The Black Arrow
The Black Arrow

Movie spotlight

The Black Arrow

1948
Movie
76 min
English

A young British nobleman comes back from fighting in the War of the Roses to discover that his father has been murdered by an old family friend who is now an outlaw. However, he becomes suspicious about the exact circumstances of his father's death and determines to find out exactly what happened.

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Director: Gordon DouglasGenres: Adventure, Action, Romance, Fantasy

Plot Summary

Set in 15th-century England during the Wars of the Roses, "The Black Arrow" follows Sir Richard of the Black Arrow as he seeks revenge against the ruthless Duke of Gloucester and his villainous allies. Facing political intrigue, betrayal, and battles, Richard must unite the warring factions and protect the innocent from the Duke's tyrannical rule. He also finds himself caught between his duty and his growing feelings for Lady Joanna Sedley.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, "The Black Arrow" was received as a standard swashbuckling adventure film typical of the era. While it offered exciting action sequences and a classic heroic narrative, it was not widely lauded for groundbreaking originality. Audiences generally enjoyed its fast-paced plot and romantic elements, while critics noted its faithful adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel and its efficient production values.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its energetic sword fights and adventurous spirit.

  • Appreciated for its adherence to the spirit of the source material.

  • Considered a competent, albeit conventional, historical adventure.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for 'The Black Arrow (1948)' is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film is an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's 1888 novel of the same name, which was one of his later works.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This film is really all about the last ten minutes. When Louis Hayward ("Sir Richard") returns from fighting in the Wars of the Roses, he discovers all at home is not so rosey. His father has, allegedly, been slain by a neighbour and his un...

John Chard

John Chard

Black Arrows for Black Hearts. The Black Arrow is directed by Gordon Douglas and adapted to screenplay by Richard Schayer, David P. Sheppard and Thomas Sellar from the novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson. It stars Louis Hayward, Geor...