THE BLACK PIRATE (1926) – Fairbanks starred as the Duke of Arnoldo aka the Black Pirate in this high seas adventure that captured the feel of Rafael Sabatini’s novels and the look of Howard Pyle’s artwork of the Golden Age of Piracy. The seizing, plundering and destruction of treasure-laden ships has rarely looked so stunning.
While pursuing his career of piracy, our hero is simultaneously looking for revenge on the pirate captain who killed his father. The Black Pirate features some of Doug’s best action set pieces since his 1920 classic The Mark of Zorro – all manner of sword fights, including with two swords at once, swinging from the ship’s ropes, seizing a prize ship literally single handed and more.
Fairbanks even imitated his own “slash and ride down a tapestry” stunt from Robin Hood, this time slashing and riding down a sail during an action scene. Ultimately, the Black Pirate gets revenge and saves a beautiful noblewoman from a fate worse than death.
Billie Dove played Princess Isobel, but Douglas’ real-life wife Mary Pickford did an uncredited cameo as the character for the final passionate kiss with our hero.
FOR THE OTHER SILENT SWASHBUCKLER FILMS OF SUPERSTAR DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS CLICK HERE.
Sill got some old Sabatini novels.
Your writing often puts me in mind of him!
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Logged, thank you very much!
AHOY—–I HAVE FOUND YOU AT LAST! PREPARE YOURSELF….ON GUARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL! There ya go!
Fascinating as always. I have never heard about the silent film “The Black Pirate” before but your review has given me reasons to check it out. I have always enjoyed classic swashbuckling movies about pirates. This post brought to my mind great movies about pirates I have seen and loved. For instance, it reminded me of the movie “Thugs of Hindostan”.
Thanks! And that sounds like a great Bollywood movie!
Now you’re talking! Douglas Fairbanks and Errol Flynn are my fave swashbuckling film stars. Fairbanks obviously the first and greatest, the template and high mark for all adventure movie leads. Man I am glad you carry yhe torch for these excellent silent films!
Very kind words, Capn! I agree about Doug and Errol. I’ve reviewed the swashbuckler movies of their sons Doug Junior and Sean Flynn but still need to tackle Errol’s long list of them.
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Logged, thanks!
I looked closely at all three illustrations on this page and as many of the same that I could find on Google. He doesn’t look Black.
LOL! No, he doesn’t at that!
A great post! I can totally understand why Douglas’ real-life wife stood in for that passionate kiss; I wouldn’t want anyone doing that with my husband, either!
Thank you! Yes, I guess she didn’t want to take any chances!
i don’t know this movie. thanks for sharing. have a nice day!
Thanks! You have a nice day, too!