Black Arrow

Black Arrow

Year: 1985

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: English

Director: John Hough

AdventureTV Movie

During the 15th‑century Wars of the Roses, a knight whose family was slain joins outlaws led by the Black Arrow (Stephan Chase) to seek vengeance. He foils Sir Brackley (Oliver Reed), who plans to murder one ward (Benedict Taylor) and force marriage on another. The story adapts Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic for Disney Pictures.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Black Arrow yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Black Arrow (1985)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Black Arrow (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 1460s

Set during the Wars of the Roses, the late 1460s sees the Yorkist ascendancy and the looming threat of rebellion. Noble factions maneuver through marriage plans, truces, and duels as power passes between houses. The looming rebellion of Warwick against Edward IV frames the tension of loyalty, betrayal, and rightful inheritance.

Location

York, England, Sir Daniel's castle, a convent, France

The story unfolds across York and a fortified castle, with the court and countryside forming the backdrop of shifting loyalties. A convent houses Joanna during her wardship, while the idea of exile in France hints at the wider dynastic strife of the era. The settings emphasize feudal power, noble houses, and the pursuit of inheritance amid a landscape haunted by conflict.

🏰 Castles 🗺️ England ⚔️ Wars of the Roses

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:08

Main Characters – Black Arrow (1985)

Meet the key characters of Black Arrow (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Warwick (Fernando Rey)

The Earl of Warwick is a powerful political player who seeks to use Sir Daniel as a tool to advance his own claim to lands. He plays a wary, calculating game, aligning with Yorkist interests while pursuing his own revolt. His influence shapes the castle's machinations and the broader dynastic maneuvering.

⚔️ Power 🧭 Strategy

Sir Brackley (Oliver Reed)

A noble ally to Sir Daniel, Sir Brackley is a calculating figure who betters his position through loyalty and scheming. He operates behind the scenes to influence decisions and protect his interests as the power dynamics shift.

👑 Authority ⚔️ Strategy

Sir Oliver Oates (Donald Pleasence)

One of Sir Daniel's retainers, Oates is treacherous and ambitious, participating in schemes to kill Black Arrow and to frame others. His actions propel the plot toward tragedy and reveal the fragility of oaths.

🗡️ Betrayal 🗺️ Court politics

Scar (Aldo Sambrell)

A ruthless enforcer loyal to Sir Daniel, Scar embodies the brutal arm of the regime. He participates in assassinations and violent confrontations, making him a dangerous obstacle for the protagonists.

🗡️ Enforcer ⚔️ Violence

Joanna (Georgia Slowe)

Seventeen-year-old Joanna is a ward of Sir Daniel, defiant and loyal to Lancaster. Her escape triggers a chase, and her marriage alliance becomes a central lever in the struggle over inheritance and power.

🌹 Love 🕊️ Defiance

Richard (Benedict Taylor)

Sir Daniel’s ward’s nephew, trained to fight by Scar. Richard is drawn into the lethal politics of the castle, facing defeat and then redemption as he stands against his uncle’s schemes.

⚔️ Warrior 💎 Ambition

Black Arrow (Stephan Chase)

The outlaw Black Arrow seeks to protect his daughter and avenge past wrongs. His confrontation with Daniel and his ultimate act against the usurper drive the final acts of the tale.

🏹 Outlaw ⚔️ Revenge

Lawless (Roy Boyd)

A loyal retainer who participates in the clan's intrigues and confrontations, adding another layer to the web of alliances and betrayals surrounding Daniel's castle.

🤝 Ally ⚔️ Conflict

Hannah (Carol Gotell)

A member of the noble circle around the castle, Hannah provides perspective on court life and the personal stakes of the larger dynastic games.

🧭 Supporting 🌹 Court life

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:08

Major Themes – Black Arrow (1985)

Explore the central themes of Black Arrow (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Loyalty

Loyalty is tested as characters pledge allegiance to York or Lancaster and to individual leaders. Sir Daniel leverages loyalty to his own aims, while Warwick and others exploit shifts in allegiance to pursue power. The film shows how personal bonds collide with political calculation.

👑 Power

Power is built on land, title, and marriage. The attempt to seat Joanna as heir and the orchestration of Black Arrow's downfall reveal how control over people and property drives the plot. Alliances shift as different nobles seek to shape the future of the realm.

⚖️ Justice

Justice is corrupted through perjury and murder to settle scores. Oates's treachery and the framing of Black Arrow underscore how law and order are bent for political gain. The climax exposes the clash between rightful justice and ruthless ambition.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:08

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Black Arrow

Don't stop at just watching — explore Black Arrow in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Black Arrow is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Black Arrow Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Black Arrow, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Black Arrow Summary

Black Arrow Timeline

Track the full timeline of Black Arrow with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Black Arrow Timeline

More About Black Arrow

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Black Arrow: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Black Arrow

Similar Movies to Black Arrow

Discover movies like Black Arrow that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.