Ensofter
Overrated and overhyped
Grimossfer
Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%
Fairaher
The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.
Numerootno
A story that's too fascinating to pass by...
traitorjoe666
I caught this on the "Movies!" channel, was almost going to turn it off, but just got drawn into it. To be honest, I was never into "sandals'n'spears" movies which made Steve Reeves famous, so I never heard of him before, nor any other of the cast.The flick progressed quickly enough to grab me and get me interested, and it didn't disappoint. It laid out (whether accurately or not, I don't know) Morgan's journey from slave to pirate, coming full-circle to give his former oppressors their comeuppance.There's plenty of great scenery in the movie as well. Steve Reeves is *very* buff in this flick (no homo! :D ), and it's quite clear he's the square-jawed richly-maned hero of the flick! A bare-midriffed Consuela is also quite a treat, especially doing a slinky seductive dance, with more moving parts than a Swiss watch! With full-sized ships at sea, gorgeous sea shots, and so on, the film doesn't disappoint as far as scenery.The ending seemed a little abrupt, which was probably the weakest part of the movie. I just expected a little more fleshing-out, or something... *more*. But even so, it was a nice journey to get there.All in all, I found it quite enjoyable, and again, I'm admittedly not into swashbuckler flicks, so I'd consider that high praise for the movie. Enjoy!
loufalce
Before you write it off as just another el cheapo Italian made "peplum epic", take the time to watch it.Reeves is in fine form in title role and he does manage to create a believable character. The film is also fairly factual in how he began his career and the raid on Spanish controlled Panama at the end of the film actually happened in 1671. Film features fine color photography, good atmosphere, and realistic looking 17th. century costumes. There is a very exciting and well staged sword duel on the beach, beautiful women {including the voluptious Chelo Alonso} a great musical score and, for once the ships are authentic looking life size replicas and not the usual bathtub toy boats that too pirate movies feature. There's also a funny sequence where Morgan's men-dressed as woman capture a Spanish treasure galleon. I remember watching it on the Channel 9 "Million Dollar Movie" {in the New York area} in the early 60s when it would be shown at 7.30 and 11.30 every weekday night for a week. I must have watched it 5 times! It was a fun movie then. I recently got to see it on VHS and it is still how I remembered it. Of course it does not have a "Pirates of the Caribbean" budget, but it is not as overblown as those films. No supernatural events or fantasy elements, just a well made and exciting pirate film that delivers on all levels. Steve Reeves best role-even when compared to "Hercules". His films are long overdue for a comeback. I hope it happens soon! This guy really deserves it.
ptb-8
I saw this in 1962 when I was 7 years old at a kids matinee in our local crummy cinema THE EMPIRE in the suburb of BOTANY in SYDNEY AUSTRALIA. It made me the man I am today, with a completely mesmerising afficianado for old cinemas and the use of colour in old films.Years later it was re run with hilarous voice overs at late shows but the film still was such good fun and quite well made that even making fun of it didn't detract. It is actually quite good.
TheVid
This pirate vehicle for muscleman Reeves is an effective change of pace from his sword-and-sandal adventures, and similar to his heroic, action-oriented version of THE THIEF OF BAGHDAD. The extraordinary participation of Chelo Alonso gives this minor epic a big boost, as she, once again, provides a lively, exotic dance number amidst Steve's pec flexing. Enjoyable.