Woodyanders The 1770s. Jason Caldwell (a perfectly dashing portrayal by the handsome Keith Michell) returns to his ancestral estate in the wake of a lengthy absence to reclaim his lordship. However, Jason discovers that his evil and decadent cousin Thomas (ably played with lip-smacking wicked relish by Peter Arne) has turned the manor into a disreputable den of sin and inequity.Directors Monty Berman and Robert S. Baker, working from a compact and eventful script by Jimmy Sangster and Leon Griffiths, offers a vivid and flavorsome evocation of the 18th century period setting, keeps the enjoyable story moving along at a brisk pace, stages the rousing action set pieces with rip-roaring gusto, and tosses in a few saucy moments of near female nudity for extra tantalizing measure. Moreover, it's acted with considerable zest by a tip-top cast: Adrienne Corri provides plenty of spark, sass, and sexiness as the feisty Lady Isobel, Peter Cushing contributes a lively turn as cagey lawyer Mr. Merryweather, Kai Fischer makes a favorable impression as the bubbly and enticing Yvonne, and David Lodge does well as the loyal Timothy. Clifton Parker's spirited score hits the stirring spot. The crisp widescreen cinematography supplies a vibrant and sumptuous look. An extremely fun romp.

Leofwine_draca This cheap 'n' cheesy British swashbuckler is very much like the costume adventure films that Hammer were making during the same period, albeit on a much lower budget. There's a wobbly, fake look to the whole production; the costumes are anything but authentic, and nothing looks very believable when it comes down to it. It has the same authenticity as an episode of DOCTOR WHO around the time of Jon Pertwee, but that's not to say it isn't fun.The plot is completely predictable, involving a guy who comes home to claim his inheritance, only to discover that a bad guy (his cousin) has taken his place. It's rather amusing to see Keith Michell (THE SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII) as the straight-laced lead, but the prevalence of familiar faces in the supporting cast helps to even things out a bit. Watch out for a small, fussy turn from Peter Cushing, Peter Arne and Francis Matthews as the suave villains, Adrienne Corri (VAMPIRE CIRCUS) as a potential love interest, Miles Malleson as a judge and Bill Owen (LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE's Compo!) as a circus performer (!).The production is quite poorly staged and the fight choreography is all over the place, with punches thrown so badly that you can clearly see they never connect. There's a half-rousing sword fight at the climax but it still pales in comparison to other fare from the era. There's lots of titillation though, thrown in as if to make up for the other deficiencies. Nevertheless I love period films from this era, so I still enjoyed THE HELLFIRE CLUB despite the obvious shortcomings.

Jonathon Dabell Historically speaking, the Hellfire Club was the name given to a number of secret sects and societies in the 18th and 19th century. Often the members consisted of aristocrats and politicians. The most notorious Hellfire Club of all – and the one people think of immediately at mention of the name - was run by Francis Dashwood in the mid-18th century. This sect practised devil worshipping, animal sacrifices, sorcery, wife-swapping, orgies and other such infamies. This 1961 movie draws its inspiration from Dashwood's club, but the promise of sensationalism and titillation is quickly ditched in favour of a more wholesome approach. There's little that is gruesome or sexual here; this is a brisk, clean family swashbuckler, totally enjoyable whilst on and totally forgettable once finished.Young aristocratic cousins Jason and Thomas discover their parents are involved in a depraved secret society. Thomas is perversely thrilled by the discovery; Jason utterly horrified by it. Jason is spirited away by his mother and ends up on the continent working as part of a travelling circus troupe. Thomas stays behind in England, and seizes titles, estates and land that rightfully should have belonged to Jason. Many years later, adult Jason (Keith Michell) returns to England to claim his birthright. By now, adult Thomas (Peter Arne) has become a wicked and powerful senior figure who runs a depraved secret society of his own, safe from prosecution because half the lawmen and politicians in the land are already members of his clandestine sect. Jason is persuaded by wily lawyer Merryweather (Peter Cushing) that he will need evidence if he is to depose Thomas and claim back his title. He goes undercover as a stable boy, intending to find and steal documents which will prove his identity. But the quest is fraught with danger, and Jason knows that if Thomas ever learns his true identity he will be killed for sure....In his first leading role, Keith Michell makes a rather attractive hero – smooth, spirited and righteous. Arne as the villain wears his best villainous sneer and generates plenty of boos and hisses. The rest of the cast are essentially there for window dressing, although guest star Cushing creates a memorable characterisation as the cunning lawyer Merryweather (it would be nice if he had a little more screen time). Technically there's nothing wrong with the film – it is brightly shot, judiciously edited and solidly staged. Some of the dialogue is rather laughable, and the plot is littered with improbable coincidences and unlikelihoods. But overall, this is a fun and disposable swashbuckler that passes 90 minutes of time easily enough.

Bernard-Dunne Everyone has covered this but it is a good swashbuckler and it does look like the Hammer Films costume dramas from the same period, so rather than it just been that Cushing and Sangster were involved, it also resembles a Hammer Film in everything except name. Also of interest is that this is the film that Kolliatis was watching in bed before he dies in the 'The Man Who Got A New Face' episode of the series 'Department S' Which Robert S. Baker produced between 1969 and 1970. An interesting film for everyone who likes a period piece or a costume drama and unlike Kolliatis you will not die after watching this. Great! Search the TV Guide or get it on DVD it's a good timewaster.