A Severely Under-Rated Film, and a Delightful Night at the Movies

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	• Captain Blood Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland Warner Home Video, 2005 average customer review:based on 74 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

A Severely Under-Rated Film, and a Delightful Night at the Movies

To begin with, I don't understand why Captain Blood is frequently dismissed, only considered worth mentioning because it was the film that made Errol Flynn a star. I'll admit that I'm a relative novice when it comes to classic pirate films as well as classic Flynn films (I haven't even seen Robin Hood yet!), but this film was so rich that I can't imagine a wider knowledge of the genre diminishing its grandeur.

I approached this film looking for a good sword-fight. I'd never seen a swash-buckler film and felt I was missing out. In that respect, Captain Blood might almost seem like a disappointment. It takes a very long time to get to any real action, and there's only one memorable duel in the film. However, what I found instead was an instantly likable, earthy protagonist, at war with himself as well as his nation, all while cracking witty one-liners and endearing the audience with his vibrant sincerity. Add to this a highly compelling plot about revenge and self-realization, a masterful ensemble cast, countless laugh-out-loud moments that truly feel earned as opposed to obligatory, excellent pacing that manages to prevent a two hour film from ever feeling dull, a very convincing and endearing romantic sub-plot, and exceptional special effects for the time period (delivered in excess at the film's climax). No, the action doesn't come quickly or frequently in this film, but what you get in its place makes the wait more than worthwhile. My wife and I will be watching this film again and again.

I think it's also worthwhile to mention Leonard Maltin's "Warner Night at the Movies," included on this disk. It features a hand-picked selection of short reels that would have been shown at the movies along with Captain Blood in 1935. I've always wanted to see something like this on a DVD extra features menu. Finally, I can see a classic film in something close to its original context, amidst a myriad of reels from varied genres -- a true Depression Era variety show. Each of the reels has a charm of its own, from the explicitly budget-conscious trailer for A Midsummer Night's Dream ("At Popular Prices") to a news reel in which Bruno Hauptmann is sentenced to death for kidnapping the Lindburgh baby and FDR pledges to keep the United States out of the emerging conflict in Europe. Add Charlie McCarthy, an early Warner Brothers cartoon, and a big band performance to the equation, and you're set for one fine evening at the 1930s movies. My only regret with this feature is that you can't watch all the reels together. Each must be accessed individually on the special features menu.

Regarding the particulars of this transfer of the film, the picture is quite clear, and, though a few lines of dialogue get lost here and there, the sound is relatively good for a film from the mid-1930s.

All in all, this is a treasure of a DVD. Any fan of classic films, pirate or otherwise, would be amiss to pass this one up.

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"All right, my Hearties!"

If you have ever seen The Goonies, you know that Sloth has a penchant for pirates and watches Captain Blood when he's chained up at home. Well, if it is good enough for Sloth, it is good enough for me.

Blood (Errol Flynn) is a doctor, but when he is caught treating a rebel soldier, he is rounded up with the rest of the rebels to be sold into slavery. He is bought by Col. Bishop's niece (Olivia de Havilland) who takes a liking to him despite his rudeness and arrogance. It is all he can do to tolerate his chains, especially when his friends are mistreated. One night, they all make a break for it, and declare a life of piracy, especially against England.

A rousing adventure that speeds by despite its length, Captain Blood is entertaining all the way through. It is no wonder Flynn became such a sensation after making this film; Blood is an admirable character. Two of Warner Brothers' stock actors make memorable appearances as well, Ross Alexander as Jeremy Pitt and Guy Kibbee as Hagthorpe.

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My Favorite Pirate of the Caribbean!

Errol Flynn was at his BEST!

Move over Captain Jack Sparrow! I absolutely love this picture. It's one of my favorite classics, even though Flynn died many years before I was even born. I fell in love with him! Captain Peter Blood is the original Pirate of the Carribean indeed. This is where it all started. Everything about this picture is grand. The story, the romance between Captain Blood and Arabella Bishop, the pirate ships, the swordfighting, and the MUSIC. The musical score is magnificent!

My heart skips a beat everytime I think of this movie! That is how precious this movie is to me. I'm glad to finally own this movie on DVD.

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Errol at work again

Like all of his films, Errol Flynn cuts the dashing figure. Called from his bed to aid a wounded Nobleman (Irish fighting the English), DR. Blood is arrested for treason. Guilty for saving a wounded man (who fought against King James, He and the Irish are sent to Port Royal to be sold as slaves/indentured servants (if they live that long). He is purchased by Olivia de Haviland (she wants to save him from a terrible fate) even so he doesn't appreciate her help. Later he succeeds by various means to save himself and his fellows whereupon they become pirates. Eventually, he returns Olivia's favor. After some fine sword play he rescues the girl, but he is not out of the woods yet.... (I'm not telling the end...). It is great fun in the spirit of these old films and for those that love them it is time well spent.

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Errol Flynn - His first starring role and his best!

This is the first Errol Flynn movie I watched; my father introduced me to it. It is still my favorite of all of his. I just fell in love with the style and Errol's panache captured me. It is a little dated but still the story is so fun and the characters and actors are just wonderful. The chemistry between Olivia and Errol started here and continued for years. I love this film.

reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

This is the story of Dr. Peter Blood and english surgeon who is sold into slavery in the West Indies after treating the leader of the rebellion against King James II. Bought by the beautiful Arabella Blood leads a revolt with his fellow prisoners and escapes. Seeking retribution he turns his fellow escapees into a private crew with himself as the elader - Captain Blood. Thrilling sea battles and exhilarating scenery highlights this Best Picture Oscar(R) nominee that made stars out of Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. Year: 1935 Director: Michael Curtiz Starring: Errol Flynn Olivia de Havilland Lionel Atwill Basil RathboneRunning Time: 119 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/CLASSIC UPC: 012569591424

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