RavenGlamDVDCollector
After searching this title for several years, I finally obtained a French-language copy in 2013 with an optional original soundtrack, Which has the little drawback that everything on-screen (title & credits) are in French, but that is just a minor, minor complaint in comparison to not having it at all and wishfully dreaming If Only... Being RavenGlamDVDCollector, I am backlogged with my viewing and seasonal in my habits, and labeled this as ideal winter viewing and only started tonight, just more than fourteen years later after having seen this show on (dismal) local TV. I am just as much taken with it tonight as I was way back then. The characters are great, goodies and baddies alike. The Queen makes a wonderful Avenging Angel on the horse, with her mane of hair, the horse's mane and the horse's tail --- poetry in glorious fiery motion. Also notice how Tessie Santiago transforms when she's got the sword in her hands, with her long hair down, flailing in the desert wind. The mask adds wonderfully to her allure, she becomes real foxy.But a bit unbelievable?? Those dudes don't recognize her?? It is so obvious?? Well, that's needed for the story...Set in majestic surroundings, with prize-winning horse-flesh, including Montero, as Captain Grisham's horse, that has got to be the loveliest animal that ever existed. The horse is so glam that mere mortals pale in comparison to it. Fortunately the Casting Department absolutely outdid themselves. Not only does Tessie wonderfully transform into the Queen in such a way that I doubt anybody else, wherever in time, could compare, but Valentine Pelka as the treacherous Colonel Montoya, Anthony Lemke as the stoic Captain Grisham, and Peter Wingfield as noble Dr Helm, cannot be replaced, cause what else would their replacements be but poor imitations at best? And a beauty like Elsa Pataky, as unfaithful Vera, with that inimitable voice, is a national treasure! But the show's success absolutely hinges on Tessie as the Queen, and there is just MAGIC when she appears as the Colonel's nemesis, and for anybody who hasn't seen this, YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE MISSING, YOU FOOL!I will add the French title soon for those of you still on your quests to find the DVD. Something L'Epee. SOUS LE SIGNE L'EPEE*. Meanwhile, I can be reached at RavenGlamDVDCollector@gmail.com for assistance in locating DVDs featuring popular actresses. Free service. For the love of the game.*Confusingly, the on-screen title is TESSA Á LA POINTE L'ÉPÉE whatever that means, French is Greek to me, mon cheri. But never fear, at the flick of a button you have an English soundtrack, though no English subtitles, sorely missed.
r_vincent
This series was wonderfully scripted and my favourite lines come from the episode Kidnapped when Vera is saved by The Queen of Swords and returns to town on Grishams horse and Colonel Montoys says to Grisham "There is your girl, there is your horse, keep off one and get on the other and get me my gold" This episode summed up the series even though Dr Helm was not in it but mentioned in one scene. Other notable episodes are The Serpent with David Carradine, The Uncle and all the episodes that featured Peter Wingfield. A special mention to Yorkshireman Valentine Pelka for such a convincing portrayal of a Spaniard that I did not realise he was English. He also appeared in Zorro 1990 in one episode. Some episodes are cut. The death of El Serpiente is 5-10 seconds longer in the uncut version. four profanities cut in "Vengeance" and The Queen using a profanity in "Betrayed" is cut in some versions. The major problem was the sheer cost of each episode and being aimed at an adult audience.
Ernst Wiltmann
A beautiful raven haired Vixen rules the screen. Unlike the leather clad Xeena, this Heroine come along elegant and beautifully dressed. The best in feminine power. The womens fashion of this period was extremely sexy, only to be surpassed in the 50's. The Heroine represent's it so well. Having her men (adversaries) well under control, fooling them at every turn. Elusive but not non approachable. I would have liked an more mature-adult version, but this version can be viewed by the whole family. Still, I give it an 8 out of 10 stars, just for good viewing pleasure. I would buy the complete set, if made available on DVD. And I was very disappointed, when the series was discontinued. I still would say: Go Girl Go ! I loved it.
klewisinc
This "movie" (actually series) is well done and the cast is quite good. I love the "Queen of Swords" herself. You have to be a real movie fan by which I mean you go to the movies to be entertained not to review everyday realism. For an action, adventure fan this is a top one to see. I am setting my satellite recorder to record it every day until it goes off the air. Would like to see a full length movie done with this material and actors. Movies like this don't win academy awards as the people doing the awards do not have real life exposure but instead live in the world of make-believe. Those that live in the real world appreciate make-believe movies. I am completely entertained by movies like the "Mask of Zorro" and understand that the majority of the activity is really not very close to reality; but I have that all day so I don't go to the movies to see "reality". I am completely wrapped up in the "Queen of Swords" and love every minute.
