The Master of Ballantrae (1984)

Genres - Action, Adventure  |   Sub-Genres - Swashbuckler  |   Release Date - Jan 31, 1984 (USA - Unknown)  |   Run Time - 150 min.  |   Countries - United Kingdom, United States  |   MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Hal Erickson

It was not unusual in the 1980s for a British TV miniseries to resurface in America in the form of a re-edited feature-length "movie." The Master of Ballantrae, based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, offered a unique reversal on this process. Originally telecast in the United States as a three-hour TV film on January 31, 1984, the production subsequently aired on Scottish television as a six-part miniseries, 25 minutes per episode. On this occasion, the roles of rival siblings Henry and James Durrie were played by Richard Thomas and Michael York. The basic story remained the same: In 18th century Scotland, a toss of the coin determined that Henry would enlist in the service of Bonnie Prince Charlie, while James would stay behind as temporary master of Ballantrae Hall. Reported killed in battle, Henry spent the next several years trying to reclaim his birthright from his covetous brother. The "series" version of The Master of Ballantrae was broadcast in 1986.

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Keywords

brother, Britain, competition, conflict, family, home, honor [recognition], politician, rival, sibling, soldier