The Wicked Lady (1983)

The Wicked Lady Poster

Caroline is to be wed to Sir Ralph and invites her sister Barbara to be her bridesmaid. Barbara seduces Ralph, however, and she becomes the new Lady, but despite her new wealthy situation, she gets bored and turns to highway robbery for thrills. While on the road she meets a famous highwayman, and they continue as a team, but some people begin suspecting her identity, and she risks death if she continues her nefarious activities.

Summary and Overview
"The Wicked Lady" is a British drama movie that was produced in 1983. It is a remade variation of the 1945 movie bearing the same name, both of which were based on the novel by Magdalen King-Hall. Directed by Michael Winner, the film casts gorgeous starlet Faye Dunaway as the lead function, Lady Barbara Skelton. Other considerable functions were played by Alan Bates, John Gielgud, Denholm Elliott and Oliver Tobias.

Setting and Themes
The film is embeded in the 17th-century English repair period. The story explores styles around social status, betrayal, idealistic love, jealousy, greed, and crime. It showcases a lady's rebellious journey versus developed norms to satisfy her self-centered desires while living a double life.

The Storyline
Girl Barbara Skelton, a lovely and wilful noblewoman, marries the feeble Sir Ralph Skelton, just to be dissatisfied and tired by her marital life. She starts a thrilling and hazardous secret life as a masked highway burglar known as "The Wicked Lady". On her journey of criminal endeavours, she crosses courses with the well-known thief Jerry Jackson, portrayed by Alan Bates, and they form an illicit partnership.

Betrayal and Violence
Driven by her daring spirit and insatiable greed, Lady Barbara becomes more ruthless and enthusiastic. She betrays Jerry Jackson by stealing his planned heist loot, causing a bloody fallout between the 2. Their dispute intensifies, causing numerous violent circumstances and a public whipping for Lady Barbara, adding to the sensual undertones irregular of comparable period dramas.

Enjoy What You Sow
Woman Barbara betrays not just her partner in criminal offense but also her friend, Caroline, played by Glynis Barber. She seduces Caroline's other half, Kit Locksby (Oliver Tobias), exciting both envy and hatred. Ultimately, her illicit exploits and deceitful actions come back to haunt her. Caroline, in a fit of jealousy and anger, shoots Lady Barbara, thus resulting in her terrible end.

Reception and Criticism
Whilst the original 1945 movie was a success, this 1983 version was greatly slammed for its unjustified sex and violence. In particular, Faye Dunaway's efficiency was slammed in spite of being formerly recognised as an Academy Award-winning actress. The movie was mostly disappointed in the UK and the US however discovered a more appreciative audience in Europe.
In spite of its criticisms, the film is often recognized for its extravagant costume and set styles that effectively portray the English repair duration. In general, "The Wicked Lady" presents a breathtaking view of the natural human desire for material wealth, pleasure, and power, representing mankind's darker sides through the female protagonist's devastating actions.

In summary, "The Wicked Lady" is a thrilling drama that includes betrayal, manipulation, and a desire for a life loaded with enjoyment and risk.

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