First things first. This has virtually nothing at all to do with the 1924 Frank Lloyd version nor, indeed, does it have very much to do with the original Rafael Sabatini novel either - but it is still probably my favourite Errol Flynn film. The story is (very) loosely based on the courageous activities of the privateers who raided the Spanish treasure ships during the reign of Elizabeth I of England (rather convincingly portrayed here by Flora Robson). Flynn seizes an ambassadorial galleon on which are travelling Claude Rains and Brenda Marshall, and a tale of espionage, secrecy, love and skul…
Read full review →
