Uncle Silas (TV Mini-Series 1989)

I do wish there was not so much confusion about the name of this made-for-TV film. On the index of Peter O'Toole films Uncle Silas is listed before The Dark Angel. I believe the confusion rests in the fact that in Great Britain, the original title of the novel: Uncle Silas, is used, while here in the United State, the title has been changed to: The Dark Angel. That title refers to the mysterious oil portrait of Uncle Silas AS The Dark Angel. A portrait that the heroine, Maude, has been fascinated with for years.

The portrait shows a young and handsome Uncle Silas. When the story opens, Maude has not seen her Uncle since she was a small child.

Others have skillfully outlined the basic story, so I won't cover old ground.

To me, the film succeeds because of the brilliant staging and the great use of the outdoors. Maude is a captive not just inside Silas' mansion, but also in the garden.

The air is heavy with unspoken threat and danger is lurking behind every bush.

The director of The Dark Angel, Peter Hammond, did a masterful job of keeping the story rolling along and all his characters exactly at the correct emotional pitch in every scene.

He also leaves many questions unanswered so you can mull over this marvelous Gothic tale long after you have seen it.

I understand from friends that The Dark Angel is still available for purchase over the internet, but it is NO Longer Available for purchase thorough SunCoast or other retail dealers. If you can find it, watch it. The Dark Angel aka Uncle Silas who is, as we all know, really Peter O'Toole, will terrify and astound you.