After a long stay in London, Sir Richard Fordyke returns to his ancestral seat, in the company of his new, much beloved bride. He expects a festive welcome but in fact many of his servants and tenants regard him with fear or disgust. Very much to his surprise, Sir Richard discovers that he's gaining a reputation as a criminal and/or a warlock...
A Gothic horror/mystery tale set in the 18th century, "The Black Torment" makes the best of the various opportunities afforded by aristocratic mansions, creaking stable doors, galloping stallions and ample costumes complete with capes and veils. There is also an array of muttering tenants and frightened servants, which is as it should be. (Personally I would have added an old gipsy woman offering to read Sir Richard's palm and then recoiling in fear, that's a classic too.) The clues may be over-obvious and the acting may be over-emphatic, but what the heck, I like it. It contains a number of creepy scenes and sinister twists - that scene with the hopeful saddlemaker is disquieting enough - and it ends with a wild, barnstorming duel. You can always wake me up for more of this.
Still, a small rebuke to Sir Richard on a matter of etiquette : a true gentleman always tells his second wife if the first one threw herself out of the window. It prevents future misunderstandings at charity bazaars and church fêtes.
A Gothic horror/mystery tale set in the 18th century, "The Black Torment" makes the best of the various opportunities afforded by aristocratic mansions, creaking stable doors, galloping stallions and ample costumes complete with capes and veils. There is also an array of muttering tenants and frightened servants, which is as it should be. (Personally I would have added an old gipsy woman offering to read Sir Richard's palm and then recoiling in fear, that's a classic too.) The clues may be over-obvious and the acting may be over-emphatic, but what the heck, I like it. It contains a number of creepy scenes and sinister twists - that scene with the hopeful saddlemaker is disquieting enough - and it ends with a wild, barnstorming duel. You can always wake me up for more of this.
Still, a small rebuke to Sir Richard on a matter of etiquette : a true gentleman always tells his second wife if the first one threw herself out of the window. It prevents future misunderstandings at charity bazaars and church fêtes.