Basically the story is about little Jimmy, a boy who has no interest in anything but pirates, finding a bottle with a genie in it, and accidentally wishing he were part of Blackbeard's pirate ship. So the genie makes the wish, and little Jimmy goes back to the late 1500's for what should have been rollicking, fun pirate adventure but turns out instead to be less interesting than any adventure on the Love Boat on a bad day. What else happens: little Jimmy meets a Dutch girl with no accent(Susan Gordon, the director's daughter), argues with the genie over some story about how the genie must be thrown back in the same spot where found otherwise Jimmy will take his spot in the bottle, and accidentally leaves bubblegum in the kitchen for the cook to use in a stew. These were the film's highlights(no lie!). Charles Herbert, the child actor from The Fly and Thirteen Ghosts, does an adequate job as Jimmy. He was a very natural child actor with some obvious talent. Susan Gordon is cute if nothing else, and the rest of the cast is, well, adequate at best. Murvyn Vye is actually pretty decent as Blackbeard and Joe Turkel as the genie is also likewise. Paul Guilfoyle as Snipe - the lone pirate with any compassion for the two children - is the only actor; however, that even tries to add any depth to his character and performance. The rest, although not bad, are one-dimensional stereotypes of characters we've seen again and again. The biggest problem with this film is the direction and script. In a film that could and should have created some wonderful scenes for children, The Boy and the Pirates would be lucky to keep even a row boat afloat. Director and screenwriter Bert I. Gordon does a lackluster job bringing this story to the screen. The script has too many non-conventional conventions(once you see it you might know what I am trying to say here). The characters don't have any depth, and the comedy isn't all that funny. That notwithstanding, The Boy and the Pirates has some heart - if only it had a little more blood to give it more life!
16 Reviews
another "Family Classics" memory
rpniew28 September 2008
This is another film that was regularly shown on the Chicago-area television program "Family Classics," remembered fondly on other posted for other films ("Snowfire" and "Journey to the Beginning of Time," to name a couple.) I am certain that re-watching it at my age would be a real mistake; even though it makes the occasional TCM appearance, I think I'll pass on it. But when I was six, boy, what a film! I looked forward to it every year. The old WGN, in it's pre-superstation days, was a haven for fans of movies, classic and otherwise, between Frazier Thomas's "Family Classics," the Saturday night "Creature Features," and the Sunday night "When Movies Were Movies." Those were the days when local programming was important. I am thankful to WGN TV for filling my childhood fantasies with these films. For now, Though, with this particular film, I'll let sleeping dogs lie.
A decent prep for the following years much more superior 1961 Ray Harryhausen's Mysterious Island
Ed-Shullivan12 May 2022
Keep in mind this film was released in 1960 and the target audience were families, especially young boys and girls who had an innate fear of Pirates and/or Indians. At my now senior citizen age I was bored very early with young Jimmy but when I saw the fearful pirate Morgan (Timothy Carey) my boyhood fear was brought to the forefront.
If you enjoyed The Boy and the Pirates I suggest you try and catch the subsequent 1961 Ray Harryhausen's Mysterious Island. Ray Harryhausen's classic visual effects lead the way for many a fine adventure films that followed which is why I have to give some credit to The Boy and the Pirates which led the way for many a great adventure films to follow.
I give it a decent 5 out of 10 IMDb rating but it is meant for children between the ages of 5 and 15.
If you enjoyed The Boy and the Pirates I suggest you try and catch the subsequent 1961 Ray Harryhausen's Mysterious Island. Ray Harryhausen's classic visual effects lead the way for many a fine adventure films that followed which is why I have to give some credit to The Boy and the Pirates which led the way for many a great adventure films to follow.
I give it a decent 5 out of 10 IMDb rating but it is meant for children between the ages of 5 and 15.
"Queer things have been happenin' here..."
moonspinner5515 July 2012
Modern-day kid is magically whisked back in time to pirate days, finding himself a passenger on none other than Blackbeard's ship; he schemes to get the ship's course turned around towards his home in Massachusettes by creating a phony treasure map. Producer-director Bert I. Gordon, who also wrote the original story treatment, probably wanted nothing more than to thrill underage matinée audiences with a little swordplay and larceny. He assembled a pretty good cast, but his production lacks color, spirit, verve and, most especially, decent special effects. Not a painful experience, and little Charles Herbert in the lead isn't too cloying, yet this scenario could surely use the Disney touch. *1/2 from ****
Fair Pirate Story
Michael_Elliott6 December 2013
The Boy and the Pirates (1960)
** (out of 4)
Bert I. Gordon stepped away from the giant insects long enough to direct this children's film about a young Jimmy Warren (Charles Herbert) who is in trouble by his parents because all he does is think about the days of the pirates. After coming across a genie, the boy is transported back to when Blackbeard (Murvyn Vye) ruled the sea and the boy gets to see what it was really like. THE BOY AND THE PIRATES is innocent enough and there are a few good things about it but I think most adults are going to have trouble staying awake through it. I'll start off with the good stuff, which includes some decent special effects considering some of the director's earlier films and not to mention that the budget here isn't that big. I also thought we got some nice supporting performances including Vye as Blackbeard and Paul Guilfoyle who plays a pirate who befriends the children. The director's daughter Susan Gordon actually steals the show in a dual role as Jimmy's friend. Even Joe Turkel isn't too bad as the genie. I think Herbert wasn't all that interesting in the lead so his performance certainly brings the film down a notch or two. Another problem is that there's really just not enough energy to carry the film and its rather short running time. There are quite a few pirate battles but none of them are so exciting to the point where you're having a great time. Instead, they get the job done to just barely keep you awake. I think the darker moments of the film (the kids constantly being threatened) really don't mix too well with some of the lighter humor (the bubblegum getting in the pirate's food) but these scenes on their own are quite effective.
** (out of 4)
Bert I. Gordon stepped away from the giant insects long enough to direct this children's film about a young Jimmy Warren (Charles Herbert) who is in trouble by his parents because all he does is think about the days of the pirates. After coming across a genie, the boy is transported back to when Blackbeard (Murvyn Vye) ruled the sea and the boy gets to see what it was really like. THE BOY AND THE PIRATES is innocent enough and there are a few good things about it but I think most adults are going to have trouble staying awake through it. I'll start off with the good stuff, which includes some decent special effects considering some of the director's earlier films and not to mention that the budget here isn't that big. I also thought we got some nice supporting performances including Vye as Blackbeard and Paul Guilfoyle who plays a pirate who befriends the children. The director's daughter Susan Gordon actually steals the show in a dual role as Jimmy's friend. Even Joe Turkel isn't too bad as the genie. I think Herbert wasn't all that interesting in the lead so his performance certainly brings the film down a notch or two. Another problem is that there's really just not enough energy to carry the film and its rather short running time. There are quite a few pirate battles but none of them are so exciting to the point where you're having a great time. Instead, they get the job done to just barely keep you awake. I think the darker moments of the film (the kids constantly being threatened) really don't mix too well with some of the lighter humor (the bubblegum getting in the pirate's food) but these scenes on their own are quite effective.
kiddie B-movie
SnoopyStyle17 September 2020
Jimmy Warren and his little sister Kathy find an old shipwreck on the beach. He is enamored with the pirate life of Blackbeard and sick of his home life. He finds Abu the genie in a bottle who transports him back to the Queen's Revenge and Blackbeard. Abu wants Jimmy to take his place in the bottle after his 2000 years of imprisonment. In order to avoid that outcome, Jimmy has to return the bottle to where he found it.
Director Bert I. Gordon is more known for monster B-movies. He uses his skills to make miniature naval battles although I kept waiting for them to find a giant squid monster. The volcano is lame. The kids are little eager beaver amateur types. One can't expect more from child actors that age. This is probably a little too scary for similar aged audience. I do wonder if people who saw this as a child have any great nostalgia for this movie. The movie misses the opportunity with Jimmy's parents. Both his parents should be in the pirate story just like little Kathy. This kiddie B-movie is not that good but there are worst.
Director Bert I. Gordon is more known for monster B-movies. He uses his skills to make miniature naval battles although I kept waiting for them to find a giant squid monster. The volcano is lame. The kids are little eager beaver amateur types. One can't expect more from child actors that age. This is probably a little too scary for similar aged audience. I do wonder if people who saw this as a child have any great nostalgia for this movie. The movie misses the opportunity with Jimmy's parents. Both his parents should be in the pirate story just like little Kathy. This kiddie B-movie is not that good but there are worst.
Not a Classic and Not suited for Families...
xerses136 November 2009
Some films you remember with fondness even over their short-comings like THE MAGIC SWORD (1962) IMDb****Stars, directed by MR. B.I.G. himself, Bert I. Gordon. Which my Father and Mother took my Brother and I to see in original release, at a 'Drive-In' theater. Then there is this effort from 1960, a film which would bore any five (5) year old too tears in the 21st Century and drive their Parents to drink. Our recommendation, some heavy duty Martini's. Heavy on the Gin and/or Vodka, light on the Vermouth!
The film illustrates typical MR. B.I.G. features. Inept SFX assisted by his wife MRS. B.I.G. (Flora Gordon). The usual intrusive and over-bearing musical score by hack composer Albert Glasser. Finally a cast of mediocrities, including his daughter Susan, the worse being lead Charles Herbert as JIMMY WARREN.
The young Mr. Herbert in the late 1950s' to the late 1960s' was the face of Child-Stars of the time. He popped up in Commercials, Movies and T.V. shows. Maybe back then he had some sort of endearing features, he does not now. His life though is a cautionary tale of how Parents should NOT handle their Children's hard earned assets. Being left destitute at the end of his career, sound familiar?! Thought the 'Coogan Law' was supposed to have prevented such tragedies, wrong again.
Do yourself a favor and take a pass on this one. There are FAR better Pirate films out there. This film rates up with junk like SWASHBUCKLER (1976) or CUTTHROAT ISLAND (1995) both IMDb**Stars. Those films show that 'big' Actors and 'big' budgets can also create as big of a bore as THE BOY AND THE PIRATES.
The film illustrates typical MR. B.I.G. features. Inept SFX assisted by his wife MRS. B.I.G. (Flora Gordon). The usual intrusive and over-bearing musical score by hack composer Albert Glasser. Finally a cast of mediocrities, including his daughter Susan, the worse being lead Charles Herbert as JIMMY WARREN.
The young Mr. Herbert in the late 1950s' to the late 1960s' was the face of Child-Stars of the time. He popped up in Commercials, Movies and T.V. shows. Maybe back then he had some sort of endearing features, he does not now. His life though is a cautionary tale of how Parents should NOT handle their Children's hard earned assets. Being left destitute at the end of his career, sound familiar?! Thought the 'Coogan Law' was supposed to have prevented such tragedies, wrong again.
Do yourself a favor and take a pass on this one. There are FAR better Pirate films out there. This film rates up with junk like SWASHBUCKLER (1976) or CUTTHROAT ISLAND (1995) both IMDb**Stars. Those films show that 'big' Actors and 'big' budgets can also create as big of a bore as THE BOY AND THE PIRATES.
An Unlikely Bert Gordon Film
gavin69421 April 2015
A young boy (Charles Herbert) is magically transported back in time to a pirate ship on the high seas.
I have something of a fondness for Bert Gordon. While his films are hit and miss, probably more miss, and often cheesy, he does hail from Kenosha, Wisconsin and attended UW-Madison. So I like to consider him a kindred spirit, even if we have never met.
This is actually among his better films, though not one of the more well-known. Of course, he may be best known for the films that appeared on "Mystery Science Theater", so that would tend to skew how people see him. Here the plot, effects and even the scenery and costumes are good. The story seems to be a kid's adventure but is dark enough that people of all ages may appreciate it.
Shockingly, no monsters! And no large animals (though we do have a genie who appears very small, so at least we have that).
I have something of a fondness for Bert Gordon. While his films are hit and miss, probably more miss, and often cheesy, he does hail from Kenosha, Wisconsin and attended UW-Madison. So I like to consider him a kindred spirit, even if we have never met.
This is actually among his better films, though not one of the more well-known. Of course, he may be best known for the films that appeared on "Mystery Science Theater", so that would tend to skew how people see him. Here the plot, effects and even the scenery and costumes are good. The story seems to be a kid's adventure but is dark enough that people of all ages may appreciate it.
Shockingly, no monsters! And no large animals (though we do have a genie who appears very small, so at least we have that).
You're the Worst Junk I Ever Picked Up
utgard145 December 2013
A boy named Jimmy (Charles Herbert) is transported back in time to the pirate ship of Blackbeard by an irritating genie. Jimmy's a dopey kid for sure but I kind of like him anyway. He has some pithy lines and I enjoyed his banter with the genie very much. Murvyn Vye looks preposterous in his fake beard but he's having fun with the role. The movie is entertaining in spots but ultimately suffers from a lack of budget and pedestrian direction. It's all very silly and is almost certainly aimed at kids, although some of the dialogue would have gone over their heads even in 1960. Still, for a Bert I. Gordon movie it's not too bad. Give it a shot.
Cute kid finds his dream coming true is not for the best
Antonio-3711 January 1999
Cute 12 year old Charles Herbert stars in this kiddie movie about a boy who dreams of being a pirate. To get him away from his hum-drum life of school, chores, and nagging parents. O to be free like the pirates, and do what a boy wants!
Walking on the Massachusetts shore, little Jimmy (Herbert) finds a genie in a bottle. The genie makes his dream come true. But the boy finds out to his dismay that the life of a pirate is not what he thought it would be. And he longs for home.
Lots of boyish adventure. Blackbeard, and sloops, and man-o-wars, treasure chests, rum and adventures.
The cute Herbert made many movies and also starred in "Houseboat" as the little son to Sophia Loren as his stepmother. See also "Don't Eat the Daisies" also made in 1960 when the lad was 12. Such a comely lad, he should have gone on to other movies but seems to have vanished into high school obscurity. Pity, he was such a cute boy.
Walking on the Massachusetts shore, little Jimmy (Herbert) finds a genie in a bottle. The genie makes his dream come true. But the boy finds out to his dismay that the life of a pirate is not what he thought it would be. And he longs for home.
Lots of boyish adventure. Blackbeard, and sloops, and man-o-wars, treasure chests, rum and adventures.
The cute Herbert made many movies and also starred in "Houseboat" as the little son to Sophia Loren as his stepmother. See also "Don't Eat the Daisies" also made in 1960 when the lad was 12. Such a comely lad, he should have gone on to other movies but seems to have vanished into high school obscurity. Pity, he was such a cute boy.
An Adventure Movie with Younger Audiences in Mind
Uriah4328 March 2021
This film begins with a young boy by the name of "Jimmy Warren" (Charles Herbert) playing on what's left of an old ship that crashed upon the coast near his small town in Massachusetts. Upon gazing out into the ocean he just happens to spot a bottle that drifts on the beach and while handling it wishes he could be aboard a pirate ship. Suddenly a genie named "Adu" (Joseph Turkel) pops out and immediately grants his wish. The next thing Jimmy knows is that he is surrounded by pirates and subsequently forced to work for "Captain Blackbeard" (Murvyn Vye) as his personal cabin boy. To make matters even worse, Abu then tells him that unless he can return the bottle within 3 days to the exact spot in which he found it he will be forced to take Abu's place and live in the same bottle for the next two thousand years. From that point on Jimmy tries his best to get the pirate ship to change course and head back to Massachusetts but the only problem is that Abu is doing everything possible to prevent it. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was an okay adventure film which was essentially produced for younger viewers. As such the action, scripts and special effects were toned down to accommodate that particular audience. Even so this wasn't a bad film by any means and I have rated it accordingly. Average.
One of Bert I. Gordon's better films
Woodyanders6 October 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Young boy Jimmy Warren (a solid performance by Charles Herbert) secretly wishes to be a pirate. Genie Abu (a delightfully lively portrayal by Joe Turkel) makes Jimmy's wish a reality by placing him on a ship run by the legendary pirate Blackbeard (well played with relish by Murvyn Vye). However, Jimmy soon learns that being a pirate isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Director Bert I. Gordon relates the enjoyable story at a brisk face, maintains an engaging tone throughout, and stages the action scenes with flair. Moreover, it's acted with zest by a capable cast: Susan Gordon is simply adorable as forlorn Dutch girl Katrina, Paul Guilfoyle does well as honorable ship's mate Snipe, Timothy Carey has a ball as the scurvy Morgan, and Archie Duncan likewise impresses as scruffy cook Scoggins. The eventful script by Lillie Hayward and Jerry Sackheim offers a spot-on central message about being careful about what you wish for. The special effects are pretty neat. Ernest Heller's vibrant color cinematography provides an attractive bright look. Albert Glasser's robust score hits the rousing spot. A fun little film.
Director Bert I. Gordon relates the enjoyable story at a brisk face, maintains an engaging tone throughout, and stages the action scenes with flair. Moreover, it's acted with zest by a capable cast: Susan Gordon is simply adorable as forlorn Dutch girl Katrina, Paul Guilfoyle does well as honorable ship's mate Snipe, Timothy Carey has a ball as the scurvy Morgan, and Archie Duncan likewise impresses as scruffy cook Scoggins. The eventful script by Lillie Hayward and Jerry Sackheim offers a spot-on central message about being careful about what you wish for. The special effects are pretty neat. Ernest Heller's vibrant color cinematography provides an attractive bright look. Albert Glasser's robust score hits the rousing spot. A fun little film.
B.I.G. Production for Charles Herbert
wes-connors17 July 2012
On a rocky Massachusetts beach, "big for my size" ten-year-old Charles Herbert (as Jimmy Warren) picks up a bottle that has washed ashore. Thinking about the wrecked ship where he plays, his chores, and a bad report card; young Herbert wishes he were back in days of yore, when pirates ruled the seas. Released from his bottle prison by Herbert, turbaned genie Joseph Turkel (as Abu) grants the lad's wish, transporting Herbert two hundred years into the past...
Herbert finds himself on the pirate ship "Queen's Revenge" commandeered by merciless Murvyn Vye (as Blackbeard)...
Pirates are a problem, but so is a genie plotting to trap Herbert; the boy must find his way back to the 20th century or take Mr. Turkel's place in the bottle. After telling Mr. Vye about jet airplanes, Herbert is assumed to be hitting the bottle. During an ocean battle, Herbert rescues cute Susan Gordon (as Katrina), who resembles his little friend "Kathy" (and producer/director Bert I. Gordon's daughter). "The Boy and the Pirates" plays nicely for kids.
****** The Boy and the Pirates (4/13/60) Bert I. Gordon ~ Charles Herbert, Susan Gordon, Joe Turkel, Murvyn Vye
Herbert finds himself on the pirate ship "Queen's Revenge" commandeered by merciless Murvyn Vye (as Blackbeard)...
Pirates are a problem, but so is a genie plotting to trap Herbert; the boy must find his way back to the 20th century or take Mr. Turkel's place in the bottle. After telling Mr. Vye about jet airplanes, Herbert is assumed to be hitting the bottle. During an ocean battle, Herbert rescues cute Susan Gordon (as Katrina), who resembles his little friend "Kathy" (and producer/director Bert I. Gordon's daughter). "The Boy and the Pirates" plays nicely for kids.
****** The Boy and the Pirates (4/13/60) Bert I. Gordon ~ Charles Herbert, Susan Gordon, Joe Turkel, Murvyn Vye
A Massahusetts Yankee kid on the pirate ship of Blackbeard
bkoganbing15 July 2012
I well remember this film, seeing it in the movie theater when I was 12 years old. But viewing it now I wonder how producer/director Bert Gordon could credit himself with an original script. It's so obviously borrowed from A Connecticut Yankee in the Court of King Arthur. I guess since Mark Twain was long dead they didn't have to credit him.
Charles Herbert is having a lot of issues at home and school because of his obsession with pirates. Finding a lost bottle washed up from the sea, he makes a wish to be a pirate with Blackbeard and the genie Joseph Turkel makes it happen. Turkel also says unless that bottle is returned to the exact spot he found it, Herbert takes his place in the bottle.
On board ship Herbert becomes cabin boy and meets Blackbeard himself played by the always menacing Murvyn Vye who curiously enough was Bing Crosby's adversary Merlin in A Connecticut Yankee In The Court Of King Arthur. Archie Duncan, Timothy Carey, and Paul Guilfoyle play other pirate types.
Then there's Susan Gordon who was also the producer's daughter who Herbert rescues from a plundered Dutch ship and who looks strangely enough like the girl next door back in modern times.
Herbert and Gordon are a nice pair of youthful leads and Gordon certainly was a pretty thing back in the day. The Boy And The Pirates holds up well as a nice piece of children's entertainment with or without deserved credit to Mark Twain.
Charles Herbert is having a lot of issues at home and school because of his obsession with pirates. Finding a lost bottle washed up from the sea, he makes a wish to be a pirate with Blackbeard and the genie Joseph Turkel makes it happen. Turkel also says unless that bottle is returned to the exact spot he found it, Herbert takes his place in the bottle.
On board ship Herbert becomes cabin boy and meets Blackbeard himself played by the always menacing Murvyn Vye who curiously enough was Bing Crosby's adversary Merlin in A Connecticut Yankee In The Court Of King Arthur. Archie Duncan, Timothy Carey, and Paul Guilfoyle play other pirate types.
Then there's Susan Gordon who was also the producer's daughter who Herbert rescues from a plundered Dutch ship and who looks strangely enough like the girl next door back in modern times.
Herbert and Gordon are a nice pair of youthful leads and Gordon certainly was a pretty thing back in the day. The Boy And The Pirates holds up well as a nice piece of children's entertainment with or without deserved credit to Mark Twain.
They don't make them like this anymore
pmtelefon28 September 2020
"The Boy and the Pirates" has a nice old fashioned quality to it that makes it very appealing. It looks good with nice costumes and sets. It's well acted, for the most part. Murvyn Vye is the standout. The movie moves well. It took a couple of turns that I didn't expect. If I saw "The Boy and the Pirates" when I was eight years old, I would have loved it. At 56, I still kind of liked it. Honorable mention: the always welcome Tim Carey.
A great film for kids.
plan998 October 2023
Aimed and children when it came out and it was probably very popular with the target audience who would have loved to have gone back in time and sail with pirates, and it can still be enjoyed by children now, and those who like vintage childrens films.
Very nicely shot with plenty of creaks from the timbers of the pirate ship which successfully gave the impression that it was actually sailing about during the studio shots.
Plenty going on to the keep audiences of all ages interested all the way through and "they don't make 'em like that nowadays", more's the pity.
Well worth watching for children of all ages from 8 to 80.
Very nicely shot with plenty of creaks from the timbers of the pirate ship which successfully gave the impression that it was actually sailing about during the studio shots.
Plenty going on to the keep audiences of all ages interested all the way through and "they don't make 'em like that nowadays", more's the pity.
Well worth watching for children of all ages from 8 to 80.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
