Lorna Doone (TV 2000)

Against a backdrop of political and religious upheaval, a farmer falls in love with the "queen" of the notorious Doone clan --a family that he has sworn vengeance on.

Director:

Mike Barker

Writers:

R.D. Blackmore (novel), Adrian Hodges

Stars:

Martin Clunes, Richard Coyle, Aidan Gillen

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Martin Clunes	...	Jeremy Stickles
Richard Coyle	...	John Ridd
Aidan Gillen	...	Carver Doone
Amelia Warner	...	Lorna Doone
Anthony Calf	...	Tom Faggus
Barbara Flynn	...	Sarah Ridd
Martin Jarvis	...	Baron de Whichehalse
Michael Kitchen	...	Judge Jeffreys
Anton Lesser	...	Counsellor Doone
Jack Shepherd	...	Reuben Huckaback
Jesse Spencer	...	Marwood de Whichehalse
Peter Vaughan	...	Sir Ensor Doone
Neil Finnighan	...	Jack Ridd (as Neil Finnigan)
Jack Baverstock	...	Young John Ridd
Trevor Cooper	...	John Fry

Storyline

The year is 1675. England is threatened by religious and political rivalries. King Charles II's Catholic brother, James, is next in line for the throne, but many Protestants put their faith in Charles' illegitimate son, The Duke of Monmouth. On the king's death, conflict is inevitable... Over seven days journey from London, Exmoor is a primitive and lawless area. Here, farmer Jack Ridd lives with his wife Sarah, son John, and two daughters. The only shadow over their simple life is cast by the notorious outlaw family the Doones. The aristocratic Doones were banished from their ancestral lands and now live through looting, theft, and murder. Their brutality is legendary...

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Plot Keywords:

outlaw | revenge | historical event | soldier | star crossed lovers | 

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Taglines:

Passion,romance and epic adventure in a classic tale of rivalry and revenge

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 March 2001 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Força de uma Paixão

Filming Locations:

Brecon Beacons, Powys, Wales, UK

Box Office

Budget:

£2,500,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

A&E Television Networks, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

180 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Lorna Doone cookies were introduced in 1912 by Nabisco. According to John Barrows, former senior manager for marketing communications (1998) at Nabisco: "No record exists as to the exact motivation behind the selection of that name, but in those days [1912] shortbread biscuits were considered a product of Scottish heritage, and the Lorna Doone character was symbolic of Scotland."

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Goofs

When John Ridd is chasing Carver Doone and they are about to ride into the water, what appears to be a camera case is visible on a tree trunk on the creek bank just above where they enter the water.

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Quotes

John Ridd: You break me heart, and then accuse me of cruelty?

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Connections

Version of Lorna Doone (1934)

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Soundtracks

"Haste to the Wedding"
Traditional

User Reviews

A Gorgeous Favorite

"The year is 1675. England is threatened by religious and political rivalries. King Charles II's Catholic brother, James, is next in line for the throne, but many Protestants put their faith in Charles' Illegitimate son, The Duke of Monmouth. On the king's death, conflict is inevitable...

Over seven days journey from London, Exmoor is a primitive and lawless area. Here, farmer Jack Ridd lives with his wife Sarah, son John, and two daughters. The only shadow over their simple life is cast by the notorious outlaw family the Doones. The aristocratic Doones were banished from their ancestral lands and now live through looting, theft, and murder. Their brutality is legendary..."

Set against the lavish and lonely expanse of the moors, this epic of "star-crossed lovers, unbridled greed, dark secrets, and ruthless ambitions" is a stirring and intensely romantic story for both classes... those who enjoy the action and intensity of war and revenge, and the lovers of period drama with wholesome messages and uplifting truths.

The story is set in a time of uncertainty in England, while the King lies on his deathbed, and the future of the country is left in the hands of divided politicians. Some believe that the rightful heir, a Catholic, should resume the throne, while others fight for the king's illegitimate son, who is a confirmed Protestant.

Enter John Ridd, a young farmer's boy determined to avenge his father's death, at the hands of the notorious outlaw family, the Doones. Spurned by the Doones, who continue to torment the west country, John must take a backseat for his revenge. But as time passes, he becomes aquatinted by a beautiful young stranger, Lorna... and finds himself falling under her dark spell.

Part Romeo & Juliet, part revenge, and part just plain romance, Lorna Doone very swiftly became an all-time favorite of mine. Gorgeous countryside, an equally haunting soundtrack, and stirring lines are only the backdrop for the acting itself. Amelia Warner glows as Lorna, as she finds true love, and flees from the terrors of her vengeful cousin, Carver (Adian Gillen, who is a true villain - seductive, charming, and deadly). Richard Coyle rounds out the threesome with his marvelous portrayal of the shy and yet passionate John Ridd.

Rent it - buy it - see it. I would have gladly spent $7.50 time and time again to see this in the theaters, but alas, this magnificent drama was banished to A&E. Thank heavens for video & DVD - you can't just see it once. This is another classic just waiting to happen... and a must-see for all lovers of period romance in general.