Duel of Hearts

Stars: Michael York (The Three Musketeers, Cabaret), Geraldine Chaplin (The Children, Dr. Zhivago, Nashville), Alison Doody (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade). Based on Barbara Cartland's romance novel, this made for TV movie melds the regency and gothic traditions into a so-so thriller for the Harlequin crowd. Alison Doody stars as Lady Caroline Faye, a societal jewel who dons an assumed name and takes a servant position as companion to Lord Vane Brecon's (Benedict Taylor) mother. Brecon has been unjustly accused of murder and Lady Caroline has recently had her honor besmirched a bit, so the mysterious Brecon castle seems like a good place for her to cool her jets. But before you can say Jane Eyre, strange rumors begin to circulate about mad relatives locked up in the tower; and Vane's cousin, Gervase Wallingham (York) seems to have designs on the family fortune. In true romance pulp tradition, the principals remain chaste throughout, swapping spit once or twice, but no other bodily fluids. The bottom line, however, is that this one has TV movie written all over it: from the incessant musical score to the half-hearted attempts at acting. Audience: With Barbara Cartland's name prominently displayed on the packaging, fans of the grand dame of fluttering hearts may go for this (if they missed it on TV).