Following a long period of political turbulence in England, a powerful family known as the Doones has placed itself on the wrong side of the current government under the reigning monarch Charles II. However, the fact that they reside in a great castle that is impervious to direct assault, and quite comfortable in the knowledge that the English army is busy fighting wars overseas, their current status as bandits and outlaws doesn't bother them in the least. So much so that, under the leadership of the young heir to the family throne, the brutal "Carver Doone" (William Bishop) decides to dominate the surrounding countryside by waging acts of terrorism to keep the local farmers under his authority. Needless to say, when his father is shot and killed by these bandits, a young man named "John Ridd" (Richard Greene) eventually decides to do something about it. Complicating matters for him is a young woman named "Lorna Doone" (Barbara Hale) who, even though she lives in the castle, has captured his heart. Likewise, Lorna also feels the same way about John. And even she has been publicly betrothed to Carver, she is intent on helping John in any way that she can. 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. There was, however, a British film produced in 1934 that I did have the opportunity to view and, based upon that, I can honestly say that I prefer this updated American version somewhat better as it wasn't nearly as dated as its earlier predecessor. As far as the acting was concerned, while both Richard Greene and Barbara Hale performed in a solid manner, the absence of chemistry and passion between them was quite noticeable and limited the film in a certain regard. Likewise, I would have preferred a bit more style or panache from the lead character as well. But then, maybe I've seen too many Errol Flynn movies, and I am somewhat spoiled in that regard. Be that as it may, while I certainly don't consider this to be a blockbuster adventure movie by any means, it was still superior in some respects to the 1934 British version, and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
Review of Lorna Doone
