Il pirata del re

This tongue-in-cheek re-make of "Against All Flags" was, alas, one of the last examples of the B-movie "pirate" genre to come out of Hollywood. Fans of the genre will probably not be disappointed. While the movie is thin, nothing more than a throw-away, it's colorful, has a certain zest, and the cast members seem to be enjoying themselves. Doug McClure takes over the role originally played by Errol Flynn and it's both amusing and instructive to contrast their two styles. Both the Flynn version and the McClure version, for example, begin with the leading man, stripped to the waist, receiving an on-board flogging of 20 lashes. Flynn plays it "straight," sweating and suffering in a realistic manner. McClure, on the other hand, indulges in some comic eye-rolling as if to convey the message: "Oooh! That one really hurt!" There's also an intriguing difference in how the two actors are positioned for their floggings. Flynn, about 42 or 43 years old when he filmed this scene, (and not in prime shape), largely keeps his back to the camera. McClure, some ten years younger, faces the camera, thus giving him a chance to show off his still-youthful physique. (And no, despite his boyish, clean-cut image, McClure has not shaved off his chest-hair!) The chest seems to win over the back because in the book, "Lash! The Hundred Great Scenes of Men Being Whipped in the Movies," the flogging in "The King's Pirate" ranks 19th whereas the flogging in "Against All Flags" ranks 27th. And while we're at it, Guy Stockwell -- who plays the villain in "The King's Pirate" -- went under the whip in 1966's re-re-make of "Beau Geste." His flogging ranks 85th in "Lash!"

Except for the pathetic flogging scene at the beginning of the film, this is a wonderful movie, & this die hard Errol Flynn will choose "The King's Pirate" over Flynn's "Against All Flags" every time. Even more surprising is that the superb Maureen O'Hara was Flynn's co-star, and therefore I can only guess that since her otherwise fantastic acting skills were also lagging in the film, I will chalk up the film's lousy performances to bad directing. Thank goodness for this remake; It's tied (with Overland Stage, & Barbary Coast) as my favorite acting performance of Doug McClure, who, if given the opportunity, could have been a blonde Tyrone Power; this film is the proof of that.

Universal International Studios produced this agreeable pirate comedy set in Madagascar, in 1700, with a British officer , Doug McClure , who must fend off the advances of daring enemies by baring his chest to pose as a pirate . Later on , in Madagascar he attempts to capture a known pirate played by Guy Stockwell and to seek a valuable treasure . As he has to infiltrate into Diego Suarez stronghold, Madagascar. At the same time , our starring slashing his way through the enemy fleet at the turn of century . Along the way the British soldier disguised as a pirate falling in love for two beautiful women, as a hot-tempered pirate moll : Jill St John and a tasty eyeful princess: Mary Ann Mobley , playing a Moghul damsel in distress who's recently been taken captive . Happenings reach a spotlight in a shipboard battle when the authentic motivations are uncovered . The Seven Seas, his Playground...Danger...Adventure...Women...his Reward .

The film displays thrills, action, adventure, swashbuckling, and dazzling spectacle of swordplay . Although the stoy has been told before , tight filmmaking and nice interpretation win out . It results to be a remake of Against All Flags 1952 by George Sherman with Errol Flynn, Mauren O' Hara, Anthony Quinn. And containing footage of the original film. Stars Doug MClure who gives a sympathetic acting as a likeable adventurer goes into problems obligingly in the sort of character once reserved for Tony Curtis. Doug McClure is pretty well as a handsome British Lt. officer, who is sent undercover to infiltrate a lively band of pirates and having to work smartly and quickly to chase a band of thieves . He is well accompanied by gorgeous Jill St John and former Miss America , the love-struck Mary Ann Mobley , as an Indian with Scots accent . Here stands out a large and notorious support cast , such as : Kurt Kasznar, Richard Deacon, Torin Thacher, Woodrow Parfrey, Sean McGlory, among others .

It packs a colorful cinematography in Universal Studios style and Technicolor by Clifford Stine . Lively and catching musical score by Ralph Ferraro . The motion picture was uneven but professionally directed by Don Weiss. He was an artisan usually working for TV in several episodes of Baretta, Mannix, Kolchak , Planet of apes, Perry Mason, Ironside , Hawaii 5.0 , The immortal, Rodeo and many others . And occasionally directing on big screen such as : Gene Krupa story, The longest hundred miles, Adventures of Hajji Baba , The ghost and the invisible bikini . Rating : acceptable and decent pirate film 5.5/10 .

Seeing Doug McClure has been whipped yet smiling, I wondering where I saw this unforgettable scene, well in 1985 when I'd watched it for very first time, not quite due it I've barely remembered, then Errol Flynn comes me mind in AGAINST ALL FLAGS watched in past years, anyhow this remake is utterly humor oriented, mainly focusing in the buffoon Zucco (Kurt Kasznar) that has strong similitude with the upcoming character Fitzhugh in LAND OF THE GIANTS in next year.

The plot about the British Royal Navy in 16th century is pretty worry about constants raids of pirates in regular trade route into profitable oriental market place, Madagascar is a safe lair of pirates where the bay harbor area is shielded by several heavy cannons, thus an American mercenary soldier Lt. Brian Fleming (Doug McClure) offers himself as sole volunteer upon a pulpy reward to enter in the island as draft dodger aiming for locate the spots where those cannons are and aftermaths silence all them, a hard assignment when he faces a local beauty Mistress Jessica Stephens (Jill St. John) side by side with dubious and wimp Zucco, nonetheless he must overcame the treacherous villain John Avery (Guy Stockwell).

A awesome mixing of swashbuckling adventure-comic-romance offering, introducing several circus acrobats, funny characters, pony fights, far-fetched acting and so for, although pretty amusing entertainment, addressed to afternoon matinee.

Thanks for reading.

Resume: First watch: 1985 / How many: 2 / Source: TV-Youtube / Rating: 6.25.

A charming remake of "Against All Flags". Doug McClure takes on Errol Flynn's role but this director, as well as the cast have a delightful sense of humor & everyone appears to be having a good time. It's the same movie (almost word for word) but at the same time it's totally different. I hate to admit it but this movie is better than the original. Watching them both in the same day is quite an experience. Two great casts, one fine story yet two different genres.