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The Spanish Main Review<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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\u2019s greed. However, Van Horn and other prisoners manage to escape. Naturally, they turn to piracy, especially since Don Alvarado controls the Caribbean seas.<\/p>\n
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 fianc\u00e9e ends up on the same ship as Barracuda. It\u2019s quite obvious who she\u2019ll prefer.<\/p>\n
Our heroine, Francisca, encounters a mysterious sailor on her ship. She\u2019s intrigued by his appearance, wondering if her fianc\u00e9 will be as good-looking. However, the sailor insults her ideals and is punished for it. Soon, Barracuda\u2019s men capture the ship, and upon discovering Francisca\u2019s 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\u2019s a valuable pawn against Alvarado.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s plans involving Francisca, and there\u2019s 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\u2019d rather be with Van Horn and devises a plan to save him. Sword fights ensue, and the \u2018good\u2019 guys inevitably win.<\/p>\n
Overall Thoughts<\/p>\n
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\u2019s not his best work. Maureen O\u2019Hara is brilliant as the spirited Francisca, making even the most absurd lines believable. The film\u2019s over-the-top dialogue will make you cringe and laugh, often at the same time.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Content Note: While not officially rated, it would likely be PG for innuendo, misogyny, and violence.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s your take on The Spanish Main? Share your thoughts below…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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