The Spanish Main (1945)

Blown off course by a hurricane, a Dutch ship carrying pilgrims crashes on the rocks of the Cartagena coast in the Caribbean. When the survivors are imprisoned by the cruel governor (Walter Slezak) of the island, the captain (Paul Henreid) and a few of his men escape and turn pirate bent on revenge on the governor. This routine swashbuckler is notable for its splendid use of three strip Technicolor and indeed, the cinematographer George Barnes (REBECCA) earned a well deserved Oscar nomination for his work. Frank Borzage (A FAREWELL TO ARMS) is at the helm and he seems an odd choice for a sea going yarn. But perhaps no more odd a choice than Henreid who seems ill at ease in the role of swashbuckling pirate. Maureen O'Hara, of course, was made for Technicolor and looks drop dead gorgeous but feisty as her character is, the distaff dueling pyrotechnics are the property of Binnie Barnes as the pirate Queen, Anne Bonney. Still, as handsome a production as it is, one can't help but wish it were just a little more fun. With Nancy Gates, John Emery, Barton MacLane, Jack La Rue and Mike Mazurki.