AllMovie

A fairly satisfying period romance with action, Lorna Doone is adapted somewhat freely from the classic novel by Richard D. Blakemore. Though not the best cinematic version of this story, it is a respectable one that fans of the genre will find more than acceptable. Its biggest assets are visual, for it's filmed in that lush 1950s style that is best described as "yummy." There are some very attractive sets as well, and director Phil Karlson takes advantage of both the sets and the cinematography to create a romance-drenched film that has plenty of time for action. The lighting on Barbara Hale's face during her "in the mood for love" sequences is simply beautiful. The story itself is also a big selling point, providing thrills and suspense, and Karlson is quite adept at making the most of these opportunities. He is less successful with the actors, for while both Hale and Richard Greene are lovely to look at, their work is adequate and nothing more. One longs for an Olivia de Havilland and Errol Flynn to really light up the screen. Granted, this cast is working with dialogue that is usually terribly stilted; but one still wishes for more zest and charisma.