The Pirates of Blood River

Who knew that famed horror purveyor Hammer Studios also went in for the occasional pirate flick? In fact, Hammer made films from all different genres, but even if the studio hadn't become known for its dabbling in Draculaniana and other diabolical entertainments "The Pirates of Blood River" would still be a standout.

First, there's the fact that this is a pirate movie without any shipboard action -- or rather, very little; just a scene in which we meet Captain LaRoche in his swank quarters after a young fellow named Jonathon (Kerwin Mathews) is brought aboard.

The story is twisty and more than a little purple, and how we end up in Capt. LaRoche's quarters is hardly a straight line. Jonathan is the son of Jason Standing (Andrew Keir), the leader of a hidden colony of Huguenots (!!) who, having fled persecution, have settled in a tropical paradise called Devon Island. The colony's culture of liberty has slid into one of theocratic dictatorship and fear -- you know how that goes -- and Jonathon's flirtations with a married woman has been enough to get him exiled to a penal settlement and a life of hard labor. This is all prelude to the escape attempt that inexplicably drops Jonathon into the company of a group of pirates who happen to be in the area.

LaRoche silkily insinuates himself into Jonathon's trust, promising that he will get the young man back home again and insisting he wants nothing more than a safe harbor on the overlooked island. Of course, when his deeper motivations surface they include rape and pillage, and the colony is soon in a desperate state. Long-held secrets boil to the surface in much the same way as the piranhas do in the local ponds and rivers (hence the title, I guess). It's a jaunty romp that combines camp with melodrama. Jonathan, throwing in with the home team, has "Route 66" actor Glenn Corbett on his side, while Capt. LaRoche has got the likes of Michael Ripper and Oliver Reed among the ranks of his always-brawling crew. Among the highlights: A blindfolded duel with swords; a pitched battle in which fleeing men are crushed by an improbable number of hastily-chopped falling trees; and a riverside last stand between the Huguenots and the pirates.

The movie is insanely entertaining, and so is the commentary track, in which film historian Marcus Hearn moderates a discussion with two of the film's crew -- screenwriter Jimmy Sangster and art director Don Mingaye. The flows chat about the production, Hammer Studios, the cast (many of whom wheel a de facto repertory group with the studio), and famously grumpy director John Gilling.

Other extras include an isolated music track and the original theatrical trailer, as well as essayist Julie Kirgo's tongue-in-cheek liner notes.

"The Pirates of Blood River"
Blu-ray
$29.95
https://www.twilighttimemovies.com/pirates-of-blood-river-the-blu-ray