The Devil-Ship Pirates (1964) User Reviews

Hammer's High Adventure

[sherlock-34 · 7/10 · 21 November 2000]

Hammer's foray into straight adventure stories occasionally resulted in some first-rate films. Of course as was the norm with most Hammer productions, they were made on a shoestring budget. "The Devil Ship Pirates" certainly doesn't show it. It is clear that every cent was squeezed from the budget and shifted on-screen. The visuals in this film are incredible and run to the inclusion of a 120 foot long Spanish Galleon (The story of this ill fated large scale prop is an interesting tale all it's own), designed by Bernard Robinson. The costuming is splendid and certainly does much to make the film a convincingly effective historical piece. A strong cast, headed by Mr. Lee and ably supported by the likes of Andrew Keir, Philip Latham, Michael Ripper and Suzan Farmer, gives their all to achieve what is clearly one of Hammer's best forays into the pirate movie sub-genre. Michael Ripper in particular is, as always, a joy to watch.

The film begins with the defeat of the Spanish Armada. The Spanish ship Diablo is badly damaged and her Captain, a rakish privateer by the name of Robeles, takes the ship into the English coast to make covert repairs. While there, a little plundering is in order and the crew of the ship occupy a small isolated village by duping the villagers into believing that the Spanish won and that they are there as representatives of Spain. A resistance movement is formed and the usual results: swordplay, flogging, and a good deal of running around.

The plot is fairly standard stuff, but very well told and demonstrates a bit more depth than typical swashbucklers. The staunch British defend their island from invading foreigners. Thematically, it has as much in common with "The Adventures of Robin Hood" as it does with "The Eagle has Landed". Normans, Germans or as in this case, Spanish privateers, the mentality is the same. As Winston Churchill put it: "We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender." Devil Ship Pirates would have made a splendid WWII era morale booster with its rather blatant message. An interesting touch that adds depth and separates this film from the usual pirate fair. By including Barry Warren's sympathetic and honorable Spaniard character, the film narrowly avoids stereotyping the Spanish. A token effort, but one that raises the tone somewhat.

Christopher Lee excels in the role of the nasty Captain Robeles. He looks magnificent in the red uniform and moves with incredible authority at all times. There are a good number of fencing sequences that are carried off with remarkable skill and dexterity; a real showcase of Mr. Lee's ability. The final sequences aboard the Diablo are simply stunning. This is one pirate flick that shouldn't be missed...and that's an order, Mister!

Hammer pirate movie filled with action , adventure , nasty characters and swashbuckler

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 27 January 2014]

July 1588 . In the English channel the British fleet has been battling for two days against the mighty Spanish armada . Badly damaged with half their crews killed , the ships of Spain battle their way on up the channel . And the thickest part of the fighting is one of the smallest Spanish ships , the licensed privateer 'Diablo' . As the damaged privateer deserts the Spanish Armada and makes land for repairs near a village on the British coast , terrorizing the local inhabitants . They have to put it near from a village on the coast for repairs . The place is small and isolated and the Spanish military convince the villagers that the British fleet has been defeated and that they are now their conquerors . The hot-blooded as well as shipwrecked crew of cut-throats is led by Captain Robeles (Christopher Lee) .

Entertaining pirate movie , plenty of action , thrills , exciting sword-play , luxurious costumes , athletic feats , enjoyable score ; all meld together under Don Sharp's right direction . Combination of spectacular ships battle , sword-play and full of villainy , betrayal , swashbuckling and heroism . Hammer Production built a real Spanish pirate ship for the film planning to reuse it on other flicks . The full-sized galleon was built in some sand pits on a steel structure under the water ; although warned not to have too many people on board at once, one day the tea boat was lifted onto a platform level with the water with too many people getting their tea . The ship capsized throwing most of the cast and crew in the water , thankfully no one was drowned or seriously hurt . In the film appears Hammer ordinary actors such as Andrew Keir , Duncan Lamont , Susan Farmer , Philip Latham , Michael Ripper and , of course , the great Christopher Lee . Interesting script by screenwriter Jimmy Sangster , Hammer's usual , he remarked that this movie's basic premise is similar to that of "The Desperate Hours" in which a gang of criminals holds a family hostage . Well produced by Anthony Nelson Keys at Bray studios , England , with nice production design by Bernard Robinson , in fact "village square" set was also used , only slightly altered , in "The Crimson Blade" . Evocative as well as thrilling musical score by Gary Hughes . Colorful cinematography in Hammer style by Michael Reed .

The motion picture was professionally directed by Don Sharp , it premiered in the United States before debuting in Britain and was double-billed with "The Invincible Seven" . In the mid-1960s Sharp was hired by horror specialist Hammer Films and resulted out some well-received thrillers , and horror movies including Kiss of the vampire (1963) , his first for Hammer , Witchcraft (1964) and The curse of the fly (1965) . Don directed Christopher Lee six times , he was his fetish actor . Don worked on a few films as second-unit director , most notably Those magnificent men and the flying machines (1965) and Puppet on a chain (1965) before returning to filmmaking again , and turned out a string of thrillers as The thirty nine steps (1979) , Bear Island (1984) , horror films as Dark places (1974) , Secrets of the phantom caverns (1985) , Guardian of abyss (1988) and comedies . Towards the end of his career he worked in television on mini-series .

Great Title.

[AaronCapenBanner · 7/10 · 21 November 2013]

Don Sharp directed this pirate film set in 1588, where a pirate ship led by Captain Robeles(played by Christopher Lee) is fighting for the Spanish Armada against the British. Their ship is badly damaged, and must go into dock for necessary repairs before they are captured. Their only chance is to convince an isolated nearby English village that in fact, the Spanish have won the battle(and not the other way around) which they manage to do at first, but after awhile, the village men become suspicious, and begin a campaign of sabotage and resistance, in the hope that they are in fact right... Good adventure yarn with interesting premise, fine acting, and well-staged action scenes. One of the best non-horrors from Hammer studios.

What it lacks in historical accuracy, it makes up in entertainment value.

[Wilbur-10 · 6/10 · 8 January 2001]

One of Hammer Studios forays away from the horror genre, the film still has the unmistakable Hammer stamp much in evidence.

Story concerns a fighting ship from the Spanish Armada, which after the defeat takes refuge on a remote stretch of English coastline for repairs. The crew, headed by Christopher Lee, convince the locals that the Spanish were victorious and blockade their village.

Many aspects of Hammers historical horror films are present - the nervous, subdued villagers, the local landowner who gives in to the outside forces, the buxom village wench to be plundered, the young headstrong villager who organises resistance etc. With Lee playing the evil force, the films middle is similar in tone to many a Hammer Dracula film - the pirate ship taking the place of the usual castle, but the effect and implications it has are the same.

As a swashbuckler, 'The Devil-Ship Pirates' doesn't really offer anything of lasting interest - for Hammer fans though there is much to enjoy, with production values above average, and a storyline which satisfies all requirements.

Nice to see Michael Ripper in a surprisingly large role - he must have as many lines in this as every other Hammer film he was in put together.

Good swashbuckling fun for all viewers

[Panamint · 7/10 · 27 November 2014]

Beautiful Eastmancolor 2.35:1 widescreen production with lots of action. "The Devil-Ship Pirates" is a well-paced and directed Hammer film with a decent budget and fine acting, including Sir Christopher Lee (then just plain Mr. Lee) convincingly mean and cruel as a pirate captain. One of Lee's better acting jobs in my opinion as he swashes and buckles (including some good sword fights) in an energetic role.

English vs. Spaniards and pirates at the time of the Armada, while not much at sea there is plenty of action. Will hold your attention and moves at a brisk pace, therefore everyone can watch and everyone will be entertained.

The pirate version of Went the Day Well?

[hitchcockthelegend · 7/10 · 19 May 2012]

Or The Eagle Has Landed...

Out of Hammer Film Productions, The Devil-Ship Pirates is directed by Don Sharp and written by Jimmy Sangster. Filmed in Eastman Colour and Megascope, it stars Christopher Lee, John Cairney, Barry Warren, Suzanne Farmer, Natasha Pyne, Andrew Keir, Philip Latham and Michael Ripper. Music is by Gary Hughes and cinematography by Michael Reed.

July 1588. In the English Channel the British Fleet has been battling for two days against the mighty Spanish Armada.....

Badly damaged, with half their crews killed, the ships of Spain battle their way up the Channel. And in the thickest part of the fighting is one of the smallest Spanish ships – the licensed privateer Diablo.

OK, so it's practically a landlocked pirate film, with the water antics confined to the running a ground of the Diablo ship up some English estuary. Yet this should not detract from the good old swashbuckling fun available in this Hammer pirate adventure. Premise basically sees Christopher Lee's band of pirates take control of a remote English village by the sea, they achieve this by telling them that Spain has triumphed in the war and Blighty is under Spanish rule. With most of the village men out fighting the war, there are only a few English guys around and the village is mostly populated by ladies. Some of the village citizens are far from enamoured with the Spaniards being in control, others are a bit more compliant. Something's going to give if the truth will out.

With sets used from The Scarlet Blade the previous year, production value is hardly high. But as is often the case with Hammer, you can't really tell as the film is vibrant in colour and costuming. Great cast assembled as well. Lee hardly stretches himself but is most enjoyable to watch swishing a blade and generally being a miserable tyrant. Around Lee are a roll call of stoic Hammer performers, with Ripper (getting a meatier role than usual), Keir, Cairney, Warren and Farmer leaving telling marks. The script slips in some cynicism via a couple of weasel village elders, and there's class distinction in here as well, while much heroic interest is garnered by having Cairney's resistance leader as being lame in one arm on account of a previous scuffle with the Spanish. A true hero!

Much of the budget went on the construction of The Diablo ship. It was a ship that went down in Hammer folklore as a pain in the derrière. Such was the bad craftsmanship it often caused accidents, while it also capsized and cost the production a number of cameras and equipment. For the finale in the film the ship is seen ablaze, that's real, they gladly burnt it! But it's a great prop and is well used by Sharp. The director also handles his action sequences well enough, with three solid sword fights of note, one of which is played out in and around a marshy bog. But any expectation of Lee and co being Tyrone Power like will only lead to disappointment. Elsewhere, Reed's Eastman Colour photography is mostly rich and vibrant, though a bit lifeless around the water scenes and Hughes scores it plainly with standard Hammer strains.

It has many flaws, obviously for a low budgeted Hammer yarn; for one thing the Spanish invaders are more British than the villagers! But this is still very good genre film making, not a dull moment to be had in what is a classic Sunday afternoon adventure. 7/10

The Devil-Ship Pirates (Don Sharp, 1964) ***

[Bunuel1976 · 7/10 · 5 August 2008]

As I said in my review for THE PIRATES OF BLOOD RIVER (1962), this is a virtual retread of the script for that film (just as THE TERROR OF THE TONGS [1961] had reworked the central premise of THE STRANGLERS OF BOMBAY [1960] – all four titles, incidentally, comprise Columbia's recent "Icons Of Adventure" DVD set)…or, perhaps, it was closer to what Jimmy Sangster had originally envisaged before John Gilling got to work on it!

In any case, the two pirate films don't have just the plot in common – but many of the names associated with BLOOD RIVER resume their duties on DEVIL-SHIP, including composer Gary Hughes as well as several Hammer stalwarts (production designer Bernard Robinson, editor James Needs, not to mention co-stars Christopher Lee, Andrew Keir and Michael Ripper, all of whose characters are practically identical!). This doesn't mean that the film is a cheap rip-off of the earlier effort: it can stand well enough on its own merits, and there are even those who prefer DEVIL-SHIP to BLOOD RIVER; as ever, the company managed to give the whole a semblance of expensive production values when it was typically done on a low-budget.

The rest of the cast is generally effective, if not quite as satisfactory as that of BLOOD RIVER – even so, characterization is more fleshed-out this time around: John Cairney does alright by the hero (who, unusually, is a cripple); Suzan Farmer is a lovely heroine (though she gets little to do – but, then, neither did Marla Landi – and in her case, it's Lee who leers at the girl rather than his underlings); Duncan Lamont is imposing as Lee's right-hand man, but his role never really amounts to much; Keir and Ripper were both better served by each's first stab at their respective roles (Ripper, in particular, is here merely to supply the obligatory comic relief). However, we do get a couple of interesting 'new' characters: Farmer's aristocratic father (Ernest Clark) is a sycophant, while Barry Warren – a Spaniard officer detailed with an outfit of pirates-turned-soldiers is an outsider amidst their ranks and, on several occasions, lends a helping hand to the locals in order to defeat them! By the way, the narrative deals with the aftermath of the Spanish Armada's defeat by the British in the late 16th century; a stray vessel, the "Diablo" (hence the film's title), decides to rest furtively on British soil to effect the necessary repairs – however, when they're discovered, the Captain (Lee, of course) decides to risk passing themselves off as conquerors and, in no time at all, has the run of the village!

The groveling Clark is all-too-willing in this respect (to the point of inviting Lee into his own house…but, on objecting to the latter's unsavory attentions towards his daughter, is summarily executed!), while Keir offers opposition – and pays the price for this affront with his life. His son, Cairney, naturally seeks revenge – which he attains, with Warren's help, by sabotaging the ship (Lee having ordered the artisans among the locals to carry out the required maintenance). Incidentally, unlike THE PIRATES OF BLOOD RIVER, this does feature reasonable large-scale action with a sea-battle at the very start and a literally explosive climax. The ultimate assessment, then, is that THE DEVIL-SHIP PIRATES is a pretty good adventure flick…though, when it comes to director Sharp's Hammer output, I still feel he did his best work on the far more typical THE KISS OF THE VAMPIRE (1963) – which, if you ask me, is a genuine minor classic of Gothic Horror.

Adequate pirate flick with much to enjoy but little to remember.

[barnabyrudge · 5/10 · 26 January 2006]

A handsome but unremarkable pirate flick from the Hammer folks, The Devil-Ship Pirates is a fairly agreeable way to while away a rainy afternoon. It was also the first film in which Christopher Lee received top billing, so in some ways it has a kind of nostalgic importance in a study of his remarkable career. The story is quite intriguing, with a reasonably novel plot and some engaging characters, and director Don Sharp does a good job in putting most of the film's modest budget up there on the screen. I can't imagine anyone in the world claiming that this is their all-time favourite film, but I would be equally taken aback if someone were to call it the worst film ever made. It's just a solid, middle-of-the-road swashbuckler that's perfectly easy to watch and perfectly easy to forget.

In 1588, the English defeat the Spanish Armada. A Spanish ship called the Diablo (Spanish for "devil", hence the title) is severely crippled in this unsuccessful invasion of the British Isles. The captain, a hissable villain named Robeles (Christopher Lee), puts his ship in for repairs in a lonely marshland area of South West England. Nearby is an isolated village, so detached from the rest of humanity that news is slow to reach the place. Robeles and his crew come up with the ingenious plan of seizing control of the village and hoodwinking the villagers into believing that the Armada has successfully invaded England. Initially the villagers have no cause to suspect the ruse, so they disconsolately give in to the Spanish demands. The Spaniards blockade the village to prevent the truth of the Armada's defeat from getting in while they ready their ship for the journey home, but gradually the villagers grow in pluck and soon a rebellion is on the cards, led by young aggressor Harry (John Cairney).

The film is nicely photographed by Michael Reed, who manages to get across a stamp of quality that belies the film's meagre budget. Lee is very good as the sinister Spanish captain, looking truly intimidating in his costumes and bringing the same Dracula-like aura to the proceedings that he brought to his role in the Bram Stoker adaptations. The supporting cast of British stalwarts (how good is it to see Michael Ripper in such a prominent role??) provide engaging subsidiary characters that blend well with Lee's dominant presence. Like I've already said, the film is not particularly memorable or resonant, but that was never its aim anyway. This one is designed purely as entertainment - a simple blood-and-thunder pirate flick that can be enjoyed without pretensions - so within the context of its own aims it is a decent little film. You could do a lot worse.

Hammer Picks Up Fallen Hollywood Banner With Old Time Swashbuckler

[oldblackandwhite · 7/10 · 18 September 2011]

By the early 1960's Hollywood movies had lost their magic touch, due to collapse of the big studio systems, death and retirement of key actors, directors, and other personnel. Pandering to teenagers and others of the lowest mentality and morality hastened the end of whatever potential for quality productions was left in Tensil Town. The occasional good one such as The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) was the fading work of old actors and old directors, a rare oasis in what had become an entertainment desert. American movie makers just couldn't make them like they used to, or at least they wouldn't. It is no wonder then that British pictures, previously regarded as crude, poor cousins of Hollywood productions, enjoyed a height of popularity with American movie audiences during this period.

The leader in providing entertainment-starved Statesiders with entertaining pictures from Albion was Hammer Film Productions, ensconced in a Thames-side country manor upriver from London. Lush sets provided by the palatial manor house and its expansive grounds, talented matte artists, and a special touch with color let Hammer produce handsome, classy looking movies while operating on the cheap. Most of the studio's production were horror thrillers, but the mad geniuses at Hammer, could turn out an old time adventure costumer with the same glossy, high production treatment given the blood-sucking Count and the monster-making Barron.

Rousing, old time swashbuckling adventure is exactly what Devil Ship Pirates dishes up. It starts with an intriguing story line, shot-up privateer galleon from the defeated Spanish Armada in 1588 beaches on the English coast, and its crew of scummy pirates proceeds to terrorize good Queen Bess's good subjects in a nearby village, deceiving them with the lie that the Spanish have won. Christopher Lee, Hammer's master of menace, is terrific, even without fangs, as the ruthless, indomitable captain of the wicked pirates. He dominates this movie as much and is almost as frightening as he ever was as Dracula! John Cairney makes a bland but admirable hero as the one-armed English blacksmith's son willing to resist the pirates. More dashing is Barry Warren as an enigmatic Spanish nobleman and army officer on board with the pirates but ultimately not in tune with their evil plans. Solid support comes from Andrew Keir, Duncan Lamont, Michael Ripper, and Michael Newport, as a very spunky English boy. Suzan Farmer is on hand as the cleavage lass one came to expect from Hammer. Don Sharp's direction is on target, Jimmy Sangster's aforementioned story intelligent, editing and cinematography fluid. As with all Hammer numbers, Eastman Color is made to look almost as good as the highly superior but by this time practically abandoned three-strip Technicolor. No other studio ever did so well with Eastman Color.

The spirited action, which includes lots of well-executed sword play, is almost non-stop. The actors in this picture obviously had many fencing lessons, and Christopher Lee was an artist with a rapier! So much action is crammed into 89 minutes running time, it leaves you feeling as if it were over two hours. And you always know who to root for, as there is no relativist blurring of the line between good and evil here. This element, as was always understood at Hammer and had once been understood in Hollywood, is crucial to making a story entertaining.

Devil Ship Pirates is a top notch, old time, costume adventure entertainment -- perhaps not up with one of Old Hollywood's better Errol Flynn or Tyrone Power swashbucklers, but better than most offered by the shell of its former self Hollywood had become by the 1960's.

A ripping seafaring tale ... on land

[paulnewman2001 · 5/10 · 24 January 2005]

Made in 1964, this action romp (set on land) is one of Hammer's few forays beyond the world of horror.

Christopher Lee is on crisply villainous form as Captain Robeles, whose modest privateer Diablo comes off worse when the Spanish Armada gets a sound shoeing and has to limp into hiding in the marshes near an isolated English village.

To carry out repairs and escape safely, he and his crew hit on the wizard prank of terrorising the villagers into believing the Spanish won the engagement and that they represent the new authority.

It's all done on a shoestring but certainly doesn't look it and boasts all the usual Hammer trademarks of solid if slightly dull hero, heaving bosoms, weak authority figures, cowed locals and a meaty villain.

Entertaining period adventure yarn

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 27 May 2010]

1588. A severely damaged Spanish pirate ship is forced to pull into a small isolated village on the British coast for repairs. The pirates led by the stern, fearsome, and ruthless Captain Robeles (a terrific performance by Christopher Lee) convince the villagers that they have won the war and are their rightful masters. Director Don Sharp, working from a tight and compelling script by Jimmy Sangster, does a sound job with the engrossing story: the steady pace never falters, there's a vivid and credible evocation of the period, the lively sword fights are staged with real skill and brio, the pirates are a memorably scruffy and scurvy bunch, the strong central theme about bravery and cowardice adds extra substance to the narrative, and the thrilling fiery conclusion delivers the exciting goods. Moreover, further kudos are in order for the fine acting from a bang-up cast, with especially stand-out turns by Barry Warren as the firm and no-nonsense Don Manuel Ridrigeuz de Savilla, John Cairney as the bitter and insolent Harry, Suzan Farmer as the sweet Angela Smeeton, Michael Ripper as the jolly Pepe, Duncan Lamont as the tough and loyal the Bosun, Ernest Clark as the wimpy and sycophantic Sir Basil Smeeton, Natasha Pyne as the fragile Jane, and Andrew Keir as the pragmatic Tom. Michael Reed's vibrant widescreen cinematography gives the picture a pleasingly handsome look. Gary Hughes' spirited score likewise does the zesty trick. A very worthwhile and enjoyable movie.

English villagers vs Spanish pirates

[Stevieboy666 · 7/10 · 30 December 2019]

A damaged Spanish pirate ship, captained by a ruthless Christopher Lee, is forced to land on the English shore and needs local help to get her ship-shape. Hammer are best known for their horror films but the studio often diversified into other genres, here a period swashbuckler. In addition to great costumes and sets we get obvious day for night scenes, plus some questionable continuity (one scene goes from thick fog to blue sky and back to fog with seconds). Hammer's most prolific star Michael Ripper has a major role, as opposed to his usual bit parts. He doesn't make a very convincing Spaniard, with his fake tan and rural English accent. In fact, all of the Spanish pirates amazingly speak fluent English, very impressive for the 16th Century! But this is all part of the charm. Lee is very good as the ship's captain, a nasty character indeed. Hardly a Hammer classic but an enjoyable yarn none the less.

Nothing exciting

[apararas · 3/10 · 5 April 2020]

Except fro one or two fights and the scenery.B- casting and weak script.A total waste of time.Not even fro swashbuckling fans.

piracy can cost you an Armada and a leg

[lee_eisenberg · 6/10 · 30 November 2014]

Christopher Lee's performance as the stern captain keeps "The Devil-Ship Pirates" from being a typical pirate flick. I also thought that Suzan Farmer was a real hottie in this movie, as she also was in "Die, Monster, Die!" True, this wasn't the best role of any of the cast members, but I enjoyed it.

Whenever I watch old movies set in centuries past, I notice that they characters look well groomed. I doubt that anyone looked that tidy in 1588. Of course, no one expects action movies to be realistic. Along with the scenes of the captain discussing how to keep the town under control, there's some drinking and swordfights to keep things going.

Pretty fun movie.

PS: The long-term result of the war involving the Spanish Armada was that the British colonization of the Americas got delayed twenty years: when they returned to the Roanoke colony in 1590, the colony had vanished, and its fate remains a mystery to this day.

Swashbuckling spin on Went the Day Well

[Leofwine_draca · 6/10 · 7 May 2013]

A great title, but THE DEVIL-SHIP PIRATES is not one of Hammer's best films - or, indeed, one of its best swashbuckler films. It's a singularly slow paced production that feels slightly lethargic, despite lots of incident in the plot and a storyline that works despite the absurdity of it all (think of it as a 16th century spin on WENT THE DAY WELL?). I think the main problem is that it all feels a bit genteel and twee, and never as genuinely menacing as it should be.

Still, even second-rate Hammer is still better than its rivals, and this is the kind of film to while away a rainy afternoon. It features typically lush and vibrant cinematography, that makes even the low budget sets look grand; some decent special effects, including a full-size ship; colourful costumes and a handful of good action scenes, too.

Towering over all is Christopher Lee as the chief pirate, a sinister Spaniard with a fine line in swordplay. Lee growls and barks his way through a pantomime performance as dastardly as Alan Rickman's in ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES, and the film garners a lot of goodwill on the strength of his performance alone; he supplies at least half of the entertainment value.

As is usual with Hammer, part of the fun comes from spotting the familiar faces while watching. There are fairly meaty roles for Andrew Keir and Michael Ripper here, playing villager and pirate respectively, while Suzan Farmer (of Dracula, PRINCE OF DARKNESS and RASPUTIN, THE MAD MONK) once again finds herself menaced by Lee. THE DEVIL-SHIP PIRATES is no classic, but Hammer fans will enjoy it.

A Terrific Idea Worthy of Better Execution

[richardchatten · 7/10 · 25 November 2019]

This seemingly routine Hammer swashbuckler set against the backdrop of the defeat of the Spanish Armada in July 1588 with familiar British actors like Michael Ripper and Duncan Lamont playing characters with names like Pepe, Pedro and Pablo deserves to be better known simply because Jimmy Sangster came up with such a terrific idea for it; although it becomes more and more ordinary as it progresses.

A dashing young Christopher Lee as Spanish pirate Captain Robeles, limping home after being trounced by the British fleet in the Channel, has to slink into a remote Cornish village for repairs and supplies, realises that news of the Armada's defeat hasn't reached this neck of the woods yet and bluffs the locals that the Armada won and he's the first of a new occupying force.

The plot has a ticking clock to keep the tension going, since the reality of Spain's defeat will eventually reach even this backwater. In the meantime the Establishment (like Leslie Banks in 'Went the Day Well?') are shown to be slippery and available to the highest bidder, since it is Ernest Clark as Sir Basil Smeaton (along with Peter Howell as the vicar) who is quickest to extend the hand of friendship to the representatives of the New Order; with whom he is soon discussing trading opportunities.

Instead of just rehashing what made money before, today's producers if they had any enterprise could do far worse than resurrecting obscurities like this...

A landlocked pirate movie

[dinky-4 · 6/10 · 18 November 2002]

Like its companion film, "The Pirates of Blood River," this Hammer production is set almost entirely on land. There are probably budgetary reasons for this but the results may be a tad disappointing for those seeking a rousing sea-going adventure.

There are compensations -- a competent script, adequate mounting, and a cast of capable performers headed by Christopher Lee. What's more, John Cairney, who plays the village's hotheaded rebel, gets a flogging in the town square while bound, bare-chested, to a whipping post. Alas, only the final five of his allotted twenty-four lashes are shown on film.

A town held captive by Privateers!

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 5 November 2016]

"The Devil-Ship Pirates" is an odd film because it's all about the adventures of a Spanish privateer...yet no one on the ship sounds very Spanish. Instead, they're all Brits and a few of them (such as Christopher Lee as Captain Robeles) sport body paint to make them look more Spanishy (is that a word?). This is a shortcoming in an otherwise decent adventure film from Hammer Films.

When the story begins, the Spanish Armada is being beaten and the ship 'Diablo' (I think that's some sort of fighting chicken*) is taking on water and must retreat. But this privateer ship can't make it all the way back to Spain and they are forced to put in in a lonely part of the English coast and hope they aren't discovered. However, they soon are and the residents of this small town are then held hostage and many of them are forced to help fix the Diablo...or else. To help encourage their cooperation, the pirates not only use threats of force but lie and tell them that the Spanish won! However, the citizens are good and loyal subjects of the Queen and eventually you know they are going to fight back and at least try to stop these rogues.

This is a fairly decent film. Sure, it won't make you forget about "Sea Hawk" or "Captain Blood" but is a competently made and interesting film. Not a film I'd rush to see but an amiable time- passer with a few nice action sequences.

*Yes, I know Diablo is Spanish for Devil. The fighting chicken reference is from "Talladega Nights".

A solid, well-made adventure

[I_Ailurophile · 8/10 · 18 November 2023]

Hammer may be best known for their horror, and reasonably so, but it only stands to reason that they should excel at other period pieces. A swashbuckler, with equally gorgeous filming locations, beautiful and detailed sets, and lavish costume design? A swashbuckler presented in glorious mid-century Eastmancolor, no less? That spells success to me, and that some Hammer regulars participate both in front of the camera (Christopher Lee!) and from behind (Don Sharp!) is only a bonus. Thankfully scribe Jimmy Sangster gives us a saga befitting all this advantageous grandeur, and while it may not be an outright revelation, 'The devil-ship pirates' is a splendid good time from start to finish, a swell adventure for one and all.

The tale is a little familiar, a little clever, and a little violent, and always manages to stay balanced such that the proceedings don't get bogged down in any one facet. A story of occupation and resistance is all too real and true to life, yet between the period setting and the light touch in Sharp's direction, the picture remains entertaining as the crew of the Diablo take over a small coastal town. All along the way the cast give terrific, spirited performances commensurate with the serious tone, and everyone contributing from behind the scenes makes incredible contributions. It's not just the static visuals, either, for the stunts, fight choreography, and effects are all splendid, culminating in an explosive finale that's a fine send-off to the whole affair. The film wants only to have fun, and it definitely provides just that.

As a matter of personal preference it won't appeal to all comers. Unless one has a specific line of interest in cinema away from the spaces this plays in, however, it's hard to imagine that anyone could watch and not find something to love. It's very well done in every capacity, and the pure intent of the production shines through even in the most violent moments. There's no need to go out of your way for 'The devil-ship pirates,' but if you do have the opportunity to watch then this is well worth checking out!

Serviceable pirate programmer

[coltras35 · 6/10 · 12 May 2021]

Crippled by English guns, the Diablo, a small Spanish privateer, puts in at a remote Cornish port for repairs. The villagers believe the Spanish Armada has defeated Drake and the privateers are part of an invasion force-a situation which the brutal Spanish captain exploits to the full.

An enjoyable swashbuckler with Christopher Lee starring as a pirate captain, and a rather nasty one at that. He steals every scene he is in. The heroes are villagers, who trying usurp his plan to force them to fix his ship. Which is difficult as Lee, with his brutal methods, have them under lock, stock and barrel. Mainly landlocked, this Hammer production has some rather tense moments, especially in the 2nd half. The sword fights are quite good, especially the one in the marsh. A nice enough film to pass the time well.

A great villain doesn't need fangs.

[mark.waltz · 6/10 · 9 March 2022]

This is quite an exciting Hammer action film dealing with a Spanish Armada ship that lands on the English Coast oh, and takes over the village, hiding the fact that the Spanish have surrendered to the crown. The villagers do not know what's going on, and Captain Christopher Lee intends on holding out as long as he can, before taking his ship and the remaining crew to the East Indies rather than back to Spain. But clever villagers managed to plot a rebellion even though they don't know the truth, and of course with that truth is revealed, they have the key to defeating Lee and his men even though he plans on taking a bunch of hostages to ensure their easy escape.

A fun, colorful adventure yarn that is non-stop excitement and features laid in a great part outside of horror villains. It looks like no expense was spared in creating a believable atmosphere, with the village and surrounding area (which includes mock that could suck anybody that falls in under) nicely designed. Lee is having a lot of fun and looks great in his tight uniform got taken from ship's captain to pirate, conqueror and kidnapper. The Supporting Cast is great too, and there are some very intense moments involving potential car games that manage do not go through at the last minute. And of course there's a little kid who ends up saving the day by finding out the truth. While this may not be historically accurate and obviously fictional, it's a great look at the Elizabethan age that builds up to a sensational explosive conclusion.

Great fun!

[drmality-1 · 8/10 · 1 February 2023]

I stumbled across this obscure Hammer pirate adventure on Tubi and was greatly entertained by it. The premise is a novel one...a ship of bloodthirsty pirates joins the Spanish Armada on their unsuccessful attack on England. Sustaining damage, the ship deserts the Armada and winds up aground in the remote English marshes near a small village. Led by Christopher Lee's morose Captain Robeles, the pirates convince the villagers that Spain has conquered England and set up shop in the town, using the villagers as slave labor to fix their ship. But things don't go as smoothly as the pirates hoped...

The movie has a great pace and the action never lags for long. When things are in danger of slowing up, a sword fight or a barroom brawl breaks out. Led by sturdy Andrew Keir, the villagers are scheming up a revolt right from the get-go, leading to some brutal retaliation by the pirates. The villagers find an unexpected aid from a disgruntled Spanish nobleman who is revolted by Robeles' cruelty.

Don Sharp was always a good action director who made the most of a low budget and "Devil Ship Pirates" is no different. The cast is very game, with Lee and Keir dominating. John Cairnley, later to be "Jason and the Argonauts", is a fiery young villager who leads the revolt. He gets whipped almost to shreds, but leaps back into action with superhuman vigor. Keep an eye out for Hammer mainstay Michael Ripper as the weaselly pirate Pepe.

OK, not an Oscar contender, but as a low budget period action flick, this worked really well for me.

Hammer goes swashbuckling

[neil-douglas2010 · 8/10 · 21 March 2024]

Hammer goes historical with this swashbuckling adventure set among the backdrop of the Spanish Armada.

Christopher Lee is the baddie, obviously, as the leader of a gang of pirates who have taken over a Spanish ship after the Armada was beaten. Finding themselves needing repairs they land in Southern England, luckily they are near a village. Telling the gullible villagers that the Spanish have won the war, they easily take the village and plan on rebuilding their ship. Not everyone is helpful though, and what with the drunken and bawdy crew things start to go wrong for them. Lee is his usual brilliant self as the cruel leader of the pirates and it's nice to see Hammer regular get more to do than normal. Of the good guys they're all very heroic but it's Lee that makes the film work, a great Hammer non-horror film.

A great adventure.

[plan99 · 8/10 · 21 April 2024]

With a great cast and very nice to look at the story runs along in an entertaining fashion. It did look very expensively made for a Hammer film which are usually made with cardboard sets but to build an actual sailing ship, that was impressive.

Nice strong colours with some of the pirates being particularly bright, there must have been a washing machine on the ship. Seemingly no expense spared in making this film but it must have done well upon release with this great cast and a great title to draw the punters in.

Recommended as an enjoyable pirate film suitable for all ages, even children will like it.