Hammer may be best known for their horror, and reasonably so, but it only stands to reason that they should excel at other period pieces. A swashbuckler, with equally gorgeous filming locations, beautiful and detailed sets, and lavish costume design? A swashbuckler presented in glorious mid-century Eastmancolor, no less? That spells success to me, and that some Hammer regulars participate both in front of the camera (Christopher Lee!) and from behind (Don Sharp!) is only a bonus. Thankfully scribe Jimmy Sangster gives us a saga befitting all this advantageous grandeur, and while it may not be an outright revelation, 'The devil-ship pirates' is a splendid good time from start to finish, a swell adventure for one and all.
The tale is a little familiar, a little clever, and a little violent, and always manages to stay balanced such that the proceedings don't get bogged down in any one facet. A story of occupation and resistance is all too real and true to life, yet between the period setting and the light touch in Sharp's direction, the picture remains entertaining as the crew of the Diablo take over a small coastal town. All along the way the cast give terrific, spirited performances commensurate with the serious tone, and everyone contributing from behind the scenes makes incredible contributions. It's not just the static visuals, either, for the stunts, fight choreography, and effects are all splendid, culminating in an explosive finale that's a fine send-off to the whole affair. The film wants only to have fun, and it definitely provides just that.
As a matter of personal preference it won't appeal to all comers. Unless one has a specific line of interest in cinema away from the spaces this plays in, however, it's hard to imagine that anyone could watch and not find something to love. It's very well done in every capacity, and the pure intent of the production shines through even in the most violent moments. There's no need to go out of your way for 'The devil-ship pirates,' but if you do have the opportunity to watch then this is well worth checking out!
The tale is a little familiar, a little clever, and a little violent, and always manages to stay balanced such that the proceedings don't get bogged down in any one facet. A story of occupation and resistance is all too real and true to life, yet between the period setting and the light touch in Sharp's direction, the picture remains entertaining as the crew of the Diablo take over a small coastal town. All along the way the cast give terrific, spirited performances commensurate with the serious tone, and everyone contributing from behind the scenes makes incredible contributions. It's not just the static visuals, either, for the stunts, fight choreography, and effects are all splendid, culminating in an explosive finale that's a fine send-off to the whole affair. The film wants only to have fun, and it definitely provides just that.
As a matter of personal preference it won't appeal to all comers. Unless one has a specific line of interest in cinema away from the spaces this plays in, however, it's hard to imagine that anyone could watch and not find something to love. It's very well done in every capacity, and the pure intent of the production shines through even in the most violent moments. There's no need to go out of your way for 'The devil-ship pirates,' but if you do have the opportunity to watch then this is well worth checking out!