MARIO GAUCI This is one of those films whose poster I had admired (in an old scrapbook of my father's filled with such vintage ads) long before I ever had the opportunity to watch it; as it happened, I first acquired a mediocre pan-and-scan VHS-sourced edition, which I eventually upgraded to a much superior (but still imperfect) HDTV rip – for the record, the movie was released on R2 DVD not too long ago. Incidentally, it was also known on its home ground back in the day as BLOOD ON THE SWORD and, obviously enough, has nothing whatsoever to do with the much later James Bond extravaganza.It is a typically handsomely-mounted British historical epic, offering a familiar plot line (set at the time of Oliver Cromwell and Charles Stuart), standard thrills (including plenty of intrigue, disguises, chases, swashbuckling action and, of course, a hesitant romance between people emanating from warring factions), attractive scenery and costumes, etc. Another plus is the sturdy cast: led by George Baker (as the titular avenging figure, at times he bore an uncanny resemblance to Roxy Music's Bryan Ferry!), with Sylvia Syms, Marius Goring (the latter two are engaged to be married and side with the oppressor but, when she learns to respect the enemy and aids in his ultimate escape, her humourless intended – his pride hurt – opts to free the woman from any obligation rather than consign her to the authorities!), Peter Arne (dressed-up for much of the proceedings as a minister, but inevitably emerging a villainous character whose climactic showdown with the hero – starting in the dining-hall of an inn, descending to its cellar and culminating on a rocky shore – leaves both a bloody mess!), Gary Raymond (curiously unbilled during the opening credits – which made me think his was going to be a bit part rather than a pivotal one! – as the hunted royal), John Le Mesurier (surprisingly turning up briefly early on as Cromwell), Patrick Troughton, George Woodbridge and child actor Michael Anderson Jr., among others. A portly and annoyingly cranky traveler also eventually proves heroic and a martyr to the Royalist cause he shamelessly sympathizes with in the face of the enemy. For what it is worth, the fact that the second half takes place almost exclusively within the confines of an inn betrays the script's origins as a stage play.As I said, the film – which evidently uses "The Scarlet Pimpernel" as a template, down to "The Moonraker" having his own popular ballad reprised throughout the film! – deals with a turbulent period in history that was much in vogue throughout the heyday of British cinema, numbering such disparate films as BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE (1948; though it deals with a different Charles Stuart!), THE SCARLET BLADE (1963; the one it comes closest to in narrative, style and even quality), WITCHFINDER GENERAL (1968; in which Cromwell is, again, no more than a marginal presence) and CROMWELL (1970; a large-scale biopic of the controversial Roundhead leader and Parliamentarian). For what it is worth, as had been the case with the recently-viewed CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS (1949), I also have a Vittorio Cottafavi-directed Italian TV mini-series dating from 1969 dealing with the exploits of Oliver Cromwell in my unwatched pile...

rogerblake-281-718819 There are comparatively few films about the English Civil War,the best being Ken Hughs' Cromwell which features Richard Harris as Oliver Cromwell.This gives both sides a fair hearing,although personally I do not believe in the divine right of kings and like Cromwell believe that kings should rule through Parliament.Oliver Cromwell was very much a warts and all character and though still reviled in Ireland turned the Parliamentary Army into one of the finest armies the world has ever known.They were known as the Ironsiders,and were far removed from the incompetent swordsmen that they are usually shown as,e.g.The Scarlet Blade and the film under review here.By far the most realistic film of the Civil War was The Witchfinder General,an extremely unpleasant violent though realistic film which didn't pull its punches.The Moonraker is a much gentler film which gained a "U"Certificate and on its own level quite exciting.George Baker plays, as another reviewer puts it. a scarlet pimpernel type character helping Royalists escape to France.Although Baker is no Cornel Wilde he is rather good in the role.There are many other pleasures to be found not least John Le Mesurier's take on Cromwell.The plot concerns the Moonraker's attempts to help the future King Charles 2nd (rather well played by Gary Raymond) to escape to France.They are ensconced in an inn,all in disguise of course,while the Moonraker tries to arrange passage on a ship.Among the other guests is the lovely Sylvia Sims who is waiting for her Roundhead fiancé to turn up,he is scouring the countryside looking for the future King.When Baker puts on the old charm she soon melts.Also present is one Edmund Tyler,a Roundhead secret agent,a thoroughly nasty piece of work and a superb classic villain.Peter Arne,a poor mans Robert Douglas,specialised in such roles,always very hissable.The chap who saves the day is a cavalier gentleman by the name of Mr Parfitt whose one purpose in life is riotous living,a very loud larger than life man who without giving away too much gives his life so the King can escape.The wonderful character actor Paul Whitson Jones steals all the scenes he is in.The climatic sword fight between Tyler and the Moonraker is brilliantly staged and there are no prizes for guessing who wins.Sylvia Sims fiancé turns up,Colonel Beaumont played by Marius Goring,who unusually for a Roundhead is portrayed as a decent honourable man and when he realises the King has escaped he allows his fiancé to join the Moonraker.He is certain that the Innkeeper,his wife and son were implicated in the plot and in an act of mercy he does not press charges against them.All in all a perfect film for a wet afternoon to watch while armed with a cup of tea and the biscuit tin.Why don't they make films like this now?

CineTigers "A Moonraker is a smuggler. One who dumps his contraband in the bottom of a lake then rakes it out by moonlight." (Definitely not to be confused with the James Bond escapade).I believe this film is now in the public domain as I saw it as an "afternoon matinée" on my local school cable channel, where I usually see titles from the $1 bin.While the movie was historically interesting, the action less enjoyable than Errol Flynn's Robin Hood and the staging and dialog delivery seemed slow and mechanical to me. If you are a fan of Elizabethan costume dramas, this will be a pleasant diversion for you.

bob the moo Earl Anthony (aka The Moonraker) is a gentleman swordsman who is the thorn in the side of Oliver Cromwell and his battle to rid Britain of the royalists. The Moonraker is feared among Cromwell's men and has been responsible for the escape of over 30 royalists to France. When Anthony tries to lead Prince Charles Stuart to safety after a defeat at the hands of Cromwell, they are recognised and forced to evade capture – but can they get passage to France in time?Contrary to my wife's beliefs, I didn't watch this film in the mistaken belief that Roger Moore was going to burst onto the screen at any moment, but at times I wished he had. The film is a old fashioned swashbuckler done without too much in the way of individual flair. The plot is easy to predict and it is much more wordy that I had expected, with much of the second half being confined to an Inn. That said it still is enjoyable and is worth watching for what it is.The fights are a little dull and there is nothing to suggest that Anthony is worthy of his fearsome reputation but the sense of period is good. The film drifts between romance and action with an uneasy lilt to it, but the romance works well as it has the darker edge of being forbidden.The characters are all a little flat with the odd exception. Baker doesn't manage to bring anything to the role of Moonraker except the normal leading man strong jaw and big chest. The support cast are all colleagues or `evil' bad guys, the love interest is OK but is won over a little too easily. A horrid bit of miscasting is Le Mesurier as Cromwell. We all know what type of roles he is famous for playing and the end result here is that Cromwell comes off as one of them and not a real threat.Overall I enjoyed this film even though it didn't really distinguish itself in any specific way. As part of the genre it is par for the course and will please those who like this type of thing.