THE HELLFIRE CLUB
UK, 1961, 93 minutes, Colour.
Keith Michell, Adrienne Corri, Peter Cushing, Peter Arne, Miles Malleson.
Directed by Robert S. Baker.
The Hellfire Club is a rather odd historical melodrama, set in the second half of the 18th century in England. It is the reign of George II. Various aristocracy, corrupt with sexual and depraved licence in The Hellfire Club, have control of the Parliament. William Pitt stands against them.
Keith Michell portrays Jason, the disinherited heir to an earldom. Peter Arne is his evil cousin who has claimed the title.
Most of the film consists of chases and fights, especially swordfights. There is the expected romance and betrayal. Keith Michell shows an acrobatic verve in his early career. Otherwise, the film is a postscript to British 18th century history.
1. An entertainment? History, melodrama?
2. The title and expectations, the behaviour of the aristocracy at the opening of the film, other glimpses of their orgies (early 1960s style)?
3. The historical background, George II, the colonies, the aristocracy taking power, William Pitt and his stances? Political intrigue, the thwarting of revolution?
4. The opening, the two boys going to the club, their being discovered, Jason punished by his father, his mother's reaction, their escaping in the coach with Timothy, the coach overturned, the father declaring them dead? The contrast with Tom, his reporting the incident and his being praised?
5. Jason growing up in Holland, with the carnival, Timothy, Yvonne and his friendship, the happy atmosphere? Information about his father's death? His decision to return to England, claim the title?
6. Going to a lawyer, the lawyer's hesitance, then support? Their being overheard? The information going to Tom? Jason's return to his home, saving Isabel from the prowlers(??)? Being brought by Tom into the house, set-up of the fight and the bets? His getting a job? His plan to find the document of his inheritance?
7. Going riding with Isobel, their secrets, her turning against him? His later telling her the truth? Her falling in love with him, yet wanting the power and wealth of Tom?
8. The arrest at the lawyer's, Jason in prison, the escape? The lawyer keeping him safe, the interview with Pitt? Going back to the house, the behaviour of the aristocracy? The confrontation with Tom, the swordfight, his shooting Isabel?
9. The happy ending, rescuing Yvonne, Timothy dead by Tom's hand, the carnival people helping confront the nobles? Happy ever after?
