Customer Reviews

Blackbeard the Pirate

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

No one makes a better pirate than Robert Newton; not even Errol Flynn or Johnny Depp. Newton made 3 great pirate movies...the other 2 being Treasure Island and Return to Treasure Island. All three were filmed in the early 50s before Newton died of a heart attack, presumably from over-boozing. I had an old VHS copy taped in EP and it was a dreadful print with lousy sound. This DVD edition is absolutely excellent. Vivid colours, clear, just a marvel to watch and the sound is clear. As for skullduggery, swindling, rum drinking, and plain thievery, this has it all, including the famous lines: "Belay that" "Here be the treasure", "Har, matey", :"You white livered scum" as only Newton can deliver. An absolute treat and a visual feast to watch. Co-stars William Bendix, equally disreputable as Blackbeard, and the gorgeous Linda Darnell - one of the most beautiful actresses ever. The story line is not even close to historical correctness but who cares. So hoist the topsail and avast your jib..for 100 minutes and enjoy the golden age of Pirate movies.

ROBERT NEWTON AT HIS MOST WICKED. HIS BLACKBEARD THE PIRATE IS ONE OF HIS BEST PERFORMANCES. THE ACTION MOVES THE STORY. THE OTHER PLAYERS,SPECIALLY LINDA DARNELL ARE JUST PERFECT. SHE WAS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND TALENTED ACTRESSES OF HER TIME. SHE WAS CAPABLE OF DOING A GREAT ACTING JOB IN ANY ROLE AND SHE PROVES IT AGAIN HERE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS MOVIE FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO RETURN TO PURE ENTERTAINMENT.

Comedy: Blackbeard is challenged by his mate, William Bendix, daring Blackbeard to go below decks and face his two loaded pistols. Blackbeard, not wishing to get shot, ponders a moment and then announces loudly that he is coming down to settle matters. He then grabs an unsuspecting crewman and throws him bodily down the stairs. Bendix fires two shots and then must face the music. (You had to be there.)

I have the latest "Desert Island Films" 2011 release of this movie. This is a washed out print, faded color, variable lighting. It looks like a dub of a bad VHS print, or recorded off a broadcast. Sometimes the image is sharp and clear, sometimes it looks out of focus. However, it is the only current DVD available. There are no chapters, no menu, you just put the DVD in and it plays. It even cuts off the closing scene prematurely.

I was not favorably impressed by the script, acting, or direction of this film. Newton hams it up, but can't save this sinking ship.
There are many fine sea yarns on film, but this is not one of them. Despite its detractors, I found Cutthroat Islandto be vastly superior to this bilge.

Robert Newton is THE only Blackbeard The Pirate!
Linda Darnell is simply Babe-a-licious.
It was fun to see Granny(Irene Ryan) getting stewed,I was waiting for Uncle Jed to take the bottle of rum away from her!