Frenchman's Creek

I love pirate movies especially with lots of galleons and period houses (1600s) set in ethereal far away places. This is probably my favorite movie but I prefer the 1944 version with Olivia deHaviland and Arturo Decordova.

I thought Anthony Delon was very credible and played his part sensitively. I am always grateful to the casting directors when they use native speakers or real musicians in a film. I am very sensitive to manufactured accents and someone whose fingers are flying all over the place hitting high notes on low keys and vice versa. Mr. Delon pacing was nice, I found myself becoming lost in his character but the shots were so short I frequently lost the connection. But he was quick to recover it and take you along for the ride. That's good acting.

I was disappointed in Lady St. Column. While Dona was used to the gaming houses she didn't like the company; this portrayal did not show Dona as a lady but closer to a street tart. When it came time for her to care about her children you didn't believe her; this portrayal was too cold and, in some instances, mechanical; I thought I was watching a stage play rehersal. I think Phoebe Cates would have been a better choice; she can act up a storm and she would have been an inspiring counter to Mr. Delon's efforts.

Also, "William" was flat and left me feeling uncomfortable. Support roles are just as important as the leads; they provide the credible ground to launch the other characters. (Look at Mathew Broderick in LadyHawke; with all of the heavies in that picture, he walked off with the show.) All I could think of was the butler from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Also, I think the character of Henrietta was allowed to get away from the overall control of the picture; because she was so strident, too much so for her age, she was upstaging the picture and it was annoying.

Penultimately, I would like to see a version where Dona goes to sea; I'm tired of politically correct; let's have the real ending.

I am glad to see, though, that there is still an interest in this story. I am always glad to watch this tale being told again and again.

If you liked Daphne du Maurier's original novel, avoid this like the plague. Large elements of the plot (including the period setting) have been changed. I was incredibly disappointed with the result - it seemed to alter the whole mood of the novel.

I own the book. Reading it after seeing this movie is going to make it that much more enjoyable. Ms. Fitzgerald was captivating, and Mr. Delon is the pirate any woman would love. This was the first time I'd seen any of these actors. I also thought Tim Dutton and Danny Webb II were great. Many times what you find in European actors is the best kind of acting, subtle changes in expression, something Americans could work on. This movie stands out as one of my all time favorites. I recommend this to anyone who loves romance/adventure!

Having read the book many years ago, my memory of the story wasn't at it's best when I started to watch this adaption. Still, I found it hard to feel much empathy for the heroine, Lady Dona, her behaviour being totally selfish. No wonder her daughter was willing to betray her mother's French lover and his cohorts. After all the woman did rip the highly religious little girl's crucifix from around her neck and toss it out the carriage window! Also her husband may be not as exciting as her French lover, but he obvious adores her and has more balls than she gives him credit for.

I was disappointed with the feeling this production gave me in general. Being a English history buff, I must admit my political support was with Dutch King William of Orange and Queen Mary (King James' eldest daughter and heir) and his Protestant supporters, as Catholic James II was a pig-headed, stubborn man, unlike his brother Charles II, and didn't know when to keep his religious beliefs to himself in such religiously turbulent times. Maybe those unaware of politics of that time will enjoy it more. Don't if you are aware of the consequences of James II's foolishness. One should also be aware that the people of Cornwall and Devon bore a grudge against James II because he slaughtered many of their men who rose in support of Charles II illegitimate son, the Duke of Monmouth, who tried to claim the throne from his uncle in an uprising. Watch the 2000 BBC adaption Lorna Doone, which takes place at the same time. A much better production.

The Cornish views and setting of the Creek and the Estuary are wondeful .Mostly well cast but sadly Anthony Delon asaaa the epoymous Frenhman is just not convincing. He is not reaslly ruthless enough, he is after all a pirate who kills people and robs them for a liivng. Comes over as soppy and a rather mechanical actor. Tara Fitzgerals was very convincing as the spoilt and self absorbed Dona The boats are obviously beiig sailed by people who know what they are doing.. Best to just read it and imagine your own Frenchman. Sir Harry is well cast . The Cornish manor house is a bit too grand, but film makers always overdo it ,