Lively, colorful, and entertaining, "Against All Flags" is a swashbuckling pirate fantasy that remains afloat thanks to its three larger-than-life stars. In the early 18th century, British naval officer Brian Hawke infiltrates a pirate lair on Madagascar, where he tangles with Roc Brasiliano, Captain Kidd, and Spitfire Stevens. The swords flash, the cannon boom, the pistols fire. Ships are plundered of a mogul's treasure, scantily clad harem maidens are sold at auction (to be lawfully married wives only), and enormous crabs wait to devour unlucky captives. Evidently targeted towards youngsters at Saturday afternoon matinees, the at-times silly proceedings are often reminiscent of Captain Hook and his crew in "Peter Pan."
Red-headed Maureen O'Hara is the appropriately named "Spitfire," who commands her own ship and plunders with the best. However, the tough talking female pirate struts the decks in a well tailored pirate costume, fashioned in shades of green to contrast with her flaming hair. After barking orders, threatening young harem girls, and verbally sparring with swarthy Roc Brasiliano, Spitefire sputters and melts with a passionate smooch from Hawke, played by Errol Flynn. Twelve years after "The Sea Hawk," Flynn was still handsome, if more mature, and he could still swashbuckle like a pro. Anthony Quinn arguably steals the film as Roc, the vicious pirate, who lusts in vain after Spitfire, who only has flashing eyes for Flynn. Of the three protagonists, Quinn is the most convincing as a pirate.
Russell Metty's Technicolor camera captures the lush production design and period costumes, the model sailing ships that float across studio pools, and O'Hara's magnificent red hair. Director George Sherman, who helmed many westerns and action films during a long Hollywood career, maintains the film's pace, although an excess of good-natured wink-wink and romantic fluff scenes undercut any attempts at credible adult pirating. Of course "Against All Flags" was not meant to be taken seriously, and, with such Golden Age stars as Errol Flynn, Anthony Quinn, and Maureen O'Hara on screen, the film is just great family-friendly fun.
Red-headed Maureen O'Hara is the appropriately named "Spitfire," who commands her own ship and plunders with the best. However, the tough talking female pirate struts the decks in a well tailored pirate costume, fashioned in shades of green to contrast with her flaming hair. After barking orders, threatening young harem girls, and verbally sparring with swarthy Roc Brasiliano, Spitefire sputters and melts with a passionate smooch from Hawke, played by Errol Flynn. Twelve years after "The Sea Hawk," Flynn was still handsome, if more mature, and he could still swashbuckle like a pro. Anthony Quinn arguably steals the film as Roc, the vicious pirate, who lusts in vain after Spitfire, who only has flashing eyes for Flynn. Of the three protagonists, Quinn is the most convincing as a pirate.
Russell Metty's Technicolor camera captures the lush production design and period costumes, the model sailing ships that float across studio pools, and O'Hara's magnificent red hair. Director George Sherman, who helmed many westerns and action films during a long Hollywood career, maintains the film's pace, although an excess of good-natured wink-wink and romantic fluff scenes undercut any attempts at credible adult pirating. Of course "Against All Flags" was not meant to be taken seriously, and, with such Golden Age stars as Errol Flynn, Anthony Quinn, and Maureen O'Hara on screen, the film is just great family-friendly fun.