Yellowbeard (1983)

Yellowbeard, a pirate's pirate, is allowed to escape from prison to lead the authorities to his treasure. He finds that his wife neglected to tell him that he now has a son, 20, and shame ... See full summary »

Director:

Mel Damski

Writers:

Graham Chapman, Peter Cook,

Stars:

Graham Chapman, Peter Boyle, Cheech Marin

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Graham Chapman	...	Captain Yellowbeard / de: Dotterbart
Peter Boyle	...	Moon
Cheech Marin	...	El Segundo (as Richard 'Cheech' Marin)
Tommy Chong	...	El Nebuloso
Peter Cook	...	Lord Percy Lambourn
Marty Feldman	...	Gilbert
Martin Hewitt	...	Dan
Michael Hordern	...	Dr. Gilpin
Eric Idle	...	Commander Clement
Madeline Kahn	...	Betty
James Mason	...	Captain Hughes
John Cleese	...	Harvey 'Blind' Pew
Kenneth Mars	...	Mr. Crisp and Verdugo
Spike Milligan	...	Flunkie
Stacey Nelkin	...	Triola (as Stacey Nelkin)

Storyline

Yellowbeard, a pirate's pirate, is allowed to escape from prison to lead the authorities to his treasure. He finds that his wife neglected to tell him that he now has a son, 20, and shame of shame, an intellectual. The British Navy, Yellowbeard, his son, and members of Yellowbeard's old crew all go after the treasure.

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Plot Keywords:

pirate | treasure | box office flop | piracy | tattooed map | 

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Taglines:

Swashbucklers, pirates, public floggings, saucy tarts, beggars, queens, & jolly rogers.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Comedy

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 June 1983 (USA)

Also Known As:

As Loucas Aventuras de Barba Amarela, o Pirata

Filming Locations:

Mexico

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hemdale, Iron Pics, Seagoat Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film was inspired by Keith Moon, drummer of the Brit rock band "The Who" who was a personal friend of Graham Chapman. Moon wanted to play the Yellowbeard role but could not due to ailing health, Moon passing away in 1978 about five years before this picture was made and released. Chapman once recalled that Moon lived like a pirate with his wild ways. The character in the movie called Moon played by Peter Boyle was named after him as a tribute.

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Goofs

When Dan embraces Yellowbeard and accidentally stabs him, the hilt of the dagger changes between shots.

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Quotes

Flower Girl: [to Dan] Will you give me two farthings for a lump of shit?
Dan: [kneels down so he's at her level] What?
Flower Girl: Will you give me two farthings for a lump of shit?
Dan: No.
[she smacks him in the face with the ordure and walks away]
Dr. Gilpin: [coming up] Society is to blame.

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Crazy Credits

Toward the end of the credits there is a dedication to Marty Feldman (who died during the filming) that simply states "For Marty"

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Connections

Referenced in Return to Waterloo (1984)

User Reviews

A nonsense pirate adventure!

I'm a big fan of Monty Python, and as soon as I heard about this little known movie I wanted to check it out. It turns out that it was pretty entertaining! Although it's not nearly on the same level of genius as other MP movies, there are a lot of little funny details throughout the movie.

The thin plot revolves around everyone trying to get their hands on Yellowbeard's legendary treasure. Gags ensue. Oddly enough, it works. Graham Chapman is hilarious in his role as a blood-thirsty pirate and so is Eric Idle... But the true star of this film is Marty Feldman (Igor from Young Frankenstein). His character is similar to Igor's, but he steals every scene he's in. There's also a really funny cameo with David Bowie.

I certainly do not agree with John Cleese that this was the worst movie he's ever been in. He's been in a lot of movies much worse than this one, and actually, his character here is pretty interesting and even funny.

The plot is more or less of a Pirates of The Caribbean meets Monty Python, and it was interesting enough to keep me watching. I thought this was better than Jabberwocky and (although it is much sillier) it also reminded me a bit of Erik The Viking.

Cheech & Chong are here and they are disappointing as Spaniards. Chong has a incredibly annoying lisp and his accent just doesn't work, let's say, as opposed to Michael Palin's hilarious performance in 'Life of Brian'. Cheech has an easier time since he's Hispanic, but their roles are simply unfunny, like much of their regular work. That's probably because wasn't any hemp in this movie (aside from the ones on Yellowbeard's hair!) Maybe they should have played stoned pirates or something like that.

I was really surprised that this movie didn't suck. Sure, it's not a work of art or a must-have for Monty Python / Cheech & Chong fans. But chances are, if you're just expecting to have some mindless fun, this movie will do the trick. Just turn off your brain and enjoy. 6/10