Complete credited cast: | |||
Errol Flynn | ... | Brian Hawke | |
Maureen O'Hara | ... | Prudence 'Spitfire' Stevens | |
Anthony Quinn | ... | Capt. Roc Brasiliano | |
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Alice Kelley | ... | Princess Patma |
Mildred Natwick | ... | Molvina MacGregor | |
Robert Warwick | ... | Capt. Kidd | |
Harry Cording | ... | Gow | |
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John Alderson | ... | Jonathan Harris |
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Phil Tully | ... | Jones |
Lester Matthews | ... | Sir Cloudsley | |
Tudor Owen | ... | Williams | |
Maurice Marsac | ... | Capt. Moisson | |
James Craven | ... | Capt. Hornsby | |
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James Fairfax | ... | Krukshank - Barber |
In 1700, the pirates of Madagascar menace the India trade; British officer Brian Hawke has himself cashiered, flogged, and set adrift to infiltrate the pirate "republic." There, Hawke meets lovely Spitfire Stevens, a pirate captain in her own right, and the sparks begin to fly; but wooing a pirate poses unique problems. Especially after he rescues adoring young Princess Patma from a captured ship. Meanwhile, Hawke's secret mission proceeds to an action-packed climax. Written by Rod Crawford <puffinus@u.washington.edu>
If you like pirate films, you shouldn't miss this one. "Against All Flags" is not a great film of the genre, but it is entertaining and enjoyable.
It has all the ingredients. Battles at sea, the hero, the villain, the hero's romantic interest, the final sword duel, good settings and color and special effects are very good too (don't forget we are in the early 50's).
I think the cast helps a lot if not for outstanding performances (there are not very demanding roles) but for actors that were symbols in this kind of movie. Errol Flynn -probably the all time swashbuckler- was aging here but he still had his unique screen presence. Maureen O'Hara was often casted in adventure films and her undeniable beauty was always welcome. And Anthony Quinn -not a major star back then, but a classical villain- was on his way.
Pure pirate adventure; no more, but no less.