Watch The Black Pirate

The Black Pirate is a 1926 silent adventure film starring Douglas Fairbanks as the titular pirate. Filmed in two-tone Technicolor, it was one of the earliest color films and the first color swashbuckler. The film tells the story of a young nobleman (played by Fairbanks) who seeks revenge on the pirates who killed his father. After joining the pirates, he becomes their leader and sets out to hijack a treasure ship.

The film begins with the young nobleman (whose name is never given) being shipwrecked and washed ashore on a deserted island. There, he meets a friendly pirate named MacTavish, who teaches him the ways of piracy. When they are rescued by a passing pirate ship, the nobleman joins their crew and embarks on a life of crime. He quickly proves himself to be a skilled fighter and strategist, and rises through the ranks to become the second-in-command to the fearsome Captain Blackbird (played by Donald Crisp).

The pirates set their sights on a Spanish treasure ship carrying a cargo of gold and jewels. They plan to board the ship at night, overpower the crew, and take the treasure. The nobleman hatches a daring plan to disable the ship's cannons by flooding the gunpowder room. He dons a suit of black armor and paints his face to resemble a skeleton, earning him the name "the Black Pirate".

The plan succeeds, and the pirates board the ship undetected. They fight their way through the crew and seize the treasure, but not before the nobleman falls in love with the captain's daughter, Isobel (played by Billie Dove). The two share a romantic moment before the nobleman is revealed to be a traitor and nearly killed by the rest of the pirates.

In a thrilling climax, the nobleman escapes from the ship and commandeers a small boat. He rescues Isobel from the pirates and takes her back to the deserted island, where they are eventually rescued by a passing ship. The nobleman reveals his true identity as the son of a nobleman, and he and Isobel live happily ever after.

The Black Pirate is a classic example of swashbuckling adventure, with plenty of sword fights, daring stunts, and sea battles. It was one of the most expensive films of its time, with a budget of over $1 million, and it shows in the lavish sets, costumes, and special effects. The use of Technicolor was groundbreaking for the time, and the vibrant colors still look impressive today.

Douglas Fairbanks is charismatic and dashing as the Black Pirate, bringing his trademark athleticism and wit to the role. Billie Dove is beautiful and charming as Isobel, and the two share a believable chemistry that makes their romance all the more engaging. The supporting cast is also strong, with Donald Crisp giving a memorable performance as the ruthless Captain Blackbird.

Overall, The Black Pirate is a thrilling and entertaining adventure film that has stood the test of time. It's a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood and swashbuckling adventure.

The Black Pirate is a 1926 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.