The Wicked Lady

Lockwood is an aristocratic woman during the reign of Charles II. Bored with the country, she takes to highway robbery and has an affair with Mason, a fellow highwayman. Ultimately, Felix Aylmer, the family retainer, discovers Lockwood's activities, but she swears him to secrecy on the promise that she'll reform. Griffith Jones, the man to whom she was promised, realizes he loves Roc, his original intended. However, Rennie has asked Roc for her hand, and Lockwood, who also loves Rennie, is determined to destroy their happiness. Mason is nearly hanged thanks to Lockwood's two-timing, but he manages to make a cunning escape. After committing more crimes, Lockwood reaches her tragic end. Mason stands out with his swagger and gusto. Despite being bombarded by the critics and the problems inherent in the film, THE WICKED LADY proved to be England's top box-office draw for 1946. For American release, it required reshooting, as the ladies' decolletage proved to be more than censors would allow. (Verleiher-Text)