The Crimson Pirate

Star Review

Load the cannon, splice the main brace and set sail on what must be one of the most purely pleasurable films ever made. An affectionate celebration-cum-parody of pirate pictures, The Crimson Pirate has enough swordplay and enthusiasm to set even the hardest heart beating faster.

The title character is Vallo, played by Burt Lancaster at his most charming. When his shipmates seize a Spanish galleon, he spies an opportunity for profit by playing the Spanish authorities against the rebels who are battling for freedom. But true love – amongst a great many other things – intervenes, putting his pirate principals under pressure.

But it isn’t the plot that matters, it’s the acrobatics (performed by Lancaster and his circus buddy Nick Cravat), the sight gags (many of which were plundered by those Pirates of the Caribbean) and the sheer swash-buckling exuberance (courtesy of Siodmak, proving there’s more to him than Film Noir).

Here’s a film for anyone who’s ever loved a pirate, from Errol Flynn to Johnny Depp. It’s a glorious tribute to high-seas hi-jinx.

James Oliver on 4th March 2008

View all 34 of James Oliver’s reviews

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Film Description

In terms of sheer swashbuckling exuberance, this affectionate celebration-cum-parody of pirate pictures is one of the most enjoyable films ever made.

The title character is Vallo, played by Burt Lancaster at his most charming. When his shipmates seize a Spanish galleon, he spies an opportunity for profit by playing the Spanish authorities against the rebels who are battling for freedom. But true love – amongst a great many other things – intervenes, putting his pirate principals under pressure.

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Film Details

Cast

Burt Lancaster, Eva Bartok, Nick Cravat

Technical Details