Headlong (Williams novel)
- Headlong (Williams novel)
"Headlong" is a 1980 novel by Emlyn Williams.
Plot summary
The story takes place in England in the mid-1930's.
In May 1935, the entire Royal Family are killed in a freak accident and the search begins to find a surviving heir of British blood. After an extensive search, the choice falls on Jack Green, a twenty-five year old minor stage actor who, unknown to him, is the grandson of the philandering Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, and the nearest heir. He is virtually kidnapped and brought to Buckingham Palace. There he is placed in the care of William Millingham (known as Willie) who is to be his Private Secretary. Millingham assists the new King John over the period of adjustment to his new status. He is duly installed as King John II.
After the new king refuses to marry any of several potential Queens offered to him and also makes a broadcast speech considered highly radical by the Powers That be, a plot is discovered to discredit him.
After trying to assert his new-found authority, The Powers That Be, led by Cabinet Secretary Sir Godwin Rodd (known as Sir God), "suggest" that he abdicate his throne. It is then revealed to him that Willie is also a direct descendant of Royalty, but that he refused the position. After much soul-searching, Jack decides to abdicate and King William V is announced. Jack leaves the palace, is reunited with his girlfriend Kathy and in return for a large pension (part of which he gives over to an unemployment relief fund), emigrates to Mexico. Two years later, Jack returns to England and writes his memoirs.
Movie
The 1991 movie "King Ralph" is a loose, comic adaptation of the novel. John Goodman stars as Ralph Jones, an American lounge singer who becomes King of England.
References
----Headlong, by Emlyn Williams. Published 1980 by William Heinemann. ISBN 0 417 07160 4
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