The Log of the Black Pearl

"The Log of the Black Pearl" sure has the look of a pilot for a TV series. First, it was made by Jack Webb's Mark VII, a division of Universal Television. Second, the ending provides no real resolution...at least not in a traditional sense and it leaves you expecting the baddies and the good guys will meet once again. It makes me wonder what such a show would have been like...certainly not like other Webb productions.

The story begins with the captain of an old fashion style sailing ship having a stroke and leaving the ship to his only relative. Chris is a stock broker and plans on selling the boat. However, he meets an old captain (Ralph Bellamy) and they decide to try to find out WHAT sort of treasure the old captain was looking for and they head to Mexico with the Black Pearl.

This was an entertaining film and the only reason I don't give this film a 7 is the way it ended...or, DIDN'T end. It really leaves you hanging.

FYI--The hands hammering out the Mark VII logo at the end of the picture are actually those of Jack Webb himself.

The Log Of The Black Pearl is treasure hunting based adventure film, in which the captain of an old windjammer dies, leaving his ship, The Black Pearl- and a secret- to his closest relative.

A young stockbroker, without much seafaring experience.

Though, unbeknownst to him at first, that secret turns out to be an incomplete treasure map, to a horde of German gold, sitting on the sea floor, off the coast of Mexico.

Burdened by the liens his grandfather left behind, the young man, a new captain, and their first mate, set out on one last journey, to try and scavenge the gold...straight William Phipps style.

During the voyage, they take on a few travelers...who turn out to be part of a gang of thugs, who have been seeking to steal the treasure out from under The Black Pearl's nose.

Making this their best oppourtunity to get the deed done.

The hire a beautiful young woman, who acts to honey trap the young man, with hopes she can figure out the mystery, thus allowing them to beat this ragtag crew of aging seamen to the score.

Though, they don't even really know where they are going...just following leads.

These leads eventually lead them to a carnival type festival in Valparaiso...and the final piece of the puzzle, they need to locate the treasure.

However, to do so, they will have to overcome all odds...just to survive...let alone get their first.

This film is by no means a masterpiece, in any conceivable facet.

But it's definitely a competent story, even if the plot could have been developed a little better.

There is muder, mystery, and a slight bit of intrigue to keep you engaged.

But if you aren't a big fan of treasure hunting adventures, you could probably pass this up, and not be missing too much.

5 out of 10.

The Log Of The Black Pearl was made in 1975 when I was twelve years old. Even then, I thought that Anne Archer was incomparable and singularly fabulous... Of course she did a DID scene, although it could have been better... I still like her work, and I still like Anne Archer...

I would like to see this movie again, either the original, on tv, or procure the video cassette.(VHS.) I thought it was a good movie, although it could have had some improvements. (Not too, many though, as it was good.) Sorry, I can't remember what they (the requirements.) were... Maybe some body out there will help me... (find the movie, on vhs, that is...) Oh, one more thing... I would like to see this movie remade in Canada by AllianceAtlantis, with Vicky Pratt in the role of Lila Bristol...