The Spanish Main Review
The Spanish Main is a 1945 swashbuckler film that tells the story of a Dutch sea captain named Laurent Van Horn who becomes a pirate to seek revenge on an evil viceroy who wronged him. It all kicks off when Van Horn’s ship is wrecked off the coast of Colombia. Hoping for aid, he turns to Don Alvarado, the Spanish Viceroy, only to be imprisoned out of the viceroy’s greed. However, Van Horn and other prisoners manage to escape. Naturally, they turn to piracy, especially since Don Alvarado controls the Caribbean seas.
Fast forward five years, and we see Don Alvarado eagerly awaiting his bride. Meanwhile, the notorious pirate known as Barracuda has been causing havoc on the seas, much to the vexation of Don Alvarado. Ironically, his fiancée ends up on the same ship as Barracuda. It’s quite obvious who she’ll prefer.
Our heroine, Francisca, encounters a mysterious sailor on her ship. She’s intrigued by his appearance, wondering if her fiancé will be as good-looking. However, the sailor insults her ideals and is punished for it. Soon, Barracuda’s men capture the ship, and upon discovering Francisca’s identity, he kidnaps her to further his vendetta against Don Alvarado. To save lives, Francisca agrees to marry Barracuda, hoping he will spare the ship and its passengers. He accepts because she’s a valuable pawn against Alvarado.
Their wedding night remains unconsummated as Van Horn attempts to show a more gentlemanly side compared to his earlier brash behavior. Other pirates are unhappy with Van Horn’s plans involving Francisca, and there’s also jealousy from Anne Bonny, who amusingly challenges Francisca to a duel. Romance blossoms as Francisca realizes Van Horn is more honorable than he appears, and Don Alvarado is far worse in comparison. She decides she’d rather be with Van Horn and devises a plan to save him. Sword fights ensue, and the ‘good’ guys inevitably win.
Overall Thoughts
What makes The Spanish Main enjoyable are the performances. Paul Henreid, known for his roles in “Now, Voyager” and “Casablanca,” adds charm to his romantic pirate character, though it’s not his best work. Maureen O’Hara is brilliant as the spirited Francisca, making even the most absurd lines believable. The film’s over-the-top dialogue will make you cringe and laugh, often at the same time.
The film does have its downsides, notably its outdated and sexist script. Viewing it in the context of its time, some moments can be overlooked. Anne Bonny’s scenes sparring with Francisca add a bit of campy fun. If you enjoy romantic swashbucklers, The Spanish Main is worth a watch in all its technicolor splendor, but don’t take it too seriously.
Where to Watch: You can rent or buy The Spanish Main on Amazon Prime, iTunes, or on DVD. The movie also occasionally airs on TCM.
Content Note: While not officially rated, it would likely be PG for innuendo, misogyny, and violence.
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