CAPTAIN BLOOD (1935)
This film marked the first pairing of Errol Flynn and Olivia De Havilland and it's a beaut. Directed by Michael Curtiz, the film is set in 17th century England where Dr. Peter Blood (Flynn) is convicted of treason against the King for aiding a wounded friend who had participated in the Monmouth Rebellion in accordance with his professional duties. He is sentenced to death, but by the whim of King James II, Peter Blood and the surviving rebels are sold into slavery in the English colony of Port Royal. Peter Blood is purchased by Arabella Bishop (Olivia de Havilland), the beautiful niece of the local military commander Colonel Bishop. Arabella, attracted by Blood's rebellious nature, does her best to improve his chances of living by recommending him as the personal physician of the local governor, who is suffering from a gouty foot.
After treating the governor, Blood and other slaves hatch a daring escape and make it. Soon beginning a life of piracy on the high seas. Years later, Arabella and her royal emissary are captured by Blood's treacherous partner Captain Levasseur (Basil Rathbone) to ransom. Blood is willing to pay the price but winds up dueling with Levasseur. Their battle predates Flynn and Rathbone's epic sword fight in Robin Hood a few years later. After their fight, Blood takes Arabella and her emissary to safety but has to engage two French warships. A thrilling battle ensues with Blood and crew victorious.
Everything wraps up for a happy ending with Peter and Arabella finally getting together. Captain Blood was a great start for Flynn and de Havilland as they would team up for several more great films.
Thank our lucky stars
Monty
Love this film - especially for Basil Rathbone and Ross Alexander..
AntwortenLöschenFlynn's Peter Blood has to be one of the best break out performances in film history. He and Olivia both were fantastic in this movie, and I don't care what the critics say, Capn Blood has aged very nicely through the decades, thank you.
AntwortenLöschen