Watch The Wicked Lady

The Wicked Lady is a classic British film from 1945 directed by Leslie Arliss and starring Margaret Lockwood, James Mason, and Patricia Roc. The film is based on an English historical novel by Magdalen King-Hall, and tells the story of a beautiful and cunning woman named Barbara Skelton who transforms from a bored aristocrat to a thrilling highwaywoman.

The movie opens with Barbara (Margaret Lockwood) as a restless and headstrong young woman who is frustrated with her mundane life as a wealthy aristocrat. She is tasked with finding a suitable husband by her mother, but Barbara has no interest in settling down and is more interested in adventure and excitement.

One day, she meets a dashing young highwayman named Kit (James Mason) who steals a kiss from her before escaping. Barbara is instantly smitten, and sets out to join his gang of robbers. She quickly becomes indispensable to the group, using her wits and charm to outsmart their targets and evade the law.

As Barbara becomes more entrenched in the world of highway robbery, she becomes bolder and takes more risks. She is soon pushed to the brink when her betrothed, Sir Ralph Skelton (Griffith Jones), discovers her secret life and threatens to expose her to the authorities.

The film is a thrilling and engaging story of romance, passion, and betrayal. Margaret Lockwood gives a standout performance as the titular wicked lady, portraying a character who is simultaneously captivating and manipulative. James Mason is equally impressive as Kit, the charming highwayman who captures Barbara's heart.

The cinematography and set design are also noteworthy, with the film showcasing lush landscapes and impressive period detail. The costumes and makeup help to transport viewers to 17th century England, and add to the overall atmosphere of the film.

One of the most interesting themes in The Wicked Lady is the portrayal of gender roles in the time period. Barbara's desires and ambitions are stifled by society's expectations of women, and she is forced to take extreme measures in order to feel empowered. At the same time, her actions could be seen as transgressive and immoral, leading to a complex portrayal of the character.

Overall, The Wicked Lady is a captivating and thrilling film that has stood the test of time. Its engaging story, strong performances, and impressive production design make it a must-see for fans of classic cinema.

The Wicked Lady is a 1945 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.