The Scarlet Blade
| Industry | Film production |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Films |
The Scarlet Blade, released in the United States under the title The Crimson Blade, features identical dialogue and is a 1963 British adventure film both written and directed by John Gilling. The cast includes Lionel Jeffries, Oliver Reed, Jack Hedley, and June Thorburn.
Set against the backdrop of the English Civil War, this film stands out as an uncommon historical drama produced by Hammer Film Productions during that period.
Plot
Following the capture of King Charles I by the Roundhead forces commanded by Colonel Judd and Captain Sylvester, a loyalist faction led by the Scarlet Blade—a character reminiscent of Robin Hood—endeavors to free him. They receive secret support from Claire, Colonel Judd’s daughter, who opposes her father’s cause.
Cast
- Lionel Jeffries portraying Colonel Judd
- Oliver Reed as Captain Tom Sylvester
- Jack Hedley in the role of Edward Beverley, known as the Scarlet Blade
- June Thorburn as Claire Judd
- Michael Ripper playing Pablo
- Harold Goldblatt as Jacob
- Duncan Lamont in the role of Major Bell
- Clifford Elkin as Philip Beverley
- Suzan Farmer portraying Constance Beverley
- John Harvey as Sgt. Grey
- Charles Houston as Drury
- Robert Rietti in the role of King Charles I
- George Woodbridge playing the Towncryer
Reception
The movie has been remarked upon for having only a loose connection to actual historical events. The Radio Times commended Oliver Reed for his performance as a rogue swordsman with charm but assigned the film a modest rating of two out of five stars.
Reviews have been mixed, praising the ensemble cast while critiquing Hedley for not fitting the traditional Errol Flynn-style hero archetype, instead embodying a more world-weary supporting figure. Conversely, the antagonists were found to be more engaging, especially Jeffries’ portrayal of Colonel Judd, which was notably ruthless compared to his typical roles such as in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Accolades
This production earned a nomination for Best Cinematography at the BAFTA awards.
External links
- Articles with short description
- 1963 films
- 1960s historical adventure films
- British historical adventure films
- Films shot at Associated British Studios
- English Civil War films
- Films directed by John Gilling
- Hammer Film Productions films
- Columbia Pictures films
- British swashbuckler films
- Cultural depictions of Charles I of England
- 1960s English-language films
- 1960s British films
- English-language historical adventure films