Splitting Heirs (1993)
A sharp, irreverent British comedy about mistaken identity, aristocratic inheritance, and the chaos that follows when the wrong man ends up with a dukedom.
Splitting Heirs - Movie Information
- Original Title: Splitting Heirs
- Release Year: 1993
- Directed by: Robert Young
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: French, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 2, 1993 (United Kingdom), April 30, 1993 (United States - PG-13), September 9, 1993 (Germany - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Dos herederos al trono (SV), Dos herederos al trono (MX), Av min arv (DK)
- Production Companies: Universal Pictures, Prominent Features
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Splitting Heirs - Plot
A member of the English upper class dies, leaving his estate and his business to an American, whom he thinks is his son who was lost as a baby and then found again. An Englishman who thinks he is an Indian comes to believe that he is actually the heir. He comes to hate the American who is his boss, his friend, and the man who has stolen the woman after whom he lusts.
Splitting Heirs - Trailer
See the aristocratic mayhem unfold in the official trailer:
A wickedly funny comedy of Royal proportions
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Splitting Heirs - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robert Young
Main Cast
- Rick Moranis
- Eric Idle
- Barbara Hershey
- Catherine Zeta-Jones
- John Cleese
- Sadie Frost
- Stratford Johns
- Brenda Bruce
- William Franklyn
- Charu Bala Chokshi
Writers
- Eric Idle
Producers
- Redmond Morris
- Simon Bosanquet
Splitting Heirs - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Splitting Heirs?
Splitting Heirs stars Eric Idle as Tommy Butterfly Rainbow Peace Patel, Rick Moranis as Henry Bullock, Barbara Hershey as Duchess Lucinda, Catherine Zeta-Jones as Kitty, and John Cleese as the scheming lawyer Raoul P. Shadgrind. Sadie Frost also appears in a supporting role.
What is Splitting Heirs about?
Splitting Heirs follows an Englishman raised as an Indian who discovers he may be the rightful heir to a British dukedom. The title was accidentally given to an American, who is now his boss and romantic rival. The film mines dark comedy from mistaken identity, class confusion, and increasingly desperate schemes.
Did Eric Idle write Splitting Heirs?
Yes, Eric Idle wrote the screenplay for Splitting Heirs and also stars in the film as the lead character Tommy. Idle drew on his Monty Python background to craft a satirical comedy about British class, aristocratic inheritance, and identity confusion, giving the film its distinctly irreverent tone.
Is Splitting Heirs based on a true story?
No, Splitting Heirs is not based on a true story. It is an original comedy screenplay written by Eric Idle. The plot — involving a baby mix-up, a disputed dukedom, and a man raised in an Indian family who turns out to be British aristocracy — is entirely fictional and played for satirical laughs.
Where can I stream or watch Splitting Heirs?
Splitting Heirs is available to buy or rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region, so checking a streaming aggregator like JustWatch is recommended for the most current options in your area.
What is the age rating for Splitting Heirs?
Splitting Heirs is rated PG-13 in the United States, making it suitable for teenagers and adults. The film contains comedic violence, adult humor, and some suggestive content consistent with its dark comedy tone. In Germany it received a 12 certificate upon its September 1993 release.
Was Catherine Zeta-Jones in Splitting Heirs?
Yes, Catherine Zeta-Jones appears in Splitting Heirs as Kitty, a love interest caught between the two rival claimants to the dukedom. The role came early in her career, before her international breakthrough, and showcases the charm and screen presence that would later make her a Hollywood star.
What are some movies similar to Splitting Heirs?
Fans of Splitting Heirs may enjoy Bean (1997) for its British slapstick humor, Dr. Strangelove (1964) for sharp satirical comedy, Delicatessen (1991) for darkly absurdist laughs, and Johnny English (2003) for more British comic mayhem. Adam's Apples (2005) and Bandits (2001) also offer similarly offbeat comedic sensibilities.
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