The Devil-Ship Pirates (1964)

Such a frustrating disappointment

Memorable, crazy movie

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

"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".

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.

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.

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!