A Hazard of Hearts

1987
6.8| 1h30m| en
Details

When compulsive gambler Sir Giles Staverley has lost his estate and all his money playing dice, he realises that he only has one thing left of value: his daughter Serena. In a final game, he stakes his daughter's hand in marriage, convinced that this time he will not lose. Unfortunately, however, he does lose; to the evil Lord Wrotham. Unable to return home and tell his daughter that he has lost her in a game of dice, Sir Giles kills himself there and then. Lord Vulcan, who has witnessed the events, takes pity on Serena Staverley, although they have never met. He challenges Lord Wrotham to a game of dice in which the winner takes both Staverley Court and Miss Serena.

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Reviews

Micitype Pretty Good
Lawbolisted Powerful
Maleeha Vincent It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.
Marva It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,
theprovinces Helena Bonham-Carter is such a divinely eloquent actress, she shines above such veterans as Christopher Plummer, Diana Rigg, Edward Fox and Stewart Granger (the latter so very underused).Plummer, Rigg and Fox are so horrifically over-the-top, you can only assume that the director was too intimidated by their previous credits to repress their cartoonish gleeful overacting.Cartland works with a formula that makes this a very standard gothic romance, but it's saved, in parts, by the charm of the two leads, the extraordinary Bonham-Carter and the still little-seen Marcus Gilbert.This also might not seem so infinitely cheesy if the predictable, derivative soundtrack didn't soar in so obviously.Still, the film is a must for Bonham-Carter fans, if only to confirm what an excellent, expressive talent she is. And, as previous commentators have noted, this is ideal rainy Sunday afternoon fare.
Miss-Cellaneous Years ago a friend introduced me to "A Hazard of Hearts" and I've been hooked ever since. Not only for Marcus Gilbert's beauty, though that doesn't hurt, but because it brings to life an era which seems more fantasy than the reality it once was. Never pass up the privilege of enjoying it's romance and mystique. If ever I'm fortunate enough to discover it again, I will be most pleased.
ladyhgiggles I caught this movie when it first came out and it instantly became my favorite romance film. I was 12 then and I impatiently waited for it to come on TV again. I was fortunate enough to record it the second and third time that it re-appeared and I wish it was out on video for others to enjoy. It's not earth shattering, but cute, sweet and fun. Helena Bonham Carter is adorable and has spunk and Marcus Gilbert is a handsome devil that can make you melt down through the couch! This movie started me on Regency period novels and films (not to mention forever hunting down Marcus Gilbert film/TV appearances). If you have the chance, WATCH IT!! BUT REMEMBER: Do not take it too seriously or you will be doomed to disappointment! You can also find other TV movies from Barbara Cartland novels such as A Ghost In Monte Carlo (also w/Marcus Gilbert), Duel Of Hearts, and The Lady & The Highwayman (w/Hugh Grant). You might also enjoy The Scarlet Pimpernel.
oscarina This is an incredibly corny adaptation of a Barbara Cartland novel. Diana Rigg as the evil mother figure wears a variety of increasingly bizarre hats, Edward Fox bumbles his way through it in typical English aristocratic fashion and Stewart Granger turning up was a real plus! Helena Bonham-Carter looks more like a pug than ever in this, but it's the anachronistic costume colours which are the real highlight. Diana Rigg in a bright tangerine ensemble is an abiding image! For sheer trash value, Hazard of Hearts is worth a 10 out of 10.

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