Ralph Smigel

Ralph Smigel
Behind the scenes
Appearance(s):	1995 Film Film Novel
Portrayed by:	Darryl Henriques

Ralph Smigel is a resident of Brantford and the manager of Brantford Pawnshop. He appears in the 1995 Jumanji film and the film novelisation.

Biography

"Now if anyone asks, you didn't get this here..."

Ralph was snoozing behind his counter until the appearance of this potential customer came stomping in, inspecting the firearms on display. While examining a firearm, Louise observed the man who looked like Teddy Roosevelt; back from the dead, complete with a hunting rifle. When Ralph tended to Van Pelt’s inquiry about replacement ammunition, he regretted that 1903 was the last time the Knynock Nitroball ammo had been manufactured due to the company going belly-up. Van Pelt then opted for a replacement firearm, answered by Ralph’s obligation for a waiting period and background check; necessitating important info such as driver’s licence, social security number, and his last three addresses, as well as records of time servers. Van Pelt could not answer any of that truthfully and successfully managed to bypass it all with bribes by handing Ralph a pocket-full of antique Victorian era solid gold coins.

Victorian era gold coins.

"You're not a postal worker, are you?"

Although he knew this was illegal and any destruction and damage would be on him, Ralph didn’t care for the idea of being sent to jail if he were caught, as the sights of this exotic gold made him instantly dream of a new car and Caribbean vacation. Ralph’s eyes positively lit up and he put the forms away, prompting Louise to stand guard at the shop door and place the sign from open to closed. Ralph then handed Van Pelt the modern sniper rifle, outfitted with an automatic reload, telescopic sight and silencer. With an evil smirk on his face, the great white hunter swung the rifle around and took the sight up to his eye, catching everything within the sight. Still examining Van Pelt’s dress sentence and enthusiasm, Ralph couldn’t but ask if he were a postal worker, only to be answered by a cold stare of confusion from Van Pelt.

Behind the scenes

• Although only credited as Gun Salesman in the film, Ralph's name and expanded characterisation is taken from the film's novel.
• His role is taken up in the animated series by the strikingly similar Mr. Olsen.