The Dark Angel

"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.

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.

I look at this movie more as a drama than a horror movie because I did not see a whole lot of scariness in this movie but I did love the acting all except the kissing of Maude and her uncle Sylas....gross, I'd rather kiss snails than kiss his lips. That part of the movie made me sick. But I loved the acting of the evil governess. It made me think of the movie "Flowers in the Attic" of the character of the evil grandmother. But I never figured out just what was wrong with her uncle. Why we went into bouts of insanity and then all the sudden calm down and look at everyone as if they were mad. It made me feel for the characters because each one played their part excellent. The ending of the movie was a big let down though. I did not expect this movie to end that way. But it is a good movie if you like Gothic movies. I even see some ideas taken from "Dracula" in this movie.

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.