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A Hazard of Hearts (1987) – Movie Review
A Hazard of Hearts is a delightful slice of 1980s romantic melodrama, drenched in gothic atmosphere, sweeping romance, and old-fashioned charm. Based on Barbara Cartland’s novel, this British TV film is a quintessential period piece that revels in its high-stakes drama and fairytale sensibilities. From misty moors to candlelit corridors, it captures the romanticism of its genre with unapologetic flair.
The story centers on Serena Staverley (played by Helena Bonham Carter in one of her earliest roles), a spirited young woman whose life takes a dramatic turn after her father gambles away their estate—and her hand in marriage—during a reckless card game. The “winner” is the enigmatic Lord Justin Vulcan (Marcus Gilbert), a brooding nobleman with a shadowed past and a heart that might just be softer than he lets on. What unfolds is a tale full of secret plots, wicked relatives, and a romance that must overcome danger and deceit.
Bonham Carter shines as Serena, bringing both vulnerability and resilience to the role. Her chemistry with Gilbert’s Lord Vulcan is classic gothic romance: fiery exchanges, longing glances, and gradual emotional thawing. Meanwhile, Diana Rigg delivers a deliciously villainous performance as the scheming Lady Harriet, chewing scenery with aristocratic menace and wit.
What makes A Hazard of Hearts so enjoyable is its earnest embrace of genre tropes. There’s no modern irony or subversion here—just a full-on commitment to corseted drama, noble duels, and romantic declarations on staircases. The production design adds to the charm, with lavish costumes and period sets that evoke the feel of a vintage paperback romance come to life.
Though not a cinematic masterpiece by modern standards, the film has earned cult status among fans of romantic period dramas. It’s the kind of movie best watched with a warm drink and a soft blanket—a comfort watch filled with passion, peril, and the triumph of love over adversity.
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