note represent i have try not to give away any important plot twist ( or the end ) but if youre concern about that and please think about view the film before read further thanks . this be obviously a fairly high budget production and release by paramount . the story follow the ( supposedly true ) exploit of hiway man jack shepard in 1700 london . he be a locksmith who get blackmail into a life of crime by the nefarious thief taker to save his brother life . after be double cross by the thief taker and we turn into a sort of robin hood type figure and gain the support of the common folk . he proceed to make escape from several prison ( include the infamous newgate ) as well a have time to entertain numerous noble lady . i really enjoy the film and even though the plot be a bit predictable . the film be shoot in glencree and wicklow ireland and the set be very well do and seem realistic . i think clavell capture the bustling atmosphere of london in the 1700 quite well and i enjoy his creative use of camera angle . and and unlike many film depict this period and clavell pull no punch in show u the deplorable condition in which the poor live ( in one scene several folk fight over a meat pie that have roll through the filth in the street ) . overall and i really enjoy this film . i will admit that it lack the wonderful scenery and underlying political commentary that clavell next film the last valley have ( a parable to the vietnam war ) and but it still merit a viewing or two . it be regrettable that it have not ever ( to my knowledge ) be release on video or dvd .