The Dark Angel

I first saw this film on Mystery! in the early nineties while in college. The downright creepy tone of the movie is set from the beginning and continues through the end. That's probably what made me like it so much. You meet Maud and know that she is sheltered and innocent. You sense something sinister between her father and his estranged brother. When the father dies and Maud moves in with Uncle Silas (played by Peter O'Toole) everything seems normal enough for a while. However between the crumbling house Silas lives in, his weird children, the pills and wine he depends on, and the disturbing way he plays the helpless invalid, you soon can feel that something really bad is going to happen. The slow way in which things go downhill for Maud draws you in. I particularly liked the way the director used windows in the film.

A strung out looking O'Toole was perfect for the part of Uncle Silas.

The only negative thing was that the scenes changed so abruptly in several instances that I felt like I was watching an edited version.

Uncle Silas, known in the United States as The Dark Angel, is based on the classic early horror novel named Uncle Silas. There have been several versions of this story, but I think this one is the definitive presentation.

Peter O'Toole is in his glory here, being, by turns, charming, mysterious, unnerving and terrifying.

The production values in this made-for-TV adaption are VERY high. It was part of The Masterpiece Theater Series on PBS.

The story is disturbing and not all the questions raised are answered, leaving room for audience participation and a difference of opinion as to whether Uncle Siles was mad or possessed by a diabolic force.

The entire cast is splendid. NOT for the timid. There are some horrifying scenes in this one. Watch it for the magnificent, if slightly over-the-top performance of O'Toole.

It has mystery and suspense. It is heavy on eerie atmosphere throughout the movie which really sets the mood for the story. It has light romance which is not overblown. Peter O'toole makes a wonderful,wicked uncle. He is the only actor who could have played this role because he is very wicked yet unbelieveably charming.

"The Dark Angel" is one of those rare films that perfectly captures the powerful moods of the novel that bore it. Director Peter Hammond has done a truly marvellous job of capturing the brooding suspense of Lefanu's "Uncle Silas." The complexity of the scenes and the symbolism, the backdrop of compelling sets and scenery, and the wonderful performances by the well chosen cast combine to make this a film that must be watched several times to be appreciated.

This movie is the archetype of Gothic Victoriana. Maud Ruthyn is a young heiress who has grown up cloistered by immense wealth and isolation. Her loving but distant father has instilled in her a sense of virtue and devotion to family. Upon his death, she is faced with the decision of living under the guardianship of her mysterious Uncle Silas, the recipient of her fortune should an accident befall her, and whose reputation as cad, reprobate, gaming man, and perhaps something more is well known. Now aged and ill, he has claimed to lead a blameless life of virtue and piety. Convinced that she must protect the family virtue by proving her faith (and her father's) in a man society has scorned, Maud comes to live at Silas' decaying mansion-- where a host of undesirable figures seem to be lurking around ever corner, and where Maud finds herself increasingly isolated and imprisoned. The web of her prison is spun so gently that she does not suspect it-- until it is too late to escape.

The movie is a feast for the eyes. The characters can be one-dimensional at times, but as such remain true to the novel. Peter O'Toole is the appropriate mix of charming and creepy, and Jane Lapotaire delivers a delightfully chilling performance as Maud's sadistic governess. The movie plays out as if a haunting Victorian psychological thriller is laid out on screen right before your eyes, and some might say that the film drags a bit. I think it is well worth it's length. The underlying plans of Uncle Silas, and how they play and replay as they lead up to the dramatic climax, are subtle enough to grip you without direct awareness. The novel's portrayal of desperation is great, and Maud's patriarchal entrapment-- what she feels she must do to obey, and what is demanded of her by society-- is subdued but powerful. This is truly great work of television drama.

The novel Uncle Silas is one of, if not THE oldest known horror stories where people ARE monsters and don't have to be invented.

Peter O'Toole is by turns, charming, corrupt, repulsive and terrifying! He is also brilliant in this role and seems to take great pleasure in BEING Uncle Silas.

The film, for TV, has high production standards and a marvelous cast. It is full of wonderful touches of the fantastic, while being firmly grounded in the early Victorian era. The houses are cluttered with all sorts of interesting bricka-brac and then there is the painting of Uncle Silas as The Dark Angel.

In fact, here in The United States the film is called The Dark Angel and there is some confusion when trying to purchase the film on VHS.

There are parts of this film that are very difficult to watch. The tension and the suspense build up to a fine pitch and terror is in every corner.

Is Uncle Siles simply mad or is there something more sinister effecting his reason?

Is there anyone that Maude can really trust? Who is the strange young man who threatens her and what are his motives?

See Uncle Silas, or in the U.S., The Dark Angel and find out. See this fine film for the bravura performance of Peter O'Toole. You will spend days asking yourself questions and have to watch the film more than once to find satisfactory answers.