The Pirate
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Movie Reviews of The Pirate
Movie Review: A "semi-lost" Technicolor classic.
Summary: 4 Stars
This is one of those films which people often remember with mixed opinions and observation. I never really understood why it was so universally nixed by critics if they could rhapsodize over other period stories like "The Harvey Girls," "Meet Me In St. Louis," or "For Me And My Gal." THE PIRATE seems to be telling its story with tongue firmly in cheek; even Ms. Garland appears to be spoofing her overtly innocent screen image at times. The role of a hammy actor/con artist-turned vagabond pirate is tailor-made for the swashbuckling bravado of Gene Kelly-- and the fantasy number of him leaping and bounding all over a clouded, fiery, stage is one of the film's cinemagraphic highlights. (Others are Garland songs "Love Of My Life" and "Mack The Black" and Kelly's stunning gazebo dance of "Nina"). And the story goes that Kelly made civil rights history when he insisted on racially integrating the population of extras for the Caribbean exteriors and to feature the Nicholas Brothers with him in the film's athletic highlight, "Be A Clown." (This is the number which, when run in theaters, always gets spontaneous applause from the audience.) I was delighted to see it on Turner Movie Classics on New Year's Day; perhaps it will finally come to DVD home video.Movie Review: Fabulous musical made during the prime of MGM
Summary: 5 Stars
This 1948 film starring Judy Garland and Gene Kelly was not hailed by the critics or movie-going public with the same acclaim as "Meet Me In St. Louis," "The Harvey Girls," or "Summer Stock." In fact, it was the only Garland film to *lose* money during her 15 year tenure at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. But this movie is still fabulous. Garland and Kelly cannot disappoint. It's 55 years later and they're still a treat to watch. And what a great Cole Porter score! Although Garland was not in the greatest health at this time, just listening to her sing "Mack the Black" proves she's still got it. DO see this movie if you get a chance. Although it may not be up to par with other Garland works such as "St. Louis" and "Easter Parade," its worth a watch.
Currently out of print on VHS and yet to be released on DVD. It is airing on TCM as I write this review (1/1/03). The original soundtrack was released on CD years ago (now out of print), and several songs are available on a few Garland compilation albums from Turner/Rhino.
Movie Review: A Brilliant Sophisticated Musical: One of the Best
Summary: 5 Stars
I am very pleased to see so many favorable reviews of a film which has long been one of my favorites. Garland, Kelly and Minnelli created a very stylish sophisticated film which, at the time of its initial release, was not deemed successful. I have always admired this film. Garland's comedic work is masterful and Kelly's athleticism along with his bravura performance make this a film worth owning. Minnelli's use of color and detail is, as always, the mark of a great director. His theatrical background before coming to film is evident throughout. It is my hope that MGM will soon release this on DVD along with many of its other classic musicals. Surely there is still a market for these great films.
Movie Review: My Favorite Movie Of All Time
Summary: 5 Stars
I cannot tell you how good this movie is. Judy Garland gives all her heart and soul as the young Manuela who cannot notice anyone in the world unless his name is Macoco the pirate. Yet, Gene Kelly's character notices her (he is a traveling actor) and will do anything to get her attention. The music is wonderful, as is the dancing. Gene Kelly is so attractive in this movie (geez Manuela, forget Macoco!)and one of my favorite scenes is when Judy Garland's character Manuela is angry at Kelly's character and ends up throwing expensive furnishings around the room at him. They are so good on the screen together! I wish this movie would be re-released on video, or better yet, please put it on DVD!!!!!Movie Review: A Forgotten Jewel In The Crown
Summary: 5 Stars
One of Hollywood's most entertaining yet most frequently overlooked "golden age" musicals, The Pirate is the story of a naive young woman (Garland) who fantasizes about being kidnapped and ravished by a dashing pirate--and who is duped by a traveling player (Kelly) into believing that he is himself the pirate of her dreams.The complex script is extremely witty, and both Garland and Kelly play their roles with sly and often truly neurotic humor. While the script would hold up on its own, Cole Porter's score adds considerable excitement with such standards as "Be A Clown" and "You Can Do No Wrong," as well as number of lesser-known but no less entrancing songs. The choreography, largely created by Kelly, is remarkably inventive, and director Vincent Minnelli's visuals are fascinating, rich, and often startling in their unexpected beauty.
At present The Pirate is out of print--find it if you can, for if you're a fan of "golden age" musicals, you'll call it a keeper.