A High Wind in Jamaica

An excellent adaptation of Richard Hughes' novel. Quinn and Coburn have never been better, and they are well-served by a fine supporting cast. Evil has never been more banal than it is in this fine film.

... and that's really the point -- not "evil is banal." To explain what I mean would require a spoiler. Suffice to suggest that if you watch this, you pay close attention to Captain Chavez's face in the courtroom scenes. I do recommend this movie highly, by the way. Coburn and Quinn really are excellent in it, and Hughes's adaptation of his own novel is also excellent. It's a little slower than the standard pirate fare, but much, much more realistic.

I first saw this film as a child, and was surprised that I remembered so much of it over 30 years later. It is an unusual story of children who end up on a pirate ship by a quirk, and their relationship with the pirates, who regard them as unlucky. Which turns out to be true, in an unforeseen way. Anthony Quinn, as pirate captain, is superb, as are all the cast, especially the actress playing Emily, the oldest child. Forget any preconceived ideas you might have about the plot. This is a haunting, unforgettable story.

I had never even heard of this movie before. Probably wouldn't have watched it...but it was on AMC tonight and nothing else was on. I'm glad I didn't miss this one; this movie is very close to what "real" pirates, corsairs and privateers were like in their waning days. Of course there is a bit of artistic license, but the makeup of the crew, the scenes at the Port of Tampico, and the general feel of the film make it good fare, considering the constraints put on motion pictures in the year it was made. Many things implied, and understood behind the PG-rated facade of most scenes. The acting I found very good, the actors showed their contempt, inhumanity, decency, evil etc. (the facial expressions and acting of the madam in Tampico shows the ugliness behind the gilded facade beautifully) without having to "talk down" to the audience. Overall a very pleasant surprise for me, and I won't miss this one the next time it's on.