Friday 6 February 2015


The Scarlet Blade (AKA The Crimson Blade)
Dir: John Gilling
1963
**
John Gilling's 1963 swashbuckler The Scarlet Blade was an odd side-step for the Hammer studios at the time. Known for their horror, this rather simple Roundheads vs Cavaliers jaunt was not really their style and the choice of cast a little intriguing. Don't get me wrong, I love both Lionel Jeffries and Oliver Reed immensely and both of their performances were brilliant and pretty intense, the only problem was that they were on the wrong side. Jack Hedley (The Scarlet Blade) is probably one of the most forgettable and uncharismatic heroes in the history of film. Apart from the 2 great performances the story is a little dull and a bit disjointed which leads to a fairly big anti-climax. Lionel Jeffries and Oliver Reed fans need only apply.

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