The Moonraker [DVD]

Not my usual cup of tea this type of film – but an exception and a great movie! It’s helped along with a stunning all-star cast, including; George Baker, (one forgets just how handsome he was!) Gary Raymond, the beautiful Sylvia Syms, Marius Goring, Peter Arne, John Le Mesurier, Iris Russell (later of ‘Timeslip’) Patrick Troughton, Clive Morton, child star Michael Anderson Jr., and a memorable outstanding performance (and one of his greatest) from Paul Whitsun-Jones! He brightened many a dull movie with a bit part, but here he steals the show! There’s also a surprise appearance of an enchanting younger ‘Fanny Rowe’ (Fresh Fields’) credited as ‘Frances Rowe’ as ‘Lady Dorset’!This is one of those exciting Technicolor films that cinema was all about – beautifully shot and re-mastered with a bit of everything, and a story where no-one is who they seem to be!Top marks for this historic gem!

The Moonraker is directed by David MacDonald and adapted to screenplay by Robert Hall, Wilfred Eades and Alistair Bell from the Arthur Watkin play. It stars George Baker, Sylvia Syms, Marius Goring, Peter Arne, Clive Morton, Richard Leech, Iris Russell and Paul Whitsun-Jones. Music is by Laurie Johnson and cinematography by Mutz Greenbaum.With the English Civil War just finished, Oliver Cromwell (John Le Mesurier) aims to capture Charles Stuart (Gary Raymond) to stop him replacing his executed father on the throne. However, a Royalist hero known as The Moonraker (Baker) plots to smuggle Stuart to France before Cromwell and his Roundhead followers enact their plans.A British swashbuckler full of derring-do heroics, sword fights, boo-hiss villains and gorgeous Technicolor photography. Why then is The Moonraker little known or under seen? Perhaps it comes down to availability on home formats over the years? Or TV rights preventing it from being shown elsewhere other than good old Blighty? Either way it's a shame and fans of swashbucklers should definitely consider seeking this one out.The name Moonraker in this parlance is put to a smuggler who would hide his goods in the village pond and then go back at midnight to rake said goods out. Here the " Moonraking" involves smuggling important human beings out of harms way. The Moonraker in question is Earl Anthony of Dawlish, a Royalist Cavalier Scarlet Pimpernel type, a bally hero of devilish good looks and courage unbound; I mean why jump through a gap when you can dive through it instead? Cue under cover disguise, bluffings between hero and villains, simmering romance and a base station inn where many shenanigans unfold. It's not based on historical facts, it's a work of fiction, but much thought has gone into the period design, collectively impressive in architecture, weapons and clothing. How nice to actually see an English Civil War based buckling of the swash!Location work is spread about the place, where even though much of the second half of film is based inside the crafty Royalist supporting inn, there's still some lovely exteriors to enjoy. The makers missed a trick by not homaging the lead character by doing some work at beautiful Dawlish in Devon, but Wiltshire, Dorset and Kent prove to be appealing places for scenes. Ronnie Hilton's theme song over the opening credits is a bit off the pace of the movie, in that it doesn't quite fit as a starting point, but the song itself proves to play well as part of the narrative.Cast are mixed but nobody stinks the film out, Baker is no Flynn, Power or Granger, but he makes for a very likable handsome hero and he is very comfortable performing the excellently choreographed fight sequences. Syms looks radiant and gorgeous, even if the character doesn't call for her to thesp greatly. While elsewhere the most fun performance comes from Whitsun-Jones as Parfitt, a big rotund Royalist full of bluster and bravado, when asked his occupation he bellows "gentleman", you hear him and believe him and he will later on in the film get "one" of those great cinematic moments.The Moonraker, hooray! If you be a swashbuckling fan then you owe it to yourself to put this on your list of must sees! 7.5/10

Once I had read "Captain Spindrift"'s review I was intrigued, not only by his review of the film but by the additional interesting information. Having now bought and watched the film I can say I thoroughly enjoyed it - it may be dated but it's great fun and well made. George Baker is an extremely attractive and vigorous lead and it was interesting to see Patrick Troughton with that distinctive profile no one could miss. Wiltshire looks absolutely idyllic but has probably been urbanised a good deal since - well, Stonehenge is a case in point. I'm revisiting UK in March and am very tempted to veer from the areas we had planned to tour and head in a more southerly direction. I am a great Wexford fan and George Baker is very much missed, even in the Antipodes.

Decent low budget film with a solid cast. The Film is typical of this period (late '50s).George Baker is excellent as the cavalier trying to save Charles II from the Roundheads. Sylvia Syms looks stunningly beautiful as his puritan love interest.Peter Arne makes a great villain as always.Marius Goring is the stern but sad Roundhead officer charged with capturing the king.But the movie is stolen by the comic performance of Paul Whitsun-Jones as the impatient loud mouth cavalier who has the heart of a lion.Greatly entertaining movie.

Brilliant film. The dialogue is pure class with rolled R's left, right & centre. If you're fond of buckles being gently swashed & a little romance with prejudices swept aside Lord Dawlish will assist as he helps the prinnce escape but proves he is a gentleman. Its a pleasure to lose myself in this wonderful escapism.

A good escapist swords and Royalist v Cromwell story. Most enjoyable.

Charming tale of Royalist struggles and Roundhead Generals and spies.Don't expect the kind of complex action scenes common place nowadays, but do expect a sweet romance, a seductive but gentlemanly hero and a sense of nostalgia.

Who would think that Inspector Reg Wexford could look this good. I love the old movies and soon as I found this one, bought it immediately. Lots of swash buckling. Great cast of golden oldies. If you like the old adventures, this is a must for you.