"Actor: Jolyon Baker"

• Duel Of Hearts | DVD | (29/07/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £2.99

  A rather jarring mix of period drama, trashy romance and all-star blockbuster, Duel of Hearts is a swashbuckling, bodice-ripping tale of slightly dubious quality. Based on a novel by Barbara Cartland, it provides the usual dollops of intrigue and love, although its choice of a female protagonist does at least give it some twist. The splendidly named Lady Caroline Faye (Alison Doody) is the story's plucky heroine, fighting to prove the innocence of her beau Lord Vane Brecon and discover his troubling inner turmoil. Donning a disguise that seems to consist largely of wearing her hair in a different manner, Lady Caroline places herself among the very people that would seek Brecon's undoing. Those looking for high quality drama should probably go elsewhere, but this is an entertaining enough piece of silliness, combining the history of Regency England with the production values of a daytime American soap opera. On the DVD: Duel of Hearts on DVD has had very little effort put into it, which is perhaps no surprise given the rather slapdash nature of the main feature. The sound has been digitally remastered but the picture quality hasn't, and has that dubious made-for-television look. The interactive menu is unattractive and unimaginative and there are no extras. --Phil Udell

• A Ghost In Monte Carlo | DVD | (29/07/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £4.99

  Based on a novel by Barbara Cartland, A Ghost in Monte Carlo is an undemanding period romp packed full of twists and turns. The perfect cinematic equivalent of Cartland's literary style, the film is a glossy, star-filled but ultimately shallow exercise. Lysette Anthony is the wide-eyed innocent Mistral, released from her convent upbringing into the care of her Aunt Emilie (Sarah Miles). On arriving in glamorous Monte Carlo, she immediately strikes up a relationship with a dashing young lord and sets out to experience her newfound freedom. Matters take an unexpected, darker turn as Mistral finds herself caught up in the plotting of her aunt and in increasing danger. The performances range from Anthony's passable purity to a ludicrously over-the-top turn from Miles. The much-vaunted all-star casting amounts to a series of brief cameos from the likes of Oliver Reed, Joanna Lumley, Lewis Collins and Gareth Hunt--presumably at the request of executive producer Lord Lew Grade. It's fun for what it is but only as long as you leave any critical sensibilities on hold. On the DVD:A Ghost in Monte Carlo is essentially a video release transferred directly to DVD. The sound is digitally remastered and there is a very poor interactive menu to guide you through the various chapters but no extras. --Phil Udell