Watch The Bloody Judge

In the 17th century in England, under the rule of King Charles I, there was a notorious judge named George Jeffreys who presided over the court in the infamous Bloody Assizes, where hundreds of rebels were executed. The Bloody Judge is a 1970 British historical drama film inspired by the life and times of Judge Jeffreys, played by Christopher Lee.

The film begins with a brief introduction of the historical context of the English Civil War, which pitted the Royalists loyal to King Charles I against the Parliamentarians led by Oliver Cromwell. The conflict has left the country divided and the Royalists suppressed. Judge Jeffreys, a loyalist and an ambitious careerist, is sent to West Country to conduct trials of the rebels who took part in the Monmouth Rebellion, an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow King James II in 1685.

Jeffreys arrives in Taunton, a town that supported the rebels, and immediately starts his ruthless campaign of justice. He is accompanied by his assistant, a cunning lawyer named Hawkins (played by Leo Genn). The two men waste no time in interrogating and punishing the rebels, using brutal methods such as torture and hanging. Jeffreys relishes the power he has over life and death, and seems to take pleasure in dispensing punishment. He is fueled by his hatred of the rebellious spirit of the English people, whom he sees as traitors to the Crown and the divine right of kings.

However, Jeffreys soon becomes entangled in a web of conspiracy and intrigue. He meets a young and beautiful woman named Alice (played by Maria Schell), who is accused of being a rebel sympathizer. Jeffreys is intrigued by her spirit and tries to befriend her, but she rebuffs his advances. Alice is actually part of a secret group of rebels who are planning to assassinate Jeffreys and free their comrades. She is torn between her loyalty to the cause and her growing affection for Jeffreys. Meanwhile, Hawkins has his own agenda, which involves stealing a large sum of money that Jeffreys is supposed to confiscate from the rebels.

The film keeps its tension high throughout its running time, as Jeffreys becomes increasingly paranoid and aggressive in his pursuit of justice. His encounters with Alice intensify and lead to a dramatic and unexpected climax. Christopher Lee gives a commanding and nuanced performance as Jeffreys, balancing his character's cruelty and vulnerability. Maria Schell is also excellent as the conflicted Alice, portraying her as a strong and brave woman who is caught in the middle of a struggle for power.

The Bloody Judge benefits from its historical accuracy and attention to detail, portraying the harsh realities of life in 17th century England. The film also benefits from its impressive production design and cinematography, which evoke the gloomy and oppressive atmosphere of the time. The use of actual locations and costumes add an extra layer of authenticity.

However, the film is not without its flaws. The pacing can sometimes be slow, and some of the supporting characters are underdeveloped. The film also tends to rely on exaggerated stereotypes of the period, depicting the rebels as noble and heroic figures and the authorities as cruel and corrupt. Nevertheless, the Bloody Judge remains a fascinating and stylish depiction of a turbulent period in English history, and a showcase of Christopher Lee's talents as an actor.

The Bloody Judge is a 1970 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.