In 1935 Warner Brother teamed two relative unknown actors for the film " Captain Blood." Although their union would spawn noted sequels in which the two would be linked, this particular film was less fortunate. Real pirates of the 16th, thru 18th centuries established for themselves a well earned, brutal and savage reputation no movie could ever match. Unfortunately when Hollywood decided to create films involving Pirates as the main subject, delicacy became their watchword. True pirates would have laughed themselves silly if they ever saw what Tinsal town had done to their exploits. In this film for instance, we have the story of an English gentleman and Doctor, Peter Blood (Errol Flynn) being sent to prison, enslaved, then morphed into a vengeful privateer. However, even at his worse (For a pirate that is) he remains so civilized, it's hard to imagine the King branding him anything more annoying than a cold. Still, the film is full of ship to ship battle action, boy meets girl romance, but handicapped with silly scenes, like the pirates enacting 'Proper rules of behavior' which are incongruous with the barbaric images of historical villains. Olivia De Havilland plays Arabella Bishop a beautiful Lady of the Court, who despite being captured by the maniacal terrors of the Caribbean, never fears for her life, or her virtue. The only actor who is somewhat plausible in this awkward sea epic is Basil Rathbone who plays Levasseur, a rouge pirate. Thus the sum of the film is interesting, but hardly a fitting tribute to the virulent men who flew the Skull and Cross bones with pride. ****
Review of Captain Blood
