First the good news! This version has superb sound recording, a great chorus and the impeccable London Symphony Orchestra. The principals are in fine voice, though some rabid G&S fans might object to Peter Allen's knockabout, mincing Pirate King and others might feel that Alexander Oliver's Fred is a little too old for forty – let alone twenty-one! However, no-one will complain about Keith Michell's superb rendering of Major General Stanley. The costumes are attractive and the movie follows G&S faithfully, although two or three lines have been cut. And that's about all I can say on the credit side. Lined up on the negative are Derek Chason's flat lighting, the Poverty Row sets and Rod Greenberg's direction. In fact to say that the direction was less than competent would be a kindness, although Greenberg may have been harried by producer Judith de Paul to make it fast and never mind suggestions by the players or objections by the crew. Available on a superb Acorn Media DVD.
Review of The Pirates of Penzance
