Details
Movie Description
In the classic swashbuckling epic that catapulted him to worldwide stardom, Errol Flynn plays Dr. Peter Blood, an English physician unjustly convicted of treason and sentenced to slavery in the West Indies. Relying on his formidable nerve and wit, he escapes and soon becomes a feared pirate known as Captain Blood, a brilliant swordsman and seaman whose fiercely loyal crew is made up of runaway slaves grateful to him for winning their freedom.
Olivia de Havilland, in the first of eight films starring opposite Flynn, is alluring as Arabella Bishop, the dashing pirate captain's romantic interest. Lionel Atwill, famed for his demented performances in horror films, is satisfyingly despicable as Arabella's uncle, a despotic plantation owner. Director Michael Curtiz (CASABLANCA) pulls no dramatic punches, filling the screen with thrilling battle scenes, stampeding horses, hurtling, wave-tossed ships, and a rousing Erich Wolfgang Korngold score to make CAPTAIN BLOOD a truly lavish seafaring odyssey. Flynn, only five years removed from piloting a daring four-man, seven-month boat trip from Sydney, Australia, to New Guinea (described in his memoir BEAM ENDS), signals with his every joyfully kinetic onscreen moment the full-fledged arrival of a huge, inimitable talent.
Synopsis
English physician Peter Blood is called to the bedside of an old school friend, who has been wounded while fighting for the rebellion. Despite his claims of political disinterest and protestations of innocence, he is convicted of committing crimes against the government. Sentenced to slavery in the West Indes, he soon escapes to become the feared pirate Captain Blood.
Film Notes
"Captain Blood" featured the first major roles for Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland, who made seven more films together.
The Rafael Sabatini source novel, published in 1922, was previously filmed as a silent by Vitagraph in 1924.
The CBS/Fox Video Colorized version of the film has not been available since the late 1980s. Colorized version coyright Turner Entertainment Company 1987.
The Laserdisc version includes the original trailer for the film.
A Cosmopolitan Production.
Additional cast: George Hassell (Governor Steed), Stuart Casey (Captain Hobart), Dennis D. Auburn (Lord Gildoy), Colin Kenny (Lord Chester Duke), Maud Leslie (Mrs. Baynes), Gardner James (Slave), and Vernon Steele (King James).
Industry Reviews
"...Flynn's devil-may-care athleticism and Curtiz's lively direction ensured that CAPTAIN BLOOD became the blueprint for swashbuckling adventures..."
Total Film - Paul Roland (10/01/2000)
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