranis has been drifting listlessly from role to role, rarely eliciting more than an occasional laugh in any given performance. Splitting Heirs will do nothing to reverse that trend. From start to finish, he is flat, and Idle isn't much better. At least Barbara Hershey enjoys a rare chance to go over-the-top.
Eric Idle, who wrote, executive produced, and co-starred in this movie, has to bear the brunt of the responsibility for its failure. Did he really think there was an audience for something this witless? Anyone contemplating seeing Splitting Heirs would do better to watch old Python re- runs and wait for a project where John Cleese has some creative input.
© 1993, 1996 James Berardinelli