'The Crimson Blade' (1963) - John Gilling.

No earnest appraisal of, John Gilling's glistering, finely honed feature 'The Crimson Blade' will be replete without avid descriptions of 'Rousing action!!!'....'Blood-Stirring swordplay!!!'...and 'Courageous acts of Derring-do!!!! One of Hammer Films more neglected mini-masterpieces, this exceptionally rigorous Civil war era is sure to arouse the viewer to emitting a Stentorian, spirit-galvanizing cry of HUZZAH!!! It's not often that a lusty period adventure so boisterously buckles its Technicolor swash with quite the same majestically muscular rigour and gimlet-eyed efficacy of pulse-pounding Hammer Films classic 'The Crimson Blade'. 

The estimable, Lionel Jeffries is on wickedly barnstorming form as the terrible tyrant Roundhead Colonel Judd, and ubiquitous Hammer legend, Michael Ripper enjoys one of his more substantial roles as hot-blooded knife-wielding gypsy, Pablo. Prepare to swoon at the devastating sight of a smoulderingly handsome, Oliver Reed as the ambivalently cocksure captain, Tom Sylvester! This beautifully shot, tremendously exciting boy's own yarn is an entertaining, memorably uproarious feature. The Roundhead rapscallions are frequently thwarted by rebellious, Edward Beverly (Jack Hedley),the loyal, unerringly deadly sword arm of King Charles I. The full-blooded action is relentless as our infamous outlaw hero undertakes his tireless crusade against Cromwell's murderous hegemony. With nary a dull moment, 'The Crimson Blade' is arguably one of Hammer Films most thrillingly roustabout historical adventures! HUZZAH!!