Film Overview"Black Arrow" is a 1985 made-for-television experience movie directed by John Hough. It is based on the novel, "The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses" by Robert Louis Stevenson. The motion picture presents an interesting medieval adventure set in England throughout the Wars of the Roses, a duration marked by civil war and divided loyalties. The movie's lead character is a brave boy, Richard Shelton, who sets out to avenge his daddy's unfortunate death and browse the treacherous waters of political strife.
Plot SummaryThe story unfolds with the orphaned Richard Shelton, played by Benedict Taylor, living under the guardianship of his enthusiastic and cunning uncle Sir Daniel Brackley (Oliver Reed). Brackley, serving both Yorkists and Lancasters as a mole, is a corrupt knight who has actually masterminded the death of Richard's father due to a longstanding grudging inheritance. Richard begins to reveal Brackley's real character and his part in his dad's death through the mystical hooligan called "Black Arrow", a renegade who defends justice and fact.
Stirred by his desire for vengeance and justice, Richard joins Black Arrow and his rebel group referred to as "the Fellowship of the Black Arrow". Amidst all this turmoil, Richard falls in love with Joanna Sedley (Georgia Slowe), a noblewoman and hostage of Sir Daniel Brackley, more complicating his quest.
Events and ConclusionThe climax of the motion picture sees Richard becoming the Black Arrow himself after the original Black Arrow is killed. In the taking place dispute, Richard handles to expose Sir Daniel Brackley's betrayal to both Yorkists and Lancastrians before their gathered armies. Regardless of Brackley's efforts to eliminate Richard, he prevails, overcoming Brackley and his mercenaries in a gripping duel.
With the assistance of the Black Arrow fellowship, Richard rescues Joanna, and they declare their love for each other. Brackley's double-crossing is exposed to all, and he is condemned by both Yorkists and Lancastrians and eventually killed. In the last scenes, Richard avenges his dad's death, sees justice served for Sir Daniel Brackley's treachery, and wins the hand of his precious Joanna.
Total Impression"Black Arrow" is a riveting historical adventure filled with engaging efficiencies, particularly those by Benedict Taylor, Georgia Slowe, and Oliver Reed. The story's mixture of political intrigue, love, betrayal, and experience versus the background of the Wars of the Roses paints a vibrant portrayal of the historical period. In spite of being a made-for-television film, it provides high-quality production worths and a compelling narrative typically seen in theatrical releases. Ultimately, "Black Arrow" presents a classic tale of nerve, justice, and love in the middle of unstable times.
Top Cast
