The Buccaneer (1958)

During the war of 1812, Louisiana buccaneer Jean Lafitte assists the Americans in defending New Orleans against the attacking British war fleet.

Director:

Anthony Quinn

Writers:

Harold Lamb, Jesse Lasky Jr. (as Jesse L. Lasky Jr.)

Stars:

Yul Brynner, Claire Bloom, Charles Boyer

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Yul Brynner	...	Jean Lafitte
Claire Bloom	...	Bonnie Brown
Charles Boyer	...	Dominique You
Inger Stevens	...	Annette Claiborne
Henry Hull	...	Ezra Peavey
E.G. Marshall	...	Gov. William Claiborne
Charlton Heston	...	Gen. Andrew Jackson
Lorne Greene	...	Mercier
Ted de Corsia	...	Capt. Rumbo
Douglass Dumbrille	...	Collector of the Port
Robert F. Simon	...	Capt. Brown
Sir Lancelot	...	Scipio
Fran Jeffries	...	Cariba - Mawbee Girl
John Dierkes	...	Deacon
Ken Miller	...	Young Sentry

Storyline

During the War of 1812 against the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland: General Andrew Jackson has only 1,200 men left to defend New Orleans when he learns that a British fleet will arrive with 60 ships and 16,000 men to take the city. In this situation an island near the city becomes strategically important to both parties, but it's inhabited by the last big buccaneer: Jean Lafitte. Although Lafitte never attacks American ships, the governor hates him for selling merchandise without taxes - and is loved by the citizens for the same reason. When the big fight gets nearer, Lafitte is drawn between the fronts. His heart belongs to America, but his people urge him to join the party that's more likely to win.

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Plot Keywords:

musket | barataria bay louisiana | louisiana territory | bayou | begins with historical notes | 

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Taglines:

Yul Brynner and Charlton Heston in a Cecil B. DeMille spectacular!

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | History | Romance | War

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Anthony Quinn played the role of Beluche in The Buccaneer (1938). In this remake, he was the film's director. In fact, this was his only effort as a director. He got it mainly because he was Cecil B. DeMille's son-in-law.

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Goofs

Andrew Jackson appears as he looked at the time of his Presidency: 62 years of age and white haired, just as on the twenty dollar bill. At the time of the Battle of New Orleans he was not yet 48 y/o, and he still had his original red hair.

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Quotes

Jean Lafitte: [Frowning] Annette, you are the governor's daughter. Think what would happen if you were found here, in the arms of a pirate!
Annette Claiborne: [Breathless] Don't ask me to think, Jean. Kiss me instead!

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Alternate Versions

Anthony Quinn, in his only outing as film director, had his cut of the picture received warmly by preview audiences, but his executive producer/father-in-law Cecil B. DeMille substantially re-edited the movie anyway. Quinn's version has not been seen since.

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Connections

Referenced in Guns for Hire: The Making of 'The Magnificent Seven' (2000)

User Reviews

Historical movie about Jean LaFitte's aid to New Orleans during the War of 1812.

This movie has great stars in their earlier years: Ingor Stevens never looked prettier; Yul Brynner was a very convincing Jean LaFitte, conflicted about his piracy and desiring to keep neutrality with the United States. Charlton Heston did a pretty good job as Andrew Jackson, but some moments were a bit stilted. It's really a good flick for students to learn that part of our history, AND it shows that all happy endings do NOT include the lovers getting together with each other--sometimes the happier ending is that they sail away and find partners of similar background who will understand them better in the long run. I have viewed it every year at least twice for 16 years now; and though it is not the best movie I've ever seen, I love it every time!

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 December 1958 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Buccaneer

Filming Locations:

New Iberia, Louisiana, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1