A Hazard of Hearts (TV 1987)

When compulsive gambler Sir Giles Staverley has lost his estate and all his money playing dice, he realises that he only has one thing left of value: his daughter Serena. In a final game, ... See full summary »

Director:

John Hough

Writers:

Barbara Cartland (novel), Terence Feely (screenplay)

Stars:

Diana Rigg, Edward Fox, Helena Bonham Carter

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Diana Rigg	...	Lady Harriet Vulcan
Edward Fox	...	Lord Harry Wrotham
Helena Bonham Carter	...	Serena Staverley
Fiona Fullerton	...	Lady Isabel Gillingham
Neil Dickson	...	Nicholas
Christopher Plummer	...	Sir Giles Staverley
Stewart Granger	...	Old Vulcan
Anna Massey	...	Eudora
Eileen Atkins	...	Lady Harriet's Maid
Gareth Hunt	...	Joker
Marcus Gilbert	...	Lord Justin Vulcan
Robert Addie	...	Lord Peter Gillingham
James Gaddas	...	Lord John Burley
Christopher Villiers	...	Captain Jackson
Ben Aris	...	Lieutenant of Dragoons

Storyline

When compulsive gambler Sir Giles Staverley has lost his estate and all his money playing dice, he realises that he only has one thing left of value: his daughter Serena. In a final game, he stakes his daughter's hand in marriage, convinced that this time he will not lose. Unfortunately, however, he does lose; to the evil Lord Wrotham. Unable to return home and tell his daughter that he has lost her in a game of dice, Sir Giles kills himself there and then. Lord Vulcan, who has witnessed the events, takes pity on Serena Staverley, although they have never met. He challenges Lord Wrotham to a game of dice in which the winner takes both Staverley Court and Miss Serena. Lord Vulcan wins and simply pleased that he has saved someone from the nasty Wrotham, he thinks no more about the event. One evening, however, Vulcan's friend Lord Peter Gillingham insists upon them going to Staverley Court to take a look at Vulcan's "prize." When arriving there, Vulcan finds Serena Staverley more ...

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Plot Keywords:

gambler | dice | gambling | fencing | duel | 

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 December 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Herttaässä

Filming Locations:

Belvoir Castle, Belvoir, Leicestershire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Gainsborough Pictures, The Grade Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

Just after Justin asks Serena to marry him for the first time and he then walks toward the window, you can see a thin microphone being poked towards him as the walks away - the sound guy then realises it's in shot and pulls it back.

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Quotes

Lady Harriet Vulcan: The devil take you Harry!
Lord Harry Wrotham: Oh I do hope so Harriet, I couldn't bear to be parted from you.

User Reviews

A wonderful movie you can't easily forget!

Years ago a friend introduced me to "A Hazard of Hearts" and I've been hooked ever since. Not only for Marcus Gilbert's beauty, though that doesn't hurt, but because it brings to life an era which seems more fantasy than the reality it once was. Never pass up the privilege of enjoying it's romance and mystique. If ever I'm fortunate enough to discover it again, I will be most pleased.