TV Reviews : ‘Duel of the Hearts’ Is a Cartland Romance

A damsel in distress (a feisty, beautiful damsel, natch), a handsome, brooding lord with a terrible secret, a magnificent castle, an unscrupulous heir, dastardly crimes, plunging decolletage and a lush 19th-Century British setting: Romance fans, this is your night.

As fluffy--and as empty--as spun sugar, tonight’s TNT movie “Duel of the Hearts” (at 5, 7 and 9 p.m.), by romance novel queen Barbara Cartland, is memorable chiefly for pretty scenery and an array of British talent on busman’s holiday. Michael York, Billie Whitelaw, Beryl Reid and Jeremy Kemp are among those who slip into their formulaic roles with ease, if not marked enthusiasm.

Everyone looks the part. Alison Doody, the spunky heroine who disguises herself as a commoner to protect the man she loves, is tall and elegant with a charming overbite, an imperious manner and long, icy-blond locks that look great spilling over a bare shoulder.

Her love interest, mysterious Lord Brecon, is played by exceedingly good-looking and manly Benedict Taylor, while exceedingly good-looking and manly Michael York is the wastrel cousin and Geraldine Chaplin scowls and scolds as his witchy lady.

Terence Feely’s teleplay includes horse-and-carriage races, colorful circus folk, a secret hidden in the tower and, of course, happily-ever-afters. Director John Hough, who’s something of a Cartland expert--he directed three previous Cartland novel adaptations--guarantees that nary a relevant moment will crease your brow as this airy escapist fare carries you gently off to Alpha Wave Land.