Review of Captain Blood (1935) by John A — 02 Jun 2009

A trifling entertainment, to be sure, but a great one at that. The film really picks up steam in its second half as former doctor Blood seemingly casts off all principles and becomes a pirate. Flynn is dashing in the lead role, de Haviland never looked more beautiful, and Rathbone is wonderfully villainous in his small but significant role.

Curtiz frames the action well, while the rousing sword fights and raging sea battles gain momentum throughout the film.