The Pirate

Gene Kelly and Judy Garland mix music by Cole Porter and romance in a lush Carribbean setting in this lavish MGM fantasy. Director Vincente Minnelli's color pallette is the most vibrant and bold use of Technicolor since "THE WIZARD OF OZ." Sounds like this had all the ingredients for success. But "THE PIRATE" was plagued with difficulties from conception to completion. This romantic fantasy has always existed in a cloud of controversies;having equally fierce detractors and admirers. I'm so glad it has finally been released on DVD. It seems like I have waited forever!! I have always enjoyed this film tremendously. It is, simply, a tremendously enjoyable film. The participants in the DVD, including Liza Minnelli and John Fricke, fall all over themselves explaining why "THE PIRATE" was too stylized and too special to appeal to a mass audience in 1948. Fear not, current-day viewers, "THE PIRATE" is not a celluloid disaster-- and not nearly as inaccessable as history would lead us to believe. Gene Kelly's widow, for instance, thinks "THE PIRATE" is deserving of a deeper appreciation, and she is right on the money. When the dust from all the controversies has finally vanished, it turns out that this is one of the best films in the careers of both Kelly and Garland. Gene Kelly actually plays two roles. He plays egotistical, womanizing actor Serafin in the style of John Barrymore. Serafin calls all woman "Nina." But his womanizing ways abruptly end when he sets eyes on Manuella Alva (Judy). Manuella despises Sarafin because he is a "common actor." She is positively obsessed however, with legendary pirate Mack The Black Macoco, famous throughout the Carribbean for his daring and adventurous exploits. To win her, Sarafin pretends to be Mack The Black himself, whom Kelly plays in the style of Douglas Fairbanks. When Manuella discovers Sarafin's various deceptions, she is furious. She at first appeals to his vanity and then throws everything that is not nailed down at him! Sarafin's deceptions nearly get him hanged. The deceptions might have worked, but Manuella's fiance, the fat and pompous Don Pedro (Walter Slezak) has a major secret of his own. Gene Kelly put the blame for "THE PIRATE'S" initial failure squarely upon himself: "It didn't occur to us until after the picture hit the public that what we had done was a huge inside joke," he said. "The sophisticates probably grasped it-- all three of them-- but the film died in the hinterlands. It was done tongue-in-cheek, but it didn't come off, and that's my fault. But I thought Judy was superb (and) what Minnelli did with color anddesign in that film is as fine as anything that has ever been done." Kelly is not being fair to himself. History has blamed all of "THE PIRATE'S" problems on Judy Garland, and that is not fair, either. The film came at a particularly bad time for her. MGM had become a house of horrors for Judy by that time, and her marriage to Minnelli was in disrepair. She had valiantly stayed off the prescription pills MGM had hooked her on long ago during the early days of her marriage and throughout her pregnancy with daughter Liza Minnelli. She returned to pills out of a sense of mounting, crippling insecurities, and this resulted in irratic behaviors on set. It is a lasting testament to Judy's incomparable artistry and professionalism that she always kept her inner demons and turmoil entirely off camera. Her personal unhappiness is nowhere evident in the finished film. Judy displays a natural, regretfully under-used, gift for farce and slapstick comedy. Her comedic timing is perfect throughout. Indeed, without Judy Garland, "THE PIRATE" might well be a cult film without a cult, as John Fricke has stated. There are certain echoes of Dorothy Gale from Kansas and "THE WIZARD OF OZ" in Manuella Alva. Like Dorothy, Manuella is told that Home is the perfect spot to be. Gladys Cooper, who was forever playing aunt, mother, sister, or wife, to practically everyone who ever trafficed in Hollywood, plays Manuella's Aunt Inez. Manuella even says to her Aunt Inez, "I know there's a practical world and a dream world. I shan't mix them!" She also later screams, "Aunt Inez! Aunt Inez! I want to go home!!" But, where Dorothy is definitely a girl, Manuella is definitelly a desireable woman who, as Sarafin suggests, does not find enough romance in her daydreams. Under hypnosis, she shouts at Sarafin, "Don't call me pure soul. It irriates me. Underneath this prim exterior there are depths of emotions, romantic longings!" Judy looks gorgeous and is photographed beautifully here, but Minnelli seems to favor Gene Kelly in most shots. Kelly has never danced more athletically or looked more sexy on film than he does here. At one point in the film, the male viceroy gazes at Kelly longingly and says delightedly and lustfully, "You fill the eye!" Perhaps "THE PIRATE'S" problems rested with MGM boss L.B. Mayer's stubborn refusal to allow the two adult stars to be adults. Wheras Kelly theorized that the general public always wanted to see him as the guy next door who dances, he also thought L.B. Mayer forever saw Judy as a little girl forever marching down Main Street, U.S.A. "THE PIRATE" took both Gene and Judy into deciedly more sexy territory, and Mayer wanted every MGM picture to be a "Family Picture." When Mayer deemed the number "Voodoo" too erotic, he ordered that the negative be burned, and Kelly was called into the office for a lecture on how to dance appropriately for the screen. "Voodoo" was at first re-cut to be "less sexy", and finally cut out altogether after the Second preview. It is replaced by Judy's manic, frenetic showstopper "Mack The Black," which also gets an extra "Stereo Remix" version on the DVD. Surprisingly, Kelly's wild "Pirate Ballet", where he dances in and around fiery explosions, was also cut at a second preview. Was it too sexy as well? The dance was thankfully and hastily put back in after a viewer commented he missed Gene Kelly in a big dance number and said, "Something about a pirate would have been good." Another preview viewer begged on the comment card that Judy Garland be put in something more "human... and give Mr. Minnelli back to the small minority that appreciate him." Another comment card wistfully asked ifGene Kelly could "be just a trifle not so feminine!" John Fricke provides an excellent DVD Audio Commentary Track; as he also does on "FOR ME AND MY GAL,""EASTER PARADE", and "THE WIZARD OF OZ." In the end, Fricke asks exactly what is "THE PIRATE". "Is it Gene Kelly's runaway triumph? Is it Minnelli's dream vision unsurpassed? Is it Judy Garland's film?" Fortunately, "THE PIRATE" can finally be enjoyed as all three of these things--as a glittering showcase for three of MGM's greatest talents:Gene, Judy, and Mr, Minnelli. In keeping with Warner/MGM's superb repackaging of the movie-going experience of the past, the DVD also includes a Short Subject, a "Tom And Jerry" Cartoon, a "Making Of" featurette, audio out-takes, and radio interviews.

This is a final attempt to capture the illusive attempt of MGM to dazzle audiences with wit, something the studio were, in the late 40's, unable to fully grasp in ways that brought tons of money back to the producers. here, dressed up with incredibly reconstructed Technicolor and dazzling sound is an original Hollywood musical, directed by Vincente Minnelli, featuring Judy Garland and Gene Kelly, in wildly unconventional roles. Audiences didn't respond to it well. at all. They didn't understand the subtleties, grasp the nuances, or really produce the kind of numbers that could make the movie into as moneymaker. The next pairing of the terrific couple was on a farm in SUMMER STOCK. Grab this truly unique item!

“THE PIRATE” (1948) This rare MGM movie is a disarmingly quaint fantasy masterpiece! Bursting with eye-dazzling color, song, dance, humor and romance, it will enchant your senses and steal your heart…depending of course on your incredulity and willingness to suspend disbelief. Director Vincente Minnelli’s genius is clearly evident here, just as it will be three years later in “An American In Paris”(1951) and eight years later in “Lust For Life” (1956). Also, like the other Vincent, Minnelli too was a great artist. Instead of using canvas and pigments, he created his vibrantly colorful scenes using actors, dancers, musicians, and writers.Electrified by some of Cole Porter’s innovative lyrics and music, “THE PIRATE” leaps to life with robust exuberance and brilliant tongue-in-cheekness. Supported by a charming cast, Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, and the great Walter Slezak bring full-bodied humor and drama to this fun-packed classic. Kelly’s endomorphic body type made him a genetically gifted athlete. And his macho charisma made this movie his all-time best suited role. No collection of Kelly musicals is complete without it.(If this review was helpful in any way, please click on the 'Helpful' key below, or write a comment. Thanks).

We love older movies. Have a large collection of them. This movie has some cute parts to it but is just too sexist and too implausible. Donated our copy to the library.

This clumsy story and hodge-podge of music was saved by Gene Kelly. Judy Garland had a good song or two, but wasn't great. Felt more like a high school musical than a top-flight Hollywood production, which is sad considering the stars and director.

Garland is so funny in this movie. Over the top fun. Songs beautifully sung and acting is fine. This Blu-ray really made the colors in 74 year old film pop out. The detail that you can now see in the incredible costumes is amazing. Always thought Kelly was a great dancer, but this time, he really impresses. What can one say about Garland that's not already been said. Just the best, nobody can beat her at her game.

Wowsers!!! This is one of my favorite films of all time! Even though it wasn't popular when it premiered it has now found it's audience. Superb music, smart lyrics, great over the top acting and wonderful scenery. This new Blu-ray release is just what I have been waiting for. So crisp and clear. Yes you can see the stunt wires and some folds in the backdrops. But Judy and Gene look so beautiful. The colors are crisp and vibrant. Totally worth the wait.

Forget everything negative that's been said about MGM's THE PIRATE over the years. The film is wonderful. Judy is the emotional center of the film and Gene Kelly orbits around her with panache, sparkle, and tons of charisma. Cole Porter wrote a nifty score and Vincent Minnelli's supervision of the sets, costumes, and camera angles of the film is superb.

I have not seen the DVD of 'The Pirate' ...the picture quality of this recently released restoration was extremely good ...nearly as good as the recently released Blu-ray of 'Show Boat'...Looking at the film today it is more like a panto with lots of fantastic dancing and singing from Gene Kelly who looks so young and agile and Judy sings and is good in the film. There is a 2007 making of extra about the film which is rather good that includes details of the considerable production difficulties experienced in making the film. If you like the film I'm sure you will consider the upgrade to this Blu-ray is well worth it.

I'm not generally fond of the pirate genre (if there is such a thing!) but make an exception for this film. Gene Kelly + Judy Garland always make a believable pairing and their performances are stellar. Having only just heard of the Nicholas Brothers, thanks to this month's documentary 'The Sound of Movie Musicals with Neil Brand', I was astonished when the said Brothers popped up again in The Pirate! I was also surprised that a song or two, made famous and more memorable in later musicals, were introduced in this film - perhaps not even for the first time.It would be nice to have all GK's films in one complete, sequential collection for a more comprehensive education of the early musical/dance genre. How are the new generations to learn if not by studying the Great Masters of yesteryear?

The Pirate is directed by Vincente Minnelli and adapted to screenplay by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett from the S.N. Behrman play. It stars Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, Walter Slezak and Gladys Cooper. Music is by Lennie Hayton and Cole Porter and cinematography by Harry Stradling Sr.Gene Kelly plays Serafin, an actor who poses as notorious pirate Macoco to win the heart of Manuela Alva (Garland) because she dreams of being swept away to a life of romantic adventure.By definition it was a troubled production, numerous rewrites, Garland's battle with prescription drugs impacting on the shooting schedule and audiences turning their backs on a film they wasn't sure how to react too. With the box office results failing to match the production value or the film's ambition, it is a film that has for a number of years carried around the tag of being a dud, which while it has problems for sure, is an unfair reputation given the enjoyment and escapism value available upon viewing it now.The main fault lies with the very poor songs, where were it not for the closing Be A Clown (which would be copied to become Make `Em Laugh for Singin' in the Rain four years later), then it would be a 100% stinker strike rate for Cole Porter. It's hard to believe the great man could come out with something so bland and boorish as the first song during the story, Niña, where he even uses a rhyme for schizophrenia! Another (minor) problem is that Garland is sometimes (and unusually) over the top in her performance, a problem we can probably attribute to her off screen issues since she seems to be grasping the chance to unleash her own form of escapism on screen. However, Kelly is on hand to calm her down and steady the ship; except for the film's funniest sequence as Manuela throws the entire contents of a room at Serafin!Yet in spite of the problems, and this really is no misunderstood masterpiece, the film often soars. With gorgeous Technicolor photography opening the eyes fully, we get a full on energised Kelly performance (his dance with the Nicholas Brothers pumps the blood and taps the feet), Slezak doing a wonderful turn as the shifty Don Pedro who Manuela is being coerced into marrying, and a Pirate Ballet section of the film that is stunning in choreography and eye popping visuals. There's also some lovely close ups of the two stars, they were a great pairing and it's a crying shame they would only make three features together, one scene in particular is heart achingly tender. With Minnelli keeping it brisk and mostly keeping it from being too stage bound, the simplicity of plot never hurts the film. Fun, frothy and flawed, indeed. 7.5/10

Liza Minelli reviews this film as it was produced by her Father Vincente, saying it proved to be contraversial, and not easily understood by some people, but in the end it ammounts to personal taste. I think it represents some of the optimism and relief after the war years, and I love the fact that it is a colourful fantasy which contains fantasies within fantasies.The plot is beautifully ironic: Judy Garland (Manuella)is to marry a Pirate (unknown to anyone) who has become Mayor of the town, but falls in love with a travelling actor (Gene Kelly),who impersonates him as he was in former times when their paths crossed:(Mack the Black).She is in fact to marry the one about whom she fantasizes and does not realise it.Amongst the great Cole Porter songs "Be A Clown" is featured, and the costumes are brilliant throughout.Gene Kelly does a ballet dance to a Bolero tune, keeping tap to a minimum as there was no American stage style tap in 1830.The whole thing is a good natured romp, even the villany; but Elizabeth Taylor's shrew in Taming of the Shrew is no match for Judy's (Manuella's)enraged outburst when she realizes she has been hypnotised and deceived by a showman.Excellent.

I do like The Pirate. It has classIt has great décor- Minnelli makes absolutely certain it looks beautiful and the actors are dressed superblyIt has a great score-- not brilliant, except for Be a Clown but more than adequate and no stinkersIt has a great supporting cast - Walter Slezak and Gladys Cooper enjoy themselves and make their marks.It has the Nicholas Brothers who tap up a storm with Kelly for the first Be A ClownBut most of all it has Garland and Kelly, pitch perfect and totally in tunePS Look out for Garland's reply to a girl who rushes to the carriage offering to sacrifice herself and go thePirate in Garland's place. Perfect!