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 film initially begins with a man and his young son riding on horseback through the English countryside when they come across some bandits carrying a female child against her wishes. While trying to help the young girl, the man is killed by the bandits but, due in large part to his speed and agility, the young boy manages to escape. The scene then shifts to several years later with a young man named "John Ridd" (Clive Owen) accidentally falling into a fast-moving stream and nearly drowning in the process. When he awakens on the bank of the stream, he realizes that he had been saved by an attractive young woman by the name of "Lorna Doone" (Polly Walker) who, by sheer coincidence is the same young girl he tried to help many years earlier. That being said, the two become attracted to one another almost instantly. The problem, however, is that, having been raised by the bandits and accepted as one of their own, both of them realize that they are on opposite sides of a feud between their two respective clans and any relationship between them is fraught with great risk. Now, rather than reveal any more, let me just say that I have never read the book that this film is based upon and, as such, I do not know how faithfully this movie adhered to it. Even so, I have recently managed to watch two previous movies based upon this book (a British film produced in 1934 and an American picture produced in 1951) so I was somewhat familiar with the underlying theme. Personally, I preferred the American version simply because it had more depth than this rather condensed made-for-television movie. But that's just me. Yet even though I thought the American film was slightly superior to this one, I must admit that I liked the acting of both Clive Owen and Polly Walker overall. Be that as it may, while I certainly understand some of the criticism leveled at this particular picture, I don't consider it to be a bad film by any means, and I have rated it accordingly. Average.

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.

I have 2 words for you. Sean Bean. He is the only worthwhile presence in this film. But even so, don't see this movie. Even though he is good as the main villain, you don't want to waste your time.

I didn't care about the characters (except the little boy) and in fact, I didn't really care if the star crossed lovers ended up together or died. The movie did not make me care or BELIEVE that these people cared about each other at all. I have read a lot of "classic" novels after seeing the movies and this movie made me not even want to read the book. The story seems so boring. But I may go ahead and read it to try to redeem the story in my head.

Stay away from Lorna Doone. The actress who played Lorna was also in Sense and Sensibility and she was much better in that. Watch Sharpe, Horatio Hornblower, A & E has great movies of novels like Pride and Prejudice. Or miniseries like the Forsyte Saga. Check them out, don't bother with Lorna Doone.

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!