Lorna Doone

This TV movie of R.D. Blackmore's classic love story is itself a classic in every respect. The characters are all very believable and have real personalities without them becoming in any way artificial. They are just as one might imagine the people in this setting to behave and react. There are no weak links in the casting. The settings are authentic as are the costumes. In every way this is a movie to watch time and time again and still to find new things to enjoy.

This is an enchanting production. Although it omits parts of the book, it faithfully reflects what is essentially a love story - a love story which takes place in the West Country in the 17th century in the time of King James II and the Monmouth Rebellion, which aimed to depose him.

When I read the book, its evocative descriptions of the Exmoor landscape conjured up beautiful images in my mind and prompted me to visit the area. The Exmoor scenery was absolute magic and I was able to enjoy it once again in this 1990 Thames TV adaptation of the book.

And yes, I know the film was actually shot in Scotland, but it could just as easily have been the wild windswept landscape of Exmoor. Producer Alan Horrox explained that 'the novel demands sweeping moorland vistas, plunging waterfalls, and a secret valley, as well as much else besides. When we researched the available locations on Exmoor, we discovered that much of the area has changed profoundly since the 17th century setting of the original novel...I believe it could never successfully evoke the full blooded dramatic sweep of this classic novel.' The settings for this move capture absolutely the haunting beauty of Exmoor. They embrace the remote and mysterious valley where the Doone clan of brutal outlaws live, all of them exuding 17th century lawlessness. Many other characters also seem to have just walked out of the pages of history - including King James II (Hugh Fraser) and his merciless judge, George Jeffreys .

Clive Owen plays the noble, honest and hard working yeoman, John Ridd, whose father has been murdered by the odious Doone family - Sean Bean is convincing as Carver Doone, its savage and vindictive leader who tries to shoot Lorna -and Miles Anderson is wonderful as Tom Faggus, the bad but generous and loveable highwayman who is in love with John's sister Annie (Jane Gurnett).

Polly Walker delivers an unforgettable performance as the heroine, Lorna Doone - a bewitching beauty and the love of John's life. The distinguished cast also includes Billie Whitelaw, who offers a sensitive portrayal of John's caring and gentle mother Sarah.

The movie is a nice watchable length - 87 minutes - ideal for an inspirational and uplifting screening after dinner. And in case you're wondering, John and Lorna ultimately live happily ever after!

Very disappointing version of Lorna Doone. Too many missing characters, no romantic scenes, changes in story line, too short, appeared low budget. Hardly enough dialogue to understand the story if you're not familiar with the novel. In some scenes it looks like Lorna has a cold sore on her upper lip. I'm sure make-up did it's best to hide it. I guess they didn't want to halt filming until it healed up, pity. Most likely why this movie lacked kissing scenes. Only one disappointing kissing scene at the very end. Lorna Doone is a great epic tale and should be told true. The 2000 version of Lorna Doone is twice as long, more romantic, much more enjoyable and more true to the book.

It's not even filmed in the beautiful West Country where it is set, instead choosing Scotland. Er, no thanks!

I first read "Lorna Doone" about 20 years ago and absolutely loved it! It is a classic historical romance set in the 1600s when the west country was several days' journey from London and law and order was much harder to enforce. Sadly, this version of the book takes several liberties with the story and was incredibly disappointing in my opinion. The acting and production values are OK but the way the story was messed about with was dreadful. Why do television adaptations do this? Why would they think that the thousands of fans of a book would want them to change the story??? One of life's great mysteries!!! The BBC made an excellent version which was televised at Christmas in the early 1990s which I am still trying to track down a copy of! Take my advice, read the book and don't bother with this paltry version!