Watch A Hazard of Hearts

A Hazard of Hearts is a British romantic drama film that was released in 1987, directed by John Hough and starring Diana Rigg, Edward Fox, and Helena Bonham Carter. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Barbara Cartland. The story takes place in the 19th century, where a young woman named Serena Staverley (played by Helena Bonham Carter) finds herself in a precarious situation. Her father (played by Christopher Plummer) has just lost their ancestral home in a card game to a wealthy and infamous gambler, Lord Vulcan (played by Marcus Gilbert). To repay the debt, Serena is forced to marry Lord Vulcan, a man she does not love and who is rumored to have a sinister past.

Despite her initial wariness, Serena soon learns that Lord Vulcan is not the cruel and heartless man that others make him out to be. She begins to fall in love with him, much to the chagrin of her two older sisters, who want her to marry for money and status. Serena's romantic feelings for Lord Vulcan are reciprocated, and they make plans to marry in secret, with the help of Lord Vulcan's cousin, Sir Christopher (played by Edward Fox).

However, their happiness is short-lived when Serena's wicked stepmother, Mrs. Mountstuart (played by Diana Rigg), arrives on the scene. Mrs. Mountstuart is determined to thwart Serena's plans and to maintain her own grip on the family fortune. With the help of her conniving nephew, Mrs. Mountstuart plots to sabotage Serena's relationship with Lord Vulcan, and to ensure that she marries someone else instead.

Several twists and turns ensue as Serena and Lord Vulcan try to navigate their way through the obstacles in their path. They face danger, betrayal, and scandal, but their love for each other endures. Will they be able to overcome the machinations of Serena's stepmother and find happiness together, or will the hazards of the heart prove too great?

A Hazard of Hearts is a visually stunning movie, with opulent costumes and lavish sets. The film's period setting is well-captured, with particular attention paid to detail in the design of costumes and settings. The cinematography is also impressive, with wide shot views of the countryside, and intimate close-ups of the actors' faces.

The acting in the movie is top-notch all around. Helena Bonham Carter is excellent as the wide-eyed and innocent Serena Staverley, who is swept up by the romantic dramas around her. Marcus Gilbert is suitably charming as Lord Vulcan, while Diana Rigg is deliciously wicked as the scheming Mrs. Mountstuart. Edward Fox brings gravitas and depth to his portrayal of Sir Christopher, who is both a loyal friend and a man with a complicated history.

The plot of the movie is engaging and full of surprises, with plot twists and turns that keep the audience guessing. There are moments of high drama and tension, as well as lighter comedic moments. The dialogue is witty and sharp, with many memorable one-liners and exchanges between characters.

Overall, A Hazard of Hearts is a delightful and engaging movie that will appeal to fans of romantic dramas and period pieces. The film's strong performances, stunning visuals, and well-paced plot make it a must-see for those who love a good love story. Despite being released over three decades ago, the movie still stands the test of time today and remains a beloved classic.

A Hazard of Hearts is a 1987 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.