Reel Speak’s Retro Reviews will randomly review a classic film from the TCM library every week, with the intention of introducing some overlooked and perhaps forgotten screen gems from the past to those of us who may be unfamiliar or unawares of their existence.
This year will mark the 83rd anniversary of the Errol Flynn-led THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD (1938), a swashbuckling adventure film that many consider to be the definitive take on the character…and the role that Flynn would forever be attached to. But it wasn’t the role of the Bandit of Sherwood Forest that first put his name in lights, as that claim belongs to CAPTAIN BLOOD (1935).
In 17th century England, Dr. Peter Blood (Flynn), is imprisoned and sentenced to slavery for aiding a wounded man who had participated in the rebellion against the King. After arriving at Port Royal, he is purchased by Arabella Bishop (Olivia de Havilland), before an invasion by Spanish pirates offers him a chance to escape…
Based on the 1922 novel Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini and directed by Michael Curtiz, CAPTAIN BLOOD is a steadfast character drama. Peter Blood is a character of strong will; fiercely dedicated to his profession as a doctor even as a slave. In providing care for his fellow slaves he earns respect, and eventually climbs a ladder of sorts as becomes a personal physician to the colony’s governor.
When Spanish pirates sack the port, Blood and his fellow slaves manage to steal a ship and begin a career of pirating. Even as pirates, Blood maintains his sense of honor; maintaining a code of ethics when treating prisoners and how the pay is distributed to the crew. They become a very decent sent of pirates even as their fame grows in the Caribbean over the course of a year.
Director Michal Curtiz is playing with themes of wrongful imprisonment and using vigilantism as revenge. These themes work well even though the script does things in simple, broad strokes. The eventual love affair between Blood and Arabella grows slowly; frustrating at first but the payoff make the wait worth it. Curtiz keeps the atmosphere light, even when things should seem dire (plenty of slaves being whipped). The sea-battles and sword-fights are fantastic, although the film really takes its time in getting Blood onto a pirate ship for the first time.
Erroll Flynn, starring in the role that would make him a major Hollywood star, displays all of the charm he would be known for throughout his career, with just enough hints of a rouge underneath. Olivia de Havilland is a delight. Basil Rathbone comes in as a flamboyant French pirate and lights up the screen.
When most cinema fans think of pirates on the big screen, they immediately think of Disney’s PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN series. Any fans of those films would do well to take a look at CAPTAIN BLOOD, as the film has obvious inspirations for the future Captain Jack Sparrow in locations, situations, and even the way some shots are framed. That makes the film a piece of history as well as good, adventurous entertainment. CAPTAIN BLOOD takes a while to get to sea, but once there the voyage is worth the gold.
BOTTOM LINE: See it
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Reel Facts: CAPTAIN BLOOD would earn Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Director, Writing, and Sound Editing. Olivia de Havilland would re-unite with Errol Flynn in ROBIN HOOD, playing Maid Marian. Basil Rathbone would also appear in ROBIN HOOD as Sir Guy, and would later play Sherlock Holmes in 14 films from 1939 to 1946 and in a radio series.
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