Barnes & Noble

Executed with Douglas Fairbanks's signature bravado and flair, this 1926 swashbuckling classic was the first epic to be shot entirely in Technicolor. The adventure begins when a group of vicious and greedy pirates attack a ship sailing the South Seas. The sole survivor, Fairbanks, washes ashore on a deserted isle and swears revenge. Meeting up with the earringed scallywags again, he bests their captain in a duel and becomes the new leader of the pirates, secretly setting them up for imprisonment. Fairbanks was not only one of the biggest stars of his day; he was a consummate producer and a great stuntman. The film's action sequences are surprisingly graceful, with Fairbanks flying across ship decks like a trapeze artist. In one astounding stunt, he slides down the face of a sail, his knife easing his descent as it slices the canvas in two. The gorgeous period sets and costumes add to this silent gem's exquisite air of make-believe. Monica McIntyre

All Movie Guide

The Black Pirate was hailed in 1926 as the "return" of the Douglas Fairbanks who'd breezed through several peppy comedies before starring in lavish costume epics like Robin Hood (1922) and Thief of Bagdad (1924). The story involves a young nobleman (Fairbanks) whose father is killed by pirates. He vows to avenge his dad's death by becoming a buccaneer himself and routing out the villains. Along the way, he rescues damsel-in-distress Billie Dove (likewise of noble birth) and engages in a few bloody duels with the swarthy likes of Sam De Grasse and Anders Randolph. Charlie Stevens, a grandson of American Indian chief Geronimo -- and whom Fairbanks regarded as a "lucky charm" -- appears in several tiny roles. The Black Pirate was originally presented in two-color Technicolor form; the black and white prints are the most-often-seen version of the film, however. Hal Erickson

Product Details

• UPC: 738329033026
• Source: KINO VIDEO
• Sound: Dolby Digital Stereo
• Time: 1:30:00
• Sales Rank: 41,423

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Family Classics: 50 Movie Pack
• Pirates of the Silver Screen Collection (5pc)
• Family Collection: 250 Movies
• Family Favorites: 100 Movie Pack

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