Review of The Lady and the Highwayman

This is a hearty effort to revive the old Gainsborough genre with its charming romantic films from the 40s - and it succeeds in including everything, a splendid plot although somewhat superficial and predictable, good casting with Hugh Grant in a role that suits him perfectly and Oliver Reed as the bullyish villain, Michael York as the bright king, and many others. The film has got all the classical ingredients of a Gainsborough romantic film - except the Gainsborough charm. After all, the Gainsborough films only made themswelves in black and white, filled with irresistible charm, while colour must spoil some of the veracity and genuine feeling of originality.