Paul Henreid plays the part of Capt. Laurent Van Horn, a Dutchman who becomes involved in the high-stakes battle between Spain and England that occupied the entire western world. He is mistreated by the local Spanish powerbroker near Cartagena---Don Juan Alvarado---who is played with delicious villainy by Walter Slezak. As a result, Van Horn becomes a thorn in the side of the Spanish---not because of politics, but because he is a man of principle.
In fact, this is a film of principles, not politics. When Van Horn captures Alvarado's comely bride-to-be (Maureen O'Hara), he seems more concerned with her ethics than her beauty. Loyalty is the quality valued above all else in dealings among pirates or nobility, and the film focuses on the changing loyalties of its characters.
The film was nominated for best color cinematography and it is easy to see why. On the other hand, the use of models to depict the towering galleons of Spain and the more streamlined ships of the corsairs is obvious enough to destroy some of the illusion.
All of the lead actors are fun to watch. O'Hara's beauty, surrounded by masculinity, stands out even more. Henreid's character maintains a comic undercurrent that keeps the film light and enjoyable. He literally laughs in the face of danger. This is a unique pirate film that is worth seeing.
In fact, this is a film of principles, not politics. When Van Horn captures Alvarado's comely bride-to-be (Maureen O'Hara), he seems more concerned with her ethics than her beauty. Loyalty is the quality valued above all else in dealings among pirates or nobility, and the film focuses on the changing loyalties of its characters.
The film was nominated for best color cinematography and it is easy to see why. On the other hand, the use of models to depict the towering galleons of Spain and the more streamlined ships of the corsairs is obvious enough to destroy some of the illusion.
All of the lead actors are fun to watch. O'Hara's beauty, surrounded by masculinity, stands out even more. Henreid's character maintains a comic undercurrent that keeps the film light and enjoyable. He literally laughs in the face of danger. This is a unique pirate film that is worth seeing.