SYNOPSIS: "Dancing Pirate" is a 1936 American musical comedy film directed by Lloyd Corrigan. It stands out as the third film shot in the three-strip Technicolor process and the first musical to utilize this format. Produced by the same team behind "Becky Sharp," the film was inspired by Emma-Lindsay Squier's action-filled romance story "Glorious Buccaneer," originally published in Colliers Magazine in December 1930, possibly drawing from the tale of Joseph Chapman.

The storyline unfolds in the 1820s and centers on a dance instructor from Boston who finds himself captured by pirates. After escaping their clutches upon landing in Spanish California, he faces mistaken identity when local authorities believe him to be a pirate and sentence him to death. His execution is postponed so he can impart dance lessons to local women. Amidst this unexpected twist, former soldiers turn to banditry, prompting the captive instructor to rally indigenous peoples against their schemes.

PLOT: *Spoiler Alert*: Set in Boston in the 1820s, "Dancing Pirate" tells the story of dance teacher Jonathan Pride (Charles Collins), who is shanghaied by pirates and forced into servitude. During a provisioning stop on the coast of Spanish California, then a part of the Spanish Empire, Jonathan seizes an opportunity to escape, armed only with his umbrella and music box used for dancing lessons.

His arrival on the California coast is misunderstood by a shepherd, who alerts the nearby town, leading to a chaotic response as the excited townspeople mistake Jonathan for a pirate invader. The Alcalde Don Emilio Perena (Frank Morgan) mobilizes the militia, resulting in unintended havoc. Jonathan is later apprehended in the boudoir of the Alcalde's daughter, Serafina (Steffi Duna), and swiftly sentenced to death.

However, upon discovering Jonathan's true profession as a dancing teacher, Serafina and the women of the town intervene, delaying his execution until he teaches them the waltz.

Meanwhile, Serafina's suitor, Don Balthazar (Victor Varconi), a disgraced former captain seeking to marry Serafina and plunder the town with his men, plans to secretly eliminate Jonathan. Jonathan seizes another chance to escape and rallies the local indigenous people, teaching them a spirited war dance that they use with their lassoes to capture the ex-soldiers turned bandits.

In a dramatic climax, Don Balthazar challenges Jonathan to a sword duel, but Jonathan, using his clever dancing skills and umbrella, triumphs over him and secures his freedom.

PRODUCTION: "Dancing Pirate," released in 1936, was produced by Merian C. Cooper and directed by Lloyd Corrigan. It stands as an early milestone in the use of three-strip Technicolor in cinema, revolutionizing the portrayal of musical and dance sequences with its vibrant colors. The film capitalized on the burgeoning popularity of musicals in the 1930s, blending spectacle with storytelling.

The cast introduced Charles Collins in a leading role, alongside Rita Hayworth, a member of The Royal Cansino Dancers. Notably, future First Lady Pat Nixon and Marjorie Reynolds also showcased their talents as dancers in the production. Their performances added dynamic energy to the film's musical numbers.

A standout feature of "Dancing Pirate" was its use of three-strip Technicolor, which enhanced the film's costumes, sets, and dance sequences with vibrant hues and intricate details. This technological innovation marked a significant advancement in cinematic presentation, especially in the depiction of dance on screen.

"Dancing Pirate" contributed to the popularity of musical films during Hollywood's Golden Age. By blending historical romance with musical spectacle, the film offered audiences escapism and entertainment during the 1930s. It also served as a platform for emerging talents like Rita Hayworth, who later became a Hollywood icon.

RELEASE: "Dancing Pirate," released in 1936, made a significant impact distinguished itself with its vibrant visual appeal, particularly in its Technicolor sequences that showcased dance numbers featuring Charles Collins and Steffi Duna. Critics, including Variety, praised these sequences as a "visual delight," underscoring their role in enhancing the film's charm and entertainment value.

Frank Morgan's performance in "Dancing Pirate" garnered acclaim for its ability to blend humor and depth, adding richness to the film's comedic and romantic elements. His portrayal contributed significantly to the narrative's appeal, foreshadowing his later iconic role in "The Wizard of Oz" (1939).

While "Dancing Pirate" may not have attained the enduring fame of some of its contemporaries, its technological innovation and engaging storyline solidified its reputation as a noteworthy production during Hollywood's Golden Age. The film's reception underscored its pivotal role in advancing cinematic techniques, offering audiences a visually captivating experience that set new standards for color cinematography.

Beyond its technical achievements, "Dancing Pirate" contributed to the era's fascination with musicals and historical romances. Its release provided audiences with escapism and entertainment amidst the challenges of the Great Depression, showcasing Hollywood's ability to transport viewers to worlds of glamour and spectacle.

In retrospect, "Dancing Pirate" remains a testament to Hollywood's innovative spirit during a transformative period in film history. Its use of three-strip Technicolor and engaging narrative continue to highlight its place as a milestone in cinematic achievement, reflecting the era's optimism and creativity in filmmaking.

CAST:

• Charles Collins as Pierre La Farge

• Steffi Duna as Consuelo / Isabella

• Frank Morgan as Baldu

• Victor Varconi as Don Balthazar

• Luis Alberni as Dominique

• Jack La Rue as Pablo

• Alma Real as Blanca

• William V. Mong as Tecolote

• Mitchell Lewis as Pirate Chief

• Julian Rivero as Shepherd

• John Eberts as Mozo

• The Royal Cansino Dancers

CREW:

• Director: Lloyd Corrigan

• Producer: Merian C. Cooper, John Speaks

• Writers: Ray Harris, Francis Edward Faragoh (screenplay), Jack Wagner, Boris Ingster (adaptation), Emma-Lindsay Squier (story)

• Cinematographer: William V. Skall

• Editor: Archie Marshek

• Music: Alfred Newman, Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart (songs)

• Art Director: Wird Ihnen

  
  Production Company: Pioneer Pictures
  Distributor: Majestic RKO Radio PicturesRelease Date: May 22, 1936
  Country of Origin: United States
  Running Time: 83 minutes
  Budget: $500,000
  Box Office Return: $1 million

  
  

  IMDB Rating =  5.2 / 10

  
  

  TRIVIA:

• "Dancing Pirate" was the third feature film released in three-strip Technicolor. For many years, it was believed to no longer exist in this format, with only incomplete 35mm negatives and 16mm prints in the two-color Cinecolor process known to survive. However, a complete 35mm nitrate Technicolor print was discovered in 2015.

• Although the U.S. copyright to "Dancing Pirate" was not renewed, the film is based on the 1930 novella "Glorious Buccaneer," whose U.S. copyright was renewed and does not expire until 2025.

• "Dancing Pirate" features the first color work of pioneering special effects artist Willis H. O'Brien known for King Kong (1933).

• The earliest documented telecast of "Dancing Pirate" occurred on Monday, February 14, 1944, on New York City's WNBT (Channel 1). It was later shown on television in Los Angeles on September 12, 1948, on KTLA (Channel 5), and in various other cities in subsequent years. These broadcasts were in black and white due to the experimental stage of color television at the time.

  
  

  "Dancing Pirate" remains a notable entry in early Technicolor cinema, celebrated for its visual artistry and memorable dance sequences. Its legacy endures as a testament to Hollywood's innovation and creativity during a transformative era in filmmaking history.