Perhaps the only classic novel ever to have a brand of cookie named after it, R.D. Blackmore's oft-filmed 1869 historical romance—a sort of 17th-century Romeo and Juliet tale involving an honest yeoman farmer, the brutal leader of a family of bandits, and a kidnapped girl adopted by the outlaw band—is the subject of this 1990 Thames Television adaptation. The strongest point in this Lorna Doone's favor is evocative locations, which remain atmospheric even in this rather murky transfer, but the condensation of the plot to feature length requires the elimination of much of the book's detail (including the fascinating political background of the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685), and the performances are weak, despite a star cast. The usually charismatic Clive Owen is practically somnolent here as John Ridd, the hero who stands up to the notorious Doone clan, while Sean Bean simply snarls his way through the role of Carver, the outlaw leader. Lorna is played by Polly Walker, who's lovely but dramatically inert. The result is a film that's effective neither as adventure nor love story (fortunately, an excellent alternative exists: the three-hour 2000 A&E miniseries starring Richard Coyle, Aidan Gillen, and Amelia Warner). DVD extras include cast filmographies and a biography of Blackmore. Not recommended. (F. Swietek)
Lorna Doone
Acorn, 87 min., not rated, DVD: $29.99 June 20, 2011
Lorna Doone
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