Lorna Doone

Lush scenery, great acting, and a good adaptation of the classic book all combine to make this movie a real 'sleeper.' I'd never heard of it before, but was glad to have discovered it by accident. Somewhat predictable, it is still thoroughly enjoyable. The musical score, while not available separately, is really beautiful. Even my husband enjoyed the movie (of course, the leading actress may have been the reason for that!).

I remember reading this novel at school in the UK and was curious to see what it would give on film ! The result was globally very positive. A careful look at the credits will show that it was actually made in one of the Welsh National Parks ... it did look far too mountainous to be Exmoor ! Although he film clocks in at about 2hrs and 22 mins, I didn't find it long at all, indeed another hour or so wouldn't have done any harm. There's never a dull moment ... between the beautiful countryside ..... the suspense of the plot ........the physical beauty of the actors, and especially Lorna Doone herself ..... the beautiful music score .... the whole thing is a very interestingly packaged product.

This is an English film, from the BBC. Why it can only be found in the USA God alone knows. Sold in Other European Countries, with appropriate subtitles, I'm sure it would have larger than reasonable success. People just don't know about it. The picture quality of the DVD is excellent. The DVD does not have subtitles but indicates something called 'closed captions' ( which I took to be subtitles but which obviously aren't ). What they are, I have no idea as they don't appear on my TV !!!!

I would therefore recommend this to all who like good old English novels of the THomas Hardy kind etc etc. Although the DVD cannot be found in Europe, I think it may exist on VHS and is definitely screened from time to time on UK television.

There are times when a story should contain more than just the plot,and the facts.There are things such as mood,tone,and symbolism that add up to make a story more than just a rousing tale.And,due to the lack of an appropriate villain,that's what this adaptation is missing.

"Lorna Doone"is moe than just a story about valorous English rurals fighting an oppressive gang of outlaws.It's also a nostalgic look,seen from the perspective of the Industrial Revolution,at a rustic way of life which has vanished.It's also a positive affirmation of what was referred to,during the Victorian period,as"muscular Christianity."And,it's also the sotry of a gallant,but inarticulate and lonely man's struggle,to find love,and romance with an attractive woman,consumating in a sharing sexual union.

John Ridd,the hero of this work,is a bright,physically strong,but unguided and silent man,whose struggle is at least as much within himself as it is with others.And to symbolize this arduous and difficult journey,her requires a worthy opponent. Carver Doone,therefore,is John's alter-ego,and must provide a dark,Satanic antagonist,of formidable nature and significant evil.John MUST conquer his own shadow personality,as personified by Carver.And,on a more realistic level,Carver must be strong,virile,and physically attractive,as a worthy contender for Lorna's love.

The actor playing Carver,in this production,is certainly evil,vicious,rodent like,and psychopathic.But he lacks grandeur,authority,presence,and that elemental quality to provide a characterization accurate with the book.Sean Bean did a much better job.

I thought this was a great adaption of RD Blackmore's novel. I, like i have done with Rebecca, Read the book first and then saw the movie. The book was very long, as this movie is also. But the highlights make it all worth while. I loved Richard Coyle and John Ridd, and I also thought the music, and scenery were beauitful highlights of this tv movie. I thought the acting was almost 100% top notch, so all in all i give it high regard, and recommend it.

I thought Lorna Doone was great for the christmas holidays. it was different than the 1990 version,. this version added more to it you saw more of doone valley and the evilness of carver doone some of the scenes were the same, but a lot longer. 170 mins put into two parts. Richard Coyle did a great john ridd. a lot of fighting in it and romance so if you haven't seen it do.