DVD

Skin

1967
Directed by: Don Chaffey
Written by: Clarke Reynolds, John Temple-Smith (story)
Produced by: John Temple-Smith
Studio: Hammer Studios

Starring:
Don Murray .... Justinian
Carita .... Salina
Donald Houston .... Maelgan
Andrew Keir .... Octavian
Adrienne Corri .... Beatrice
Niall MacGinnis .... Tiberian
Wilfrid Lawson .... King Priam
Nicola Pagett .... Talia
Percy Herbert .... Catus
Patrick Troughton .... Tristram
Sean Caffrey .... Fergus
Denis Shaw .... Osiris
Philip O'Flynn .... Merchant
Nita Lorraine .... Nubian Girl Slave

The Viking Queen was a part of Hammer Studios attempts at epic period films that had been made popular by titles such as Ben-Hur, Lawrence of Arabia and Spartacus. Not that Viking Queen is in the same league as these films, but it is a fun and somewhat interesting romp through through the Roman occupation of Britain. Now where they came up with the title Viking Queen I don't know, because the Vikings were nowhere near the British Isles 2000 years ago. In fact, they did not start attacking there until around 789 a.d.

But historical accuracy aside, the Viking Queen ascends to the throne as her father, while on his deathbed, gives the responsibility and burden to his daughter Salina , played by Finnish beauty queen, Carita Järvinen, in her only acting role. Complicating her rule slightly is the fact that she is in love with the head of the local Roman contingent, Justinian (Don Murray). Also complicating her rule are the local Druids, who despise all things Roman and want nothing except to expel them from their island.

Justinian is a good and fair man, but his position and responsibilities do get in the way with his relationship with Salina. The Romans are more or less in charge of things just because of their military might. Salina rules her people but is subject to certain Roman laws and also Roman taxes. The locals have to pay taxes that end up in Roman hands and the Druids are not allowed to practice most of their rites and rituals, so of course there is discontent amongst them over the Roman presence. Salina tries to balance the three factions and manages to maintain an uneasy peace, at least that is until taxes are raised for the local wealthy merchants.

The merchants conspire with an underling of Justinian's by the name of Octavian (Andrew Kier). Octavian does not approve of the relationship Justinian has with Salina and the merchants offer to cause a couple rebellions in far away areas that Justinian will have to personally go and quell. While away, Octavian takes control of the local Roman army and they start suppressing Salina and her people ending up in the burning of Salinas palace and even worse, the public flogging of Salina.

Salina and her people start arming themselves and manage to arrange an ambush of Octavian and his men. Octavian is taken prisoner after the skirmish and Salina and her people will now settle for nothing less than a complete retreat of the Roman soldiers from their homeland.

In the meantime, Justinian receives a message that Octavian had taken over and started abusing his powers. So Justinian and his men rush back to meet with Salina and her army. A meeting is arranged between the two rulers and Salina tells Justinian that even though she loves him, she cannot back down now and also that her people are more important than her personal feelings. During the meeting a prisoner exchange is made and Octavian is returned back to the Romans.

Salina and Justinian part and plans are made for a climactic battle. You will have to see it for yourself to see what the outcome is.

Most of the photography is well done in this movie and the outdoor sets look great. Don Murray is probably best known for the few years he spent on the TV show Knotts Landing as Sid Fairgate, and he is certainly competent as the ruler Justinian. Andrew Kier probably has the most standout performance of anyone in the cast. His overbearing and over the top acting style works great as the soldier and villain, Octavian. I guess that Hammer was trying to establish Carita (her professional, stage name omitted her last name), as a star, but while looking good in the low cut tops and mini-skirts that she wears in this movie, her acting is a weak link throughout the film. And I guess the director thought her Finnish accent would lend credibility to the "Viking" role.

This is not one of Hammers best efforts, and they did relegate a B crew to the production of it. Most of the acting is adequate and the scenery is great, but this is definitely something to watch when you really want something mindless with just a little bit of violence and titillation. There is a little bit of blood and a fair amount of skin, but no frontal nudity except for the slave girl with metal nipple covers. There is another slave girl who reminded me a lot of the green alien that Captain Kirk slept with in Star Trek. I don't think the slave girl is intentionally green, but she is listed in the credits as "Nubian Slave Girl" (she is played by Nita Lorraine, who also appeared in Zeta One and The Crimson Cult.)

The dvd is presented in the original 1.85:1 theatrical ratio, and the picture is surpisingly clean. The sound is mono but sounds just fine. The extras are the original theatrical trailer and a World of Hammer episode entitled The Lands Before Time.

I had wanted to purchase this movie and ended up receiving it as a gift. I am glad I own it as I like owning any Hammer release, but this is not a true "horror" film by any means and is probably for more of the Hammer completeist or someone who enjoys a decent, epic, historical B movie.

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