THE IRON GLOVE
US, 1954, 77 minutes, Colour.
Robert Stack, Ursula Thiess.
Directed by William Castle.
The Iron Glove is matinee material from the '50s. It is set in the period of the rebellion against the Hanover line in England and the attempts by James and Bonnie Prince Charlie to take the throne.
The film has espionage, action adventure, fights and duelling. Robert Stack attempts a British Isles accent as the hero. Alan Hale is his hearty companion. Ursula Thiess the heroine who changes loyalties.
The film is much as might be expected - and was directed by William Castle who was to move into the horror area with such films as Homicidal, The Tingler.
1. Entertaining historical melodrama? Action? Audience familiarity with the history of England? The Stuarts vs. the House of Hanover?
2. Colour photography, sets and decor, the atmosphere of the 18th. century? England? France? Austria? Effects for battles? Duels?
3. The title and the indication of battles, heroes, heroines?
4. Charles Wogan as hero, his support of James Stuart? Action, imprisoned, deceived by the Duke of Somerfield? His escape? The plan with Ann Brett? The trip to Paris? The discovery of the truth? His comrades and their action? The Count Du Lusac? The audiences with James? The rescue of Clementina? Wogan in love with her? The final clash between Wogan and the Duke of Summerfield?
5. The Duke of Summerfield and espionage, agents in the 18th. century? His pretended loyalties? Prison? The devices to cover his tracks? Ann Brett as agent? His power over her? Paris, the discovery of the truth, the visit to Austria? The clash with Wogan? Ann shooting him?
6. Ann as heroine? Her father? Hold by the Duke of Summerfield? The infatuation with Wogan2 Her being caught in a trap? The visit to Austria? Her final decision and the shooting of the Duke?
7. James Stuart and the background of the Stuarts' claim to the throne, the battles, loyalists, exile? The(arranged marriage?
8. Wogan's comrades - in arms, in humour?
9. The period action style and the enjoyable romance, action adventure? Espionage in the 18th. century?
