An obscure but highly engaging piece of trash, this treads the comedy-action mould far more successfully than more recent blockbusters from Hollywood such as A KNIGHT'S TALE. The unbelievable plot evolves around the overused idea of a gang of vigilantes outside of the law trying and executing criminals who have got away scot-free from their crimes, although this time at least the criminals get a chance at beating their opponent in a medieval joust before they die. TRIAL BY COMBAT really is a film of two halves, moving from a straightforward mystery/thriller in the first half to an all-out action spectacular in the second half, directed impressively and surehandedly on a low budget by the underrated Kevin Connor.
The comedy comes thick and fast and most of it is fairly surreal or oddball in nature. Half of the time it misses and fails miserably but for the other half, the movie offers plenty of laughs and entertainment. Camera-work is solid and carefully makes the film a violent spectacle without earning it anything more than a PG certificate thanks to some well-placed branches and horses in the death scenes. Most of the action takes the form of some rather routine jousting, but then there are some excellent chase set-pieces scattered throughout including a hair-raising battle in a vegetable patch! The long-running finale in which the knights finally get disbanded is also engaging stuff and a wonderfully exciting (if slightly predictable) way in which to end the picture. The effort and energy put into the action alone makes it work.
A quick glance at the cast list and you know you're in for a treat with some standout performances from film veterans. But first we have the leads, two imported Americans in the rugged, handsome but slightly boring David Birney and the young, attractive love interest as played by Barbara Hershey. The fun value is heightened considerably by the appearance of John Mills in a comedy role as an eccentric retired detective out to solve one last string of crimes, and his Doctor Doolittle-style conversing with the animals and 'creating all kinds of calamity mishaps' is very enjoyable.
Also in it for comic performances are an over-the-top Margaret Leighton and Brian Glover, as good as he ever was, as an unstoppable dynamo of a gangster named Sidney Gore who makes life a misery for the knights after they tangle with him! Great comic work from Glover who steals his scenes and puts in the best performance, narrowly beating the veteran Mills. Donald Pleasence makes for a fine omnipotent villain, evil in the old-fashioned sense of the word, and his piercing eyes and imposing frown make him a great casting choice - plus he's one of the few men not to look slightly silly in a suit of armour. Finally, Peter Cushing makes a welcome, if small, pre-credits cameo whose murder sets off the plot in motion. It may be bizarre and it may fall flat on its face at times, and the mystery/comedy/thriller/action elements may not always gel, but when it works TRIAL BY COMBAT is fantastic entertainment.
The comedy comes thick and fast and most of it is fairly surreal or oddball in nature. Half of the time it misses and fails miserably but for the other half, the movie offers plenty of laughs and entertainment. Camera-work is solid and carefully makes the film a violent spectacle without earning it anything more than a PG certificate thanks to some well-placed branches and horses in the death scenes. Most of the action takes the form of some rather routine jousting, but then there are some excellent chase set-pieces scattered throughout including a hair-raising battle in a vegetable patch! The long-running finale in which the knights finally get disbanded is also engaging stuff and a wonderfully exciting (if slightly predictable) way in which to end the picture. The effort and energy put into the action alone makes it work.
A quick glance at the cast list and you know you're in for a treat with some standout performances from film veterans. But first we have the leads, two imported Americans in the rugged, handsome but slightly boring David Birney and the young, attractive love interest as played by Barbara Hershey. The fun value is heightened considerably by the appearance of John Mills in a comedy role as an eccentric retired detective out to solve one last string of crimes, and his Doctor Doolittle-style conversing with the animals and 'creating all kinds of calamity mishaps' is very enjoyable.
Also in it for comic performances are an over-the-top Margaret Leighton and Brian Glover, as good as he ever was, as an unstoppable dynamo of a gangster named Sidney Gore who makes life a misery for the knights after they tangle with him! Great comic work from Glover who steals his scenes and puts in the best performance, narrowly beating the veteran Mills. Donald Pleasence makes for a fine omnipotent villain, evil in the old-fashioned sense of the word, and his piercing eyes and imposing frown make him a great casting choice - plus he's one of the few men not to look slightly silly in a suit of armour. Finally, Peter Cushing makes a welcome, if small, pre-credits cameo whose murder sets off the plot in motion. It may be bizarre and it may fall flat on its face at times, and the mystery/comedy/thriller/action elements may not always gel, but when it works TRIAL BY COMBAT is fantastic entertainment.