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The Sea Hawk (1940)
Released By: Warner Home Video   Rating: N/A   In Theaters: N/A
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Studio: Warner Home Video
Genre: Action-Adventure
MPAA Rating: N/A
Director: Michael Curtiz
Language: English
Official Website: N/A
Theatrical Release: N/A
Home Video Release: N/A
Cast: Alan Hale, Claude Rains, Donald Crisp, Errol Flynn
Published ID: 649330
UPC: 012569522923,
Plot: In the 1580s, the Sea Hawks -- the name given to the bold privateers who prowl the oceans taking ships and treasure on behalf the British crown -- are the most dedicated defenders of British interests in the face of the expanding power of Philip of Spain. And Captain Geoffrey Thorpe (Errol Flynn) is the boldest of the Sea Hawks, responsible for capturing and destroying more than 50 Spanish ships and ten Spanish cities. His capture of a Spanish galleon, however, leads to more than he bargained for, in a romance with the ambassador's niece (Brenda Marshall) and the first whiff of a plan to put Spanish spies into the court of Elizabeth I (Flora Robson). Thorpe's boldness leads him to a daring raid on a treasure caravan in Panama which, thanks to treachery within Elizabeth's court, gets him captured and, with his crew, sentenced to the life of a slave aboard a Spanish ship. Meanwhile, Philip of Spain decides to wipe the threat posed by Elizabeth's independence from the sea by conquering the island nation with his armada. Thorpe, though chained to an oar, knows who the traitor at court is and plans to expose him and Philip's plans, but can he and his men break their bonds and get back to England alive in time to thwart the plans for conquest? The Sea Hawk was the last and most mature of Flynn's swashbuckling adventure films, played with brilliant stylistic flourishes by the star at his most charismatic, and most serious and studied when working with Flora Robson, whom he apparently genuinely respected. Boasting the handsomest, most opulent production values of a Warner Bros. period film to date, The Sea Hawk was made possible in part by a huge new floodable soundstage. Another highlight was the best adventure film score ever written by Erich Wolfgang Korngold; and the script's seriousness was nailed down by various not-so-veiled references not to 16th century Spain but 20th century Nazi Germany. The movie was cut by over 20 minutes for a reissue with The Sea Wolf, and the complete version was lost until a preservation-quality source was found at the British Film Institute. Since then, that 128-minute version -- which actually contains a one-minute patriotic speech by Robson as Elizabeth that was originally left out of U.S. prints, as well as amber tinting in all of the Panamanian sequences -- has become standard. ~ Bruce Eder, All Movie Guide
IDDateTimeTitleReviewHelpfulVotesTotalVotes
Classic Vintage Hollywood Adventure
Added 11/12/2009

"The Sea Hawk" is one of the great adventure films from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Solid film making all around: great cast, outstanding cinematography, rousing Korngold score. The DVD transfer is virtually pristine for a 1940 film. The Panamanian scenes change from the traditional B&W and play in a softer sepia tone which adds another dimension to the movie. My only disappointment is the lack of extras, specifically a commentary.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Flynn chews up the Spanish Fleet--and the rest of the scenery!
Added 9/12/2009

The classic swashbuckler. While Flynn is his usual buckle-swashing self, the performance by the actress (sorry, I've forgotten her name) who plays Queen Elizabeth I is a CLASSIC, very nearly stealing the show. Good, old fashioned fun.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
One of his best.
Added 9/11/2009

Not quite as solid as Captain Blood but still
classic Errol Flynn in top form.

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Some great Swashbuckling and lovin
Added 8/4/2009

I have been a huge Errol Flynn fan since I saw my very first swashbuckling movie. This version of Sea Hawk was very nicely re-done. It appears to be complete and the picture quality and sound came out very nicely.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
One of the best adventure films ever made!
Added 6/9/2009

The Sea Hawk(1940) is simply put, the way to make a Hollywood adventure film.

Set during the time of Queen Elizabeth the First and the forming of the Spanish armada, the story focuses on a Captain Geoffery Thorpe(Erroyl Flynn) who leads a group of sailors to do battle against Spain who has sights on the destruction of England.

Flynn is in top form and at his charismatic height, backed by his usual team of eccentrics and adventurers(including of course, Alan Hale). He romances the beautiful Brenda Marshall, standing in for Olivia DeHaviland, but being charming and pretty nonetheless.
Claude Rains portrays a dubious Spanish ambassador and performs with great zeal and Henry Daniel is a great villian, even being able to duel with Flynn in one of the best directed sword fights ever filmed.
Flor Robson is a very likeable Queen, with a crush on Flynn and there scenes together are some of the film's highlights.

Director Michael Curtiz makes the epic move at a lightning pace and handles the action effortlessly. His direction being greatly enhanced by the legendary score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold, who adds a certain adventurous flair that will be mucgh imitated in future films.


This print is a lovely remaster and even sports the original Sepia tone tint for the Spanish scene which adds immeasurably to the action and the feel of heat and desperation.

The DVD is blessed with a load of bonus features including Theatrical Trailer and even a Documentary on the making of this classic.

Highly reccomended Adventure film for all ages and a great piece of Cinema for Adventure seekers everywhere.

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Classic Vintage Hollywood Adventure
Added 11/12/2009

"The Sea Hawk" is one of the great adventure films from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Solid film making all around: great cast, outstanding cinematography, rousing Korngold score. The DVD transfer is virtually pristine for a 1940 film. The Panamanian scenes change from the traditional B&W and play in a softer sepia tone which adds another dimension to the movie. My only disappointment is the lack of extras, specifically a commentary.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Flynn chews up the Spanish Fleet--and the rest of the scenery!
Added 9/12/2009

The classic swashbuckler. While Flynn is his usual buckle-swashing self, the performance by the actress (sorry, I've forgotten her name) who plays Queen Elizabeth I is a CLASSIC, very nearly stealing the show. Good, old fashioned fun.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
One of his best.
Added 9/11/2009

Not quite as solid as Captain Blood but still
classic Errol Flynn in top form.

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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