The Devil Ship Pirates (1964)

In 1588, a privateer ship sailing under the flag of the Spanish Armada puts in for repairs off the coast of England. But after the repairs, its Captain (Christopher Lee) and his men have no intention of returning to the Armada but instead sailing to the Indies and their former lives as pirates. To this end, they tell the secluded villagers that Spain has defeated England and is now under Spanish rule. This pedestrian Hammer swashbuckler offers no surprises but it manages to entertain without embarrassing itself though the acting leaves a lot to be desired. The film has a rich look to it that belies its low budget status, Michael Reed's (ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE) thoughtful camera work a major factor in this as well as the art direction and costumes. As far as the film's alliances, both the English and the Spanish come off looking stupid but the film's female characters carry the brunt of the inanity. Directed by Don Sharp (BRIDES OF FU MANCHU). With Andrew Keir, John Cairney, Suzan Farmer, Barry Warren and Natasha Pyne.