The Crimson Pirate

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The Crimson Pirate

1952

1h 44m

Adventure

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100%

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13 Reviews

83%

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2,500+ Ratings

Capt. Vallo (Burt Lancaster), the leader of a roving band of pirates, hijacks a ship filled with expensive cargo. When a crew member (Leslie Bradley) tells him the ship was bound for an island whose inhabitants have risen up against the king, Vallo hatches a scheme to sell guns to the rebels and take their leader in for a reward. But once Vallo and his lieutenant, Ojo (Nick Cravat), are on the island, their plans change when they meet Consuelo (Eva Bartok) and the other resistance fighters.

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

It proudly displays almost every corsair cliché, while Lancaster and his mute henchman Ojo employ plenty of gymnastics and playful forms of comical daredevilry.

Rated: 6/10

Aug 18, 2020

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

A pirate film to treasure.

Rated: A

Mar 28, 2020

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Clyde Gilmour

Maclean's Magazine

An enjoyable burlesque of buccaneer action mellerdrammers. Burt Lancaster and Nick Cravat have the time of their lives as a pair of acrobatic sea-devils, and William Alwyn's rollicking musical score offers incidental pleasure.

Oct 21, 2019

Full Review

Charles Cassady

Common Sense Media

Carnival-like 1950s pirate yarn is fun for all.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 15, 2010

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Michael E. Grost

Classic Film and Television

Light-hearted pirate spoof, with brilliant color and unusual science fiction elements.

Jul 6, 2010

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 3/5

Jun 30, 2005

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Liam D

Robert Siodmak (The Spiral Staircase) delivers an stylish direction to an fun adventure movie with solid action sequences and an charismatic lead in Burt Lancaster (Sorry, Wrong Number)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/06/25

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Bradford S

This may be a perfect pirate movie. Heroic swashbuckling captain, funny and lively first mate, perfect crew...vs...excellent bad guy and his establishment. You will cheer for Captain Vallo and first mate Ojo vs the evil Baron Gruda. Their acrobatics (Burt Lancaster did his own stunts) are amazing. A beautiful love interest, and perhaps the first example of "A Team" gadget building utilizing an eccentric academic. The colors are lush, the setting is beautiful, the sets are amazing and the acting is top notch. If you are a fan of Pirates of the Caribbean, this is a must see. If you are a fan of Technicolor, this is a prime example. Plus there's the chance to see Christopher Lee in an early role.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/28/25

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alan g

A lot of fun. Burt flexes his muscles literally.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/11/24

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Austin B

Lancaster incredible. They don't make them like this anymore.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/10/24

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Steve D

A lot of fun only for Lancaster.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/05/24

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Audience Member

Fun, action packed acrobatic movie from my childhood. It was still fun.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/01/22

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Robert Siodmak

Director

Burt Lancaster

Capt. Vallo (The Crimson Pirate)

Nick Cravat

Ojo

Eva Bartok

Consuelo

Torin Thatcher

Humble Bellows

Christopher Lee

Joseph (attache)

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Synopsis

Capt. Vallo (Burt Lancaster), the leader of a roving band of pirates, hijacks a ship filled with expensive cargo. When a crew member (Leslie Bradley) tells him the ship was bound for an island whose inhabitants have risen up against the king, Vallo hatches a scheme to sell guns to the rebels and take their leader in for a reward. But once Vallo and his lieutenant, Ojo (Nick Cravat), are on the island, their plans change when they meet Consuelo (Eva Bartok) and the other resistance fighters.

Director: Robert Siodmak
Producer: Harold Hecht, Burt Lancaster
Screenwriter: Roland Kibbee
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Home Vídeo
Production Co: Warner Brothers
Genre: Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 27, 1952, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 1, 2012
Runtime: 1h 44m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.37:1)

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