[drumroll] [drumroll] [opening theme music plays] [indistinct chatter and laughter] [dog barks] [father] Hey, John.

-John, come on, now.

-[John laughs] No time for that now, we got work to do.

[dramatic music plays] [father] There you are, John, lad.

-Who are they for, then?

-T hey're for Mother.

[father] Come here, you.

Get your hands off.

Go away!

[dramatic music continues] [indistinct chatter] [horses hooves galloping] [gunshots] [screams and panicked shouts] [gunfire] [screams and panicked shouts] [yelling] [panicked shouts] [John] Help!

[John] Run!

Run!

-[father] Are you all right?

-[John] Yes.

Inside, quick!

Come on.

-Let's get inside.

-[woman] Help me!

-Help me!

-[rider] Come here!

[dramatic music plays] [woman screams] Look out!

Jack.

-[woman screams] -[man grunts] -[gunshot] -Father!

[father gasps] [father panting] Father?

Father!

Come on, John.

[tender music plays] You can't do such a thing, mistress.

Tell her, John Fry.

I've been trying to but you keep-- Of all the stubborn, wrong-headed things I ever heard in my life.

I'll thank you to keep a civil tongue in your head, Betty.

I won't stand by silent while you go off and kill yourself on a fool's errand.

-Listen to reason, mistress!

-Talk to the Doones?

You might as well talk to the Devil himself.

-I know what I'm doing.

-Well, say something, then.

Well, I've been trying to for the last five minutes.

But she's right.

No one goes to the Doone Valley of their own free will.

-I owe it to their father.

-[little girl sobs] If you prefer to stay here, I understand.

I'll be back by nightfall.

-I'm coming with you.

-No.

You can't stop me.

Are you just going to stand there and let the boy show you up?

What?

Oh.

[tranquil music plays] [birds chirping] Mistress.

I got my family to think about.

[dramatic music plays] [muffled scream] Who are you?

My name is Sarah Ridd.

-What do you want?

-To see Sir Ensor Doone.

[daunting music plays] Come on, you.

Come on.

Go on.

Halt!

The intruders.

Name of Ridd.

[footsteps approaching] Why have you come here, Mistress Ridd?

Someone must answer for my husband's death.

Take care, woman.

Why bring your complaint to me?

He was killed in cold blood by a Doone.

You are their lord.

How can you let your men sink so low?

When did the noble Doones become thieves and murderers?

You dare to stand in our house and call us murderers?

Come on, come on.

Get out of here.

The Doones are a peaceful people.

We seek no quarrel with our neighbors.

You talk of peace, but you act with cruelty and injustice.

You speak to me of injustice?

My lands were stolen from me, my family outlawed and condemned to live like animals.

I'll have no lessons in justice from a farmer's wife.

I was a farmer's wife once.

Now I am his widow.

Why does the old man waste his time with these peasants?

If I were you, Carver, I'd keep my mouth shut.

You've caused enough problems for yourself as it is.

Who authorized the attack on Porlock?

I need no authority.

If we slaughter these people and take everything they have what choice do we give them but to rise up against us?

If you're so wise, Father, why hasn't Ensor chosen you to be his successor?

You are his oldest living son.

Some men inspire loyalty and devotion, others, like me, merely respect.

My place is by the leader's side.

That's why I've spent years making sure you are our next captain.

I hope to God I haven't been wasting my time.

[dog barks] Counselor, tell me what happened at Porlock.

Your grandson led a few men to trade at the market.

They were set upon by a gang of thieves.

This woman's husband was the ringleader.

Ridd killed our brother Richard, before he himself was shot.

-That's a dirty lie!

-John!

John!

You have your answer, mistress.

Be assured, I attach no blame to you for your husband's evil deeds.

Under the law, John Ridd's land and property pass as compensation to his innocent victims.

The Ridd farm is rightfully ours.

I am a man who respects the law.

Though it shows little respect for me.

What should I do, Mistress Ridd?

I hoped for justice, but all I receive is mockery.

May God forgive you for your cruelty.

Well, this woman has suffered enough.

Uh... We will not press our case against her.

Is that wise?

Is this what you think I came for?

Keep it for your children.

[door bangs] Bring Carver here.

If you were not my grandson I'd have you whipped.

One day soon, the Doones will go back to their ancestral lands.

Until then, we've got to live with these clods.

Try to remember that.

That ends our dream of the past.

The future's mine.

[gunshot] [horse whinnies] [Sarah] John!

[hens cluck] Now that you can shoot... what will you do?

Kill the Doones that murdered my father.

I've already lost my husband.

You think I want to bury my son as well?

You must be a man now, John.

I can't run this farm without you.

You want me to do nothing?

I want you to do what you know is right.

Don't ask me to stop hating them.

How can I when I have so much hate in my own heart?

But killing is the Doone way.

Not ours.

I'll never forgive and never forget.

This is your father's ring.

He would want you to have it.

Hmm?

[tender music plays] Uh!

Ah!

[dramatic music plays] [panicked breaths] Ahh!

Oh!

[screaming] [water bubbling] -Am I dead?

-No.

Not quite, but you were lucky.

How did you come here?

I was fishing, up there.

Fishing?

What with?

I had a spear, but I can do just as well without it.

I'll show you if you like.

I'm John Ridd.

-Who are you?

-Lorna.

[man] Lorna!

Where is she?

[laughs] You just have to practice, that's all.

[Carver] Lorna!

You must go.

If they find you here, they'll kill us both!

[Carver] Lorna, where are you?

Over there.

It's a secret way out through the rocks.

Promise me you'll never come here again.

[tender music plays] [dramatic music plays] [sighs] [whispers] Let her sleep.

[panting] [grunts] John.

We could use some more help up here.

I have to cook your special dinner.

[John laughs] I don't know why everyone makes such fuss about birthdays.

You'd be sorry if we took no notice.

It wouldn't bother me one little bit.

-You can't work all the time.

-Someone has to around here.

All work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy.

I don't suppose you've considered lifting a finger?

I've got my book to finish.

What use will Greek be to a farmer's wife, Lizzie?

It's Latin.

And I am not marrying some ignorant farmer.

[John] No, not if they see you first, anyway.

[Sarah] Go and wash. Uncle Reuben should be here soon, and I expected your cousin Tom hours ago.

[lively music plays] No one try anything stupid.

[woman] For God's sake, don't kill us.

Keep your money, madam.

You're safe with me.

At least you are.

Sir Robert Banfield, I think.

Get out.

[Sarah] I won't profit from your dishonesty, Tom.

I bought it with me own money.

And where did that money come from?

The world has preyed on me like a wolf, Sarah.

I have the right to prey on the world a little.

I never robbed anyone who didn't deserve it.

[chuckles] That won't stop them hanging you.

They'll have to catch me first, won't they?

Where's Annie?

She's there.

Come on.

[laughter and indistinct chatter] [traditional music plays] Annie, you've grown up.

How old are you now?

You ought to know, Mr. Faggus.

You are my godfather.

A Christian duty I really must take more seriously.

Call me Tom.

Tom.

God save us!

That's it.

-[man groans] -Hush.

-Uncle Reuben.

-Who did this to you?

Was it the Doones?

-Yes.

-Oh!

They stole every penny I had.

They beat me and they chased me for sport across the moor.

-I thought I was dead.

-You're safe now.

Where's my granddaughter?

-Fetch Ruth.

Ruth!

-Tom, fetch Ruth.

-Ruth!

-Shh.

If I should ever be ill, I hope my doctor will be as gentle as you.

You give me far more credit than I deserve.

[Reuben] How can you just stand by and let those bandits do just as they please?

There's nothing to be done.

-The Doones are too powerful.

-Cowards, the lot of you!

-[Ruth] Hush, Grandfather.

-[Lizzie] He's right.

We are cowards.

If I was a man, I would have avenged my father long ago.

Well, does no one else hate the Doones like I do?

You have no idea what hate is.

-If you really cared-- -That's enough!

[Reuben] I'm not frightened of these Doones.

You get me a musket.

I'll fight them myself.

No.

No, this is a matter for the law.

We'll go to Baron de Whichehalse.

I'll have no more of this lawlessness.

Now, the names of the Doones who attacked you, please, Master Huckaback?

I couldn't say.

There were six of them.

If you need names, put down Sir Ensor Doone and his sons.

"Sir Ensor Doone led the assault... with five of his sons, Christian names unknown."

That is your sworn evidence?

Oh, no, no.

I didn't say Sir Ensor was there personally.

But I have it here in writing.

If Ensor Doone can prove he was elsewhere, you could be indicted for perjury.

[Baron sighs] Still, at least we have these sons of his.

I suppose, Father.

He can absolutely swear that they were Sir Ensor's sons, not his nephews or grandchildren?

Of course I can't swear to it!

They were Doones!

What more proof does anybody need?

Identification is nine-tenths of the law, Master Huckaback.

[Marwood] You're sure these men actually were Doones?

Yes.

I saw them distinctly in the fog.

Fog?

[scoffs] Who can see anything in an Exmoor fog?

In my opinion, this poor fellow frightened himself with shadows.

[Baron] The fog explains everything.

Go back now and I will warrant you'll find your property exactly where you left it.

Did the fog tie me to my own horse?

Did the fog give me these bruises, then?!

You have no evidence, Master Huckaback.

Is this fair?

Is this honest?!

I'm going to take this to the highest authority in the land.

[door slams] You're really gonna take your case to the King?

Somebody far more powerful than that.

Give me a hand up, will you?

-Well, who?

-You'll find out soon enough.

Walk on.

I want to see these villains in their lair.

Take me to the Doone Valley.

-You should be resting.

-I don't need a rest!

If the law won't do anything, Reuben Huckaback will!

Tell Sir Ensor I want to see him.

Are you sure it goes all the way down?

Well, unless the rocks have blocked it over the years.

It's just there.

Sorry, boy, I can't go on.

I can't go no further.

My poor aching bones just won't bear it.

If it wasn't for my injuries, nothing would stop me.

Reuben Huckaback in his prime is still a match for any Doone but in my present condition, I... Well, perhaps we should go back.

No, no, no, you go on.

You have a look round.

We'll need to know their weak points for when we attack them.

Right.

I'll stay up here and I'll keep watch.

[wistful music plays] If you lay a finger on me, you'll regret it.

Whoa, whoa.

I'm not going to hurt you.

What do you want?

Nothing.

Then why are you here?

Don't you know me, Lorna?

Why should I?

Well, have you never thought of that half-drowned boy you once found on the river bank?

Never.

I see you learned how to fish, though.

I warned you never to come back.

I know.

They'll kill you if they find you here.

Well, I'll take my chances.

You should go now.

Only if I can see you again.

It's impossible.

-All right, then I'll stay.

-No.

Please, for your own sake.

You should never have come back.

[Baron] Huckaback is a wealthy and influential man.

If you carry on in this reckless manner, London will be forced to act.

I don't need your warning!

We pay you for your influence.

If you have none, why are we wasting our money?

I am doing my best.

Then do better.

Do I have to remind you that if the Doones fall, you fall with them?

No.

Sir.

Never presume to criticize a Doone again!

[Annie] Where are you going?

Nowhere.

Then why are you dressing up?

Um... No reason.

[wistful music plays] [Lorna] You came back.

-Why?

-I wanted to see you again.

I should be very angry with you.

And are you?

I don't know.

Haven't decided yet.

What is it?

You don't know how much danger you're in.

I don't care.

I want to talk to you.

I want to get to know you better.

You can't!

When you know more, you'll hate me.

Why would I ever hate you?

Because I'm a Doone.

[dramatic music plays] They call me their Queen.

I'm the heir to this little realm of violence.

Now will you go?

I am sick of waiting.

I want her now.

The question is, does she want you?

You want to force the girl to marry you?

Get me a priest and I'll show you how it's done.

I will not let your impatience ruin everything.

I've waited 16 years for my plans to bear fruit.

Only on your marriage to Lorna will my family be able to reclaim its inheritance.

This is my inheritance!

You think a stinking patch of mud in the middle of nowhere is a fit home for the noble Doones?

No.

Then get out of here and try to make Lorna like you.

She will.

I promise you.

[footsteps receding, door opens] [wistful music plays] Penny for your thoughts.

-What's got into him?

-Bitten by a mad dog, I reckon.

[wistful music plays] Mistress!

-Keep away.

-It's all right, Gwenny.

You know him?

-Leave us?

-I can't.

-What if someone comes?

-Please.

I...

I tried to stay away.

But I can't.

[John] Did you never know your mother and father?

[Lorna] My mother died giving birth to me, and my father is Ensor's eldest son.

He was killed when I was still a child.

Are they kind to you here?

Ensor sees to it that I'm treated with respect.

I love him dearly for it.

I daren't think what will happen when he's no longer here.

-You could escape.

-And go where?

This is the only home I know.

Besides, Carver will never let his future wife leave.

His wife?

Even Ensor says I should marry him.

And will you?

I will only marry a man that I love.

Please, mistress.

We can't stay another minute.

-Will I see you again?

-Yes.

[Lorna chuckles] [giggling] -Ah!

-[Annie screams and laughs] Put me down!

Ah!

[John laughs] -What's the matter with you?

-I think I'm in love.

What?

That's wonderful.

Who with?

Lorna Doone.

You're in love with a Doone?

Do you mind very much?

What does it matter as long as you're happy?

This must stay our secret, for now.

Promise me you'll come back next week.

Nothing on Earth will stop me.

[romantic music plays] John Ridd?

Yeah.

Take this in the name of the King.

What is it?

It's a summons to appear before the King's Bench.

-Come on.

-There must be a mistake.

It's Tom Faggus you want, not our John.

-Quiet, Lizzie.

-Oh, don't worry.

You've done nothing wrong.

Not that we know of, anyway.

[Sarah] Then why is he called to London?

The Lord Chief Justice has business with him.

If he's honest and speaks plainly, he'll be in no danger.

You can read, can't you?

Yes.

You been to London before?

I went to Torquay once.

-Um, when must we leave?

-Tomorrow morning.

I can't.

I can't go so quickly.

[laughs] Well, Judge Jeffreys isn't a man to be kept waiting.

Which is a pity because I haven't eaten this well in an age.

Well, this is nothing.

Why, Annie here, Annie cooks the finest venison in the whole county.

Well, I suppose my horse is very tired.

-We'll say Monday morning.

-Friday.

Impossible.

[John sighs] You can't leave without trying our roast suckling pig.

Tuesday, and that's my last word.

[church bells ringing] [noisy crowd clamoring] [Stickles] Walk on.

No, thanks.

[woman] Mind out below!

Come on, go on, go on.

[woman] Warm baked bread!

Stand aside!

[woman] Lovely fresh bread!

[man] Pity's sake.

I'm starving, sir.

12 children.

For pity's sake, sir.

-A coin!

-Give it here!

[gasps] -Who were you waiting for?

-No one.

I wanted to talk to you.

You are very beautiful, Lorna.

You know how much I admire you.

How much I love you.

I am unworthy of your affection.

That is for me to decide.

We were meant to be together.

You know that.

-Because Ensor wishes it?

-Because we do.

And always have.

-I could have 100 women.

-Take them, then!

I do not mean to offend you.

What does offense have to do with it?

What do I care about your sly ways of tormenting a man?

You think I'm playing some kind of game with you?

Then listen to me.

I have never loved you, Carver, and I never could.

If you do love me as you say, then leave me alone.

You will be my wife.

Ensor will never let you force me.

Ensor will not live much longer.

[muffled protests] We will be married the day after his death.

And you will love me.

Tell the truth and don't contradict him.

And look him straight in the eye.

He likes that.

-Straight in the eye?

-Mm.

In a humble way, but not servile.

-Humble, not servile.

All right.

-Good.

-Aren't you coming?

-Oh, no.

[door bangs] [door opens] [footsteps approach] [door shuts] [John clears throat] Do you know who I am, John Ridd?

You're the Lord Chief Justice.

Are you frightened of me?

I have no reason to be, my lord.

Haven't you?

Hmm?

I wonder.

Now, you see this is, um, Lord Russell, who plotted to overthrow the King.

I'm innocent!

[whimpers] I'm innocent!

-[ax thuds] -[crowd groans] Oh... Oh.

Off in one, now there's a novelty.

Justice is a beautiful thing, is it not?

Do you know this, um, writing?

It's my uncle, Reuben Huckaback's.

He complains of a nest of outlaws in your area called the Doones.

Is it true?

The Doones are a curse on Exmoor.

They rob and murder at will.

And no one in authority lifts a finger to stop them.

That's a grave accusation.

The Doones murdered my father.

No one was ever held accountable.

Well, what is Baron de Whichehalse about?

Why doesn't he hang them all or send them to me to do it for him?

Perhaps he's afraid.

Or perhaps he's corrupt.

The Doones are formidable enemies, my lord.

And they're of ancient and noble birth.

Well, you've seen where Lord Russell's noble birth led him.

Trust me.

The quickest way to the block is to be a chip off an old one.

Do you know that the King is ill?

-No, my lord.

-And when he dies, as die he must one day, there are those who will say that his brother James is not fit to succeed him.

-Why?

-Because he is a Catholic.

And many would prefer to see the King's bastard son, the Protestant Duke of Monmouth, on the throne.

Perhaps you're one of them?

I am a faithful servant of the rightful King, my lord.

Oh, what a careful answer.

See, the West Country is a stronghold of the Protestant faith.

That's where Monmouth will look for support.

Perhaps he may find it amongst these Doones.

Monmouth would do well to have them on his side.

My own thoughts exactly.

Tell Reuben Huckaback I will attend to his petition.

See, there is treason in the air.

John... keep clear of it, if you have any sense.

Well, this is goodbye, then.

Not for long.

God knows what you said to Jeffreys.

He's sending me down to raise the local militia against the Doones.

They won't stand a chance.

-There you go.

-Thank you, sir.

Not against a professional army.

-When will you attack them?

-Soon.

You'll be hearing from me.

-Now, for God's sake, go home.

-[John chuckles] Mother!

[Annie] John!

You made it!

You made it back, brother.

What did you get us from London, then?

-I missed you.

-Yeah.

Oh!

[dramatic music plays] Lorna!

[woman] Who's that?

Oh, John!

I thought you were never coming back.

Forgive me.

I'm sorry.

Where have you been?

There was nothing I could do, I swear to you.

This ring is my promise that I'll never leave you alone again.

It belonged to my father.

I'll keep it safe until the day I can wear it openly.

-Then you can wear it now.

-What do you mean?

-You're coming back with me.

-I'm not going anywhere!

Lorna... you don't know how dangerous it is here now.

Ensor is sick.

He needs me.

Did you really think I'd just abandon him?

No.

No, of course not.

I love you.

I know.

How can we ever be together?

[closing theme music plays]