You know, every time you see a cute little dog in a movie like this, the "villain" winds up killing it--a cheap device to prove how "evil" they are. As an animal lover, I am so weary of this scenario. Though I was wary as soon as they showed the dog, I hoped this convention would be bypassed this time. I was actually enjoying this movie up to the point the heroine discovered the dog's body in the crib, and annoyed that this crime was never referred to again. Did anyone but me feel for the dog's elderly female owner? who was bashed on the head and also lost her pet, likely her only companion. Or are we just supposed to forget that and be happy that the heroine's seemingly endless pregnancy finally culminated in a birth.
Reviews
2 Reviews
And Baby Will Fall
(2011 TV Movie)
Animal violence: so predictable
13 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The Master of Ballantrae
(1984 TV Movie)
I love it!
20 February 2004
Okay, I disagree with all previous comments.
I find this "Master of Ballantrae" a memorable, exciting and effective adaptation of the novel, and much closer to the book than the previous version with Errol Flynn. Sure, some of the accents sound forced, and some of the acting is melodramatic and over-the-top--but that suits the subject. Normally, providing a happy ending for a story that normally ends eerily and tragically would be jarring, but it really works, here.
The characterization is excellent, and you really get three adventure movies in one for your money, here: the love-triangle, rival-brothers and family inheritance story (Michael York is perfect as unreasonably beloved, ill-intentioned James, and Richard Thomas (always an under-rated actor) as long-suffering Henry) , swashbuckling pirate combat, and North American Wilderness quest for buried treasure.
I have cherished the copy I made from the Hallmark Hall of Fame tv broadcast--twenty years ago, now! and only wish that someday it would be available on DVD. Because the location cinematography, settings and costumes (who'd have thought there were that many types of plaid!) are all stunning. Too bad it seems to be unappreciated and forgotten. It will remain one of my favorite films forever.
I find this "Master of Ballantrae" a memorable, exciting and effective adaptation of the novel, and much closer to the book than the previous version with Errol Flynn. Sure, some of the accents sound forced, and some of the acting is melodramatic and over-the-top--but that suits the subject. Normally, providing a happy ending for a story that normally ends eerily and tragically would be jarring, but it really works, here.
The characterization is excellent, and you really get three adventure movies in one for your money, here: the love-triangle, rival-brothers and family inheritance story (Michael York is perfect as unreasonably beloved, ill-intentioned James, and Richard Thomas (always an under-rated actor) as long-suffering Henry) , swashbuckling pirate combat, and North American Wilderness quest for buried treasure.
I have cherished the copy I made from the Hallmark Hall of Fame tv broadcast--twenty years ago, now! and only wish that someday it would be available on DVD. Because the location cinematography, settings and costumes (who'd have thought there were that many types of plaid!) are all stunning. Too bad it seems to be unappreciated and forgotten. It will remain one of my favorite films forever.
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