I loved this film 60+ years ago when I was a kid, and I still love it today. I personally think the film was made for children, yet had enough in it to keep parents and older siblings interested. At its center, in a timeless performance that is now a part of history, Robert Newton chewed the scenery up and down the Spanish Main. Today, if anyone is invited to "talk like a pirate," I'd bet their version channels that of Newton. I'd love to hear what the contemporary "dubbed" versions sounded like, in other languages.
If Newton had been forced to deliver a "straight" performance, perhaps we'd be remarking on its subtlety and artistry. But minus the pirate hamming, I truly doubt anyone would want to see this film again.
A final note, the version of the film recently available on TCM was extremely dark. But even "pirate noir" cinematography could not obscure the goings-on. Arrgh!
If Newton had been forced to deliver a "straight" performance, perhaps we'd be remarking on its subtlety and artistry. But minus the pirate hamming, I truly doubt anyone would want to see this film again.
A final note, the version of the film recently available on TCM was extremely dark. But even "pirate noir" cinematography could not obscure the goings-on. Arrgh!