Undescribable Perfection

As Good As It Gets

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

Enjoyable drama based on the romance novel titled ¨The Lady and the Highwayman¨ with luxurious scenarios and spectacular production design ; where a passionate young lady in 17th-century England falling for an outlaw . Nothing too inspired here but seems to be amusing . It's an entertaining film and regency romance fans will appreciate the attention to period detail . TV adaption of the Barbara Catland historical romance finds the young lady Panthea Vyne (Lysette Anthony) falls in love with the handsome rogue nicknamed Silver Sword (Hugh Grant) , a highwayman who saves her from her cruel , wealthy husband (Ian Bannen). He kills him in a fair fencing duel . Lucius Vyne or Silver Sword is wanted for treason and the following reward : one thousand Guineas . Later, when Charles the 2nd (Michael York) is reinstated as King of England , gorgeous Panthea attends the royal court along with her uncle (Claire Bloom). But here she becomes the enemy of the king's former mistress (Emma Samms) and unfortunately is framed of killing his former husband . The rebel Lord Lucius Vyne engaged to marry her and he's sworn to protect . Trouble is, she can't marry to him, until to be solved the murder they say she committed . Lucius attempts to help him clear this accusation , but she is judged , accused and condemned for penalty death : beheading . Meanwhile , a brutal officer (Oliver Reed) hiding a number of secrets is plotting a long-awaited vengeance in a twisted finale . Naturally, such as all Barbara Catland novels there's a happy end.This is a TV adaptation of the Barbara Catland romance novel, it displays murder , passion ,swashbuckling , twists , final surprise and consideration to period detail . Nothing too original , although regency romance buffs will value the attention to historical background . This is a costume drama that never quite goes anywhere , though results to be entertaining and fun . Wel set in a turbulent period when being executed (1649) king Charles I by beheading , took over a Republican government led Cromwell (1648-1660) , being succeeded by a royal reinstating crowned by Charles II well played by Michael York . Excellent main and secondary casting, as Oliver Reed , John Mills , Michael York as King Charles II, Claire Bloom as Lady Emma , Gareth Hunt , Ian Bannen , Christopher Cazenove , and the final film role of Gordon Jackson , Robert Morley and a very old Bernard Miles as a grumpy judge , among others . The motion picture was professionally directed by John Hough , though with no originality . In fact , belongs to quatrain movies directed by Hough , such as 'Hazars of hearts (Helena Bonhan Carter, Marcus Gilbert)', 'A ghost in Monte Carlo (Lysette Anthony, Sarah Miles)' and the best, 'Duel of hearts (Alison Doody , Benedict Taylor , Geraldine Chaplin)'. All of them realized by the same producers (Sir Lew Grade, Albert Farnell), musician (Laurie Johnson : The avengers) , author (Barbara Catland) and similar actors . John Hough has an eclectic and overlong filmmaker career , beginning in television series (The avengers , The protectors), making Hammer movies (Twins of evil), classic terror (Legend of hell house) , average horror movies (Howling IV, American Gothic) , family fare (Return and escape to witch mountain). The flick will appeal to romantic drama enthusiasts.

If you like your romance VERY traditional with damsels in distress, evil nobles, dashing villains who are REALLY ... Men, beware! This is the world of Barbara Cartland.Nevertheless, I must admit that it held my interest throughout - and I was VERY struck by: the beauty of the sets/castles/scenery/furniture - they were spectacular.and struck by the fine acting by such great stars. What a cast!!! John Mills (the great one)Oliver Reed (nominated for an Oscar in his last role - in The Gladiator, as the trainer of gladiators)Michael York (Reed and York were two of the fine Three Musketeers the previous decade), Emma Samms (star of all those Dynasty series)Christopher Cazenove (many movies including the villain of 3 Men and a Baby, etc.), Claire Bloom (the greatness of Claire Bloom since the 1950s -- starring in a Barbara Cartland!! Amazing!), and starringHugh Grant and Lysette Anthony.I know Anthony from a great Woody Allen movie and from a superb Inspector Poirot TV movie - she's so different in each that she doesn't even seem the same actress -very pretty, very fine actress).Hugh Grant - charming, self-deprecatory, bookish, Hugh Grant, the kind of man made to play in Born Yesterday as the professor - is wildly miscast. The rough highwayman contemptuous of authority, rather a tough Robin Hood character is meant to be a type like Colin Farrell or young Oliver Reed -- alternatively an Errol Flynn or Douglas Fairbanks would be fine. But Grant really did his best - generally remaining silent.The plot is what surprised me - what a good pot - straightforward, enough intrigue, good pace.This is a well put together movie - IF you want to see a true prototype of the romance circa 17th century. I'd recommend it to anyone in that mood.

This is a CAUTION to any considering the purchase of this title. My comments should not be taken as critical of the production. The key here is to carefully preview any copy of this title marketed by "EXTREAM DIGITAL MEDIA". I picked up a VHS copy at a video close out store. The sleeve had clear images of the principal actors, but the video quality was so poor I could not view the film. Thus my score should NOT be considered as valid. I had to enter something to continue. The video is not viewable, the quality of the image is so poor one could imagine it was made by using a cheep video camera to copy the film from a TV screen. There was not sufficient detail to identify the actors. Copies from other sources may provide a perfectly clear image, but not the copy in my possession distributed by Extreme Digital Media, bar code 674639501834

A great movie. This movie was filmed before anyone knew who Hugh Grant was. Great performances by Oliver Reed, Michael York, and of course the red-headed vixen, Emma Samms. Lysette Anthony was the perfect touch. A must see, but you do have to look for it. This movie is a hard one to find.