The Black Pirate (1926)

Director:

Albert Parker

Writers:

Douglas Fairbanks (story)
Jack Cunningham (adaptation)

Release Date:

8 March 1926 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Action

Plot:

Seeking revenge, an athletic young man joins the pirate band responsible for his father's death.

Plot Keywords:

Hidden Treasure | Gunfire | Walking The Plank | Monkey | Revenge

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Billie Dove	...	Princess Isobel
Tempe Pigott	...	Duenna
Donald Crisp	...	MacTavish
Sam De Grasse	...	Pirate Lieutenant
Anders Randolf	...	Pirate Captain
Charles Stevens	...	Powder man
Charles Belcher	...	Chief passenger (Nobleman)
Douglas Fairbanks	...	The Black Pirate

Also Known As:

The Black Buccaneer

Runtime:

88 min | USA:94 min (restored version)

Country:

USA

Color:

Color (2-strip Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Silent

Certification:

Spain:T

Filming Locations:

Santa Catalina Island, Channel Islands, California, USA

Company:

Elton Corporation

Trivia:

According to the commentary on the Kino Video DVD, the crew of Douglas Fairbanks' longboat in the climactic chase and battle were members of the crew of the USS Arizona.

Goofs:

Continuity: At about 31 minutes into the film, there are several shots of the "Black Pirate" aiming two swivel cannons at the viewer, interspersed with reaction shots of other actors. The first shot shows him in front of a whitish background (eg an overcast sky), the second such shot (a few seconds later) has a pitch black background. All such shots after that have the white background.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Terror Night (1987)

Colorful Adventure With Douglas Fairbanks In Top Form

From the very beginning, when we see a group of merry pirates celebrating their latest victory, "The Black Pirate" promises to be a lot of fun. It is indeed one of the most beautiful, funniest and entertaining swashbuckler films I've ever seen. It was filmed in splendid two-strip Technicolor, with lavish sets and costumes, and eye-popping camera angles. But Douglas Fairbanks is the main reason to see this film. He gives Errol Flynn, Tyrone Power and Harrison Ford a run for their money. Fairbanks plays an aristocrat who pretends to be a pirate in order to avenge his father's death. It is hard to believe he was in his 40s when he made this movie. He looks incredibly agile as he performs many difficult stunts. The special effects are excellent (I loved the miniature work). Henry Sharp's cinematography is exceptional. Donald Crisp is wonderful as a one-armed pirate. This is escapism of the highest quality.