The Sea Hawk (1940)

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

There's a more than satisfactory amount of boom-boom in the movie's trim running time.

This is a rousing epic type movie and for 1940 you sure got your monies worth when you went to the theater to see this. Grab a bite, a friend and some snack and this was a premium night out. How can you miss with Errol Flynn? It also has a nice supporting cast and everyone gives their all for the audience. If all that is not enough, you get some history thrown in too. Whatever the magic that was at work back then is surely gone today with few exceptions. People would flock to the movies to see quality films on big screens but alas they are becoming scarcer and in its stead, cable, streaming and cheap flicks are upon us all. The classics remain however and are perfect for your collection. Include this fine movie. BTW...they define what a 'sea hawk" so relax and ....

My grandfather was a huge fan of adventure films, and counted Errol Flynn films of the genre as some of his favorites. And, like most Flynn films, this one is certainly entertaining.Claude Rains is terrific here, as he always was, and the best thing about this picture, other than Flynn of course. It's not nearly as good as Captain Blood, but still highly entertaining.For me, the film's weakest point is Brenda Marshall, aka Mrs. William Holden. She is pretty enough, but her acting is wooden, so no surprise that she didn't have a very long or substantial acting career. Brenda Marshall is no match for Olivia de Havilland in the talent department, and she certainly didn't have the chemistry with Flynn that de Havilland had.Understandably, Olivia de Havilland wanted to play roles other than ingenues in her career. She was certainly more focused on earning quality roles than Flynn was, which was probably why her resume contains far more variety than his, but I can't watch this film and wonder how much better it would have been had de Havilland been the co-star.

1st watched 1/22/2017,(Dir-Michael Curtiz): Engaging action movie about one Sea Hawk ship, named Albatross, from a fleet working for the English, but not truly commissioned by them. Yes, they are good Pirates!! Errol Flynn plays the captain of the Albatross, who independently trolls the English sea's protecting the country from invaders and those against the Queen. The Spanish are the enemies in this movie as they attempt to take over the world and feel like England is in the way. The Albatross's first capture is of a Spanish ship in the English channel that had English prisoners in the galley manually rowing the huge vessel. A good deed in their eyes, but because one of the passengers was a Spanish ambassador on the way to visit with the Queen -- they were not happy. This is the premise setting up a swashbuckler adventure scanning from England to Panama and back again eventually. The crew of the Albatross, including Alan Hale(The Skipper from Gilligan's Island's dad), are captured and eventually are sent to the galleys as well, but the Captain will not let things stay this way. This movie was much more in-depth than I expected it to be -- with more of an epic feel, and the romance was downplayed letting the action take center stage. An unexpected gem for this early action film with the usually good Michael Curtiz taking the helm, and the appealing Error Flynn holding the fort.

English privateer Errol Flynn is betrayed by a traitorous countryman and captured by the Spanish, who don't take kindly to his acts of piracy against their ships. Flynn still finds time for romance, though, with pretty Spanish royal Brenda Marshall. Another great teaming of Errol Flynn and director Michael Curtiz. This may not rank up there with Robin Hood or Captain Blood, but it's still very entertaining. Brenda Marshall is very pretty but no Olivia de Havilland. Flora Robson is fun as Queen Elizabeth. Claude Rains is never bad. The rest of the cast is made up of reliable WB contract players like Alan Hale and Donald Crisp. Really good lineup. Solid swashbuckler that fans of Errol Flynn should love.