This superb comic film centres around the Welsh rebellions against the iniquitous toll gate trusts and in particular on the exploits of a latter day cross-dressing Robin Hood in the form of Rebecca. The plot is standard fair, the poor (Welsh) standing up to the evil rich (English), in this particular case over the issue of the toll roads which are bleeding the people dry while the toll gate owners get fat and rich on their misery. What makes this exceptional film stand out, is the wonderfully paced, witticism-strewn dialogue, the fabulous characters and the amazing acting. Two performances in particular demand praise: Joely Richardson as the somewhat contrary Rhiannon manages to be both cutely sexy and disarmingly hilarious in equal measure and Peter O'Toole is magnificent as the corrupt magistrate/landlord Lord Sarn, every debauched overblown speech and bon mot being an absolute comic delight, to be quoted ad nausea. An absolute must see film that I just hope makes it to DVD.
Review of Rebecca's Daughters
