The idea behind this film is pretty good. In the 18th century, there was an organization called the "Hellfire Club" and it really is much the way it was portrayed in the film--a group of noblemen who were libertines who were involved in all sorts of immorality behind closed doors. Membership was secret and most of the club's activities are conjecture--but they undoubtedly involved a lot of sex. This film is about this club that thrived behind closed doors in Britain and how they club conspires to keep a young man from his rightful inheritance. Interesting.
Unfortunately, while the idea is very good, the writing is at times very lame. For example, when the heir wants to ingratiate himself with the current Lord of the manor, it just so happens that a member of the household is being set upon by thieves and he comes to the rescue--earning the family's gratitude. When he looks for a letter proving his legitimacy as heir, he almost immediately finds it in the manor home--though no one else had found it before this time. And, when a lady recognizes the signs that he is the heir, naturally she's also the woman who would keep this secret! When he's captured, he spits out "I'll kill you" to his cousin, yet the cousin doesn't just have him killed there and then! Too convenient, too often--a sign of a less than stellar script.
Aside from all the "fortunate coincidences", the film is a pretty decent adventure film, with lots of sword fights, busty ladies and near-death experiences. It certainly is never dull! However, it's rather sad that the film ended on a rather dull note--with the expected fight scene and showdown. Also, if you are watching the film for Peter Cushing, he's barely in the film at all.
By the way, one of the many great history lessons I learned from this film was that women in the 18th century wore silver sparkly pasties. Who says history is dull?!
Unfortunately, while the idea is very good, the writing is at times very lame. For example, when the heir wants to ingratiate himself with the current Lord of the manor, it just so happens that a member of the household is being set upon by thieves and he comes to the rescue--earning the family's gratitude. When he looks for a letter proving his legitimacy as heir, he almost immediately finds it in the manor home--though no one else had found it before this time. And, when a lady recognizes the signs that he is the heir, naturally she's also the woman who would keep this secret! When he's captured, he spits out "I'll kill you" to his cousin, yet the cousin doesn't just have him killed there and then! Too convenient, too often--a sign of a less than stellar script.
Aside from all the "fortunate coincidences", the film is a pretty decent adventure film, with lots of sword fights, busty ladies and near-death experiences. It certainly is never dull! However, it's rather sad that the film ended on a rather dull note--with the expected fight scene and showdown. Also, if you are watching the film for Peter Cushing, he's barely in the film at all.
By the way, one of the many great history lessons I learned from this film was that women in the 18th century wore silver sparkly pasties. Who says history is dull?!