A disappointing Hammer film! I believe it may have been hastily written for the sets they had available.
The plot is already pretty weak, which isn't necessarily a problem for entertaining story-telling, but almost all other elements are also under-whelming. To my subjective perception, there were only three noteworthy actors, with not one of them providing a memorable performance, due to sub-par writing with exceptionally stupid dialog. Andrew Keir is playing a stubborn village leader, who is seemingly written to grow more unlikable with each minute on screen. Oliver Reed is cast as an insignificant character and Christopher Lee is tasked with the role of an unusually bland pirate captain. He's skillfully leaning into it, but can't save that the character is given unconvincing actions and words.
The protagonist is played by Kerwin Mathews, an actor with good looks and some screen charisma. Sadly, I've never seen him in a leading role where he didn't seem dim-witted after a while of watching, due to exaggerated impulsiveness and righteousness caused by indoctrination rather than insight. At times it feels like he's helplessly stumbling through the movie, pushed around by events, causing trouble by absence of any wisdom, with almost all other actors stealing his show. His co-star, Glenn Corbett, has a lot less screen time, but uses it with far more charisma. Coincidentally (?), he's also given much better lines.
The movie doesn't have the inspiring visual quality of some of the better known Hammer productions and despite some good locations, it never manages to provide believable action. Even a sabre fight with Christopher Lee turns out dull, due to his opponent's lack of matching skill. Only barely worth a watch, for those with enough curiosity.
The protagonist is played by Kerwin Mathews, an actor with good looks and some screen charisma. Sadly, I've never seen him in a leading role where he didn't seem dim-witted after a while of watching, due to exaggerated impulsiveness and righteousness caused by indoctrination rather than insight. At times it feels like he's helplessly stumbling through the movie, pushed around by events, causing trouble by absence of any wisdom, with almost all other actors stealing his show. His co-star, Glenn Corbett, has a lot less screen time, but uses it with far more charisma. Coincidentally (?), he's also given much better lines.
The movie doesn't have the inspiring visual quality of some of the better known Hammer productions and despite some good locations, it never manages to provide believable action. Even a sabre fight with Christopher Lee turns out dull, due to his opponent's lack of matching skill. Only barely worth a watch, for those with enough curiosity.