A Hazard of Hearts

Compulsive gambler Sir Giles(Christopher Plummer) has lost his money an estate playing against Lord Wrotham(Edward Fox) . He realises which he only has one thing , his gorgeous daughter Serena(Helena Bonham Carter). Giles stakes his daughter's hand in marriage to villain Lord. Sir Giles lost and he commits suicide himself. Then Lord Justin Vulcan(Marcus Gilbert) is witnessed the deeds and stakes Lord Wrotham to play dices. Justin wins and he now finding himself as owner of the Gilles's mansion and Serena.Lord Justin installs her as a guest at Mandrake palace with maid included(Anna Massey). Trouble is, he can not marry her, until she solves the secret issues contains the mansion.Unfortunately, she becomes a strange into the house and the ambitious Justin's mother , Lady Harriet Vulcan( a despicable Diana Rigg) has less than honorable intentions over Serena.

This is a romance-drama plenty of suspense, intrigue, dark secrets,passion and plot-twists. It's an amusing movie and regency romance fans will appreciate the attention to period detail. Based on the romance novel with similar title by Barbara Catland. In fact belongs to quatrain movies directed by John Hough, with similar scenarios and style; same producer(Albert Fennell, Sir Lew Grade), musician(Laurie Johnson) and author(Barbara Catland), these are : 'A ghost of Montecarlo'(Lysette Anthony,Sarah Miles, Marcus Gilbert), 'The lady and the highway man'(Hugh Grant, Lysette Anthony) and 'Duel of Hearts'(Alison Doody, Michael York).

The motion picture is professionally directed by John Hough. He has an eclectic and long filmmaker career , starting in TV movies(The protectors, Avengers), directing Hammer movies(Twins of evil), mediocre horror films(Howling IV, American Gothic), adventures(Island of treasure) and wholesome Disney family fare(Return and escape to witch mountain).Rating : Acceptable and passable, this television movie will like to romantic stories fans.

I have seen this movie more times than any other. My mother taped it off television and my sisters and I would watch it every day after school. I recently watched it again after not having seen it for several years, and despite my expectations of disappointment, I loved it just as much as ever. The old commercials are a kick too (pre-bunny Energizer commercials - TOO RIGHT THE EXTRAORDINARY ENERGIZER IT'LL SURPRISE YA!)

If you think, as I do, that Helena Bonham-Carter is one of the most charming faces and voices around, you will enjoy this young vision of her. And her eyebrows are more active here than anywhere else.

The strength of this film is the performance of Helena Bonham-Carter in an early role. The plot comes straight from a romance novel, and thus is only for those who enjoy tales of young women in desperate situations that they overcome through spunk and the unexpected love of a mysterious nobleman, but it's a fun and charming way to pass a couple of hours.

I didn't go looking for this it found me, it must have rolled on from something else and I was too lazy to switch it off.

The story is pure Mills and Boon historical romance, even including a bodice ripping scene.

Just think of the amazing cast including Diana Rigg, Christopher Plummer, Edward Fox, Stewart Granger, Anna Massey, Eileen Atkins and a very young Helena Bonham Carter having to say some truly ham-fisted lines.

Wonderful over the top performances. I can imagine the actors having a whale of a time during the filming.

All in all, it was rollicking good fun reminiscent of early film melodramas.

Just lose some brain cells and go along with it and I am sure you too will come out smiling by the end.

I saw this movie when it aired in 1987 on the ABC network. I absolutely loved it. My mom taped it and I watched it everyday after school and all summer long, until... MY MOM TAPED OVER IT ACCIDENTALLY!!! I was absolutely devastated, and needless to say, my mom still has not lived it down. HELP! I have searched for this movie for 14 years, and am desperate to get a copy of it. Even if it has all the old commercials--any condition. Where can I find a copy? Please help me locate a copy of this most adorable movie. Thank you for any assistance you may lend to assist me.