The Master of Ballantrae (1984 film)

Did You Know?

• John Gielgud's performance earned him an Emmy nomination as Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Special.
• The Christian Science Monitor called it 'engrossing 20th century entertainment.'
• The New York Times said it was 'well acted, swiftly paced and eminently watchable.'

Plot

The story begins in 1745 with the landing of Bonnie Prince Charlie in Scotland and the start of the last Jacobite rebellion. James, the Master of Ballantrae, is a brave but foolish and hot-headed young man who decides to join the uprising against the advice of his father, Lord Durisdeer, and his younger brother, Henry Durie. It is decided that one brother must join the Jacobites while the other remains loyal to the government, so that the family's future will be secure regardless of the outcome. James, as the eldest son, should stay loyal, but he craves adventure and insists on tossing a coin. He wins the right to join the losing side. The Jacobites are defeated at the Battle of Culloden, and James is reported dead. He survives and flees to England, where he teams up with Irishman Francis Burke. They reach the coast and are captured by pirates, but James' charm and cunning allow him to become co-leader alongside Captain Teach. At home, Henry is held in contempt by tenants and by James' sweetheart, their cousin Alison Graeme, who believe he should have joined the Jacobites. The family is in debt, and Alison's dowry leads to a marriage of convenience between her and Henry. She still loves James, but Henry has always loved her. Alison is distressed when she learns James is alive. The Master and Burke leave the pirate ship and travel to North America, Paris, and India. James Durie is a scoundrel with good looks and charm, but as the action progresses his character becomes darker and increasingly evil.

Production

The film was shot on location in England and Wales. Richard Thomas, cast as the good brother Henry, had fenced since age 14 and still practiced several times a week; this was his first opportunity to fence on film. For the duel with Michael York, neither actor used a double.