As a young child, Frederic had been apprenticed to a pirate by mistake when he should have been apprenticed to a pilot. Now, having reached his 21st year, Frederic's indentures are at last over and he happily leaves the service of the pirates. When Frederic meets the beautiful Mabel, one of the many daughters (or wards in Chancery) of Major-General Stanley, they fall in love and decide to marry. However, complications arise when the pirates decide to marry the rest of the Major-General's daughters, themselves - and Frederic's birthdate turns out to be not all it seems.
Frederic, a young man apprenticed to a band of pirates, completes his term and declares his intention to join the forces of law and order. However, he falls instantly in love with Mabel, the ward of the Pirate King. A misunderstanding regarding his apprenticeship, due to his being born on February 29th, complicates his attempts to leave the pirate life and pursue his love.
The 1983 film adaptation of 'The Pirates of Penzance' was met with a generally positive reception, appreciated for its vibrant performances and faithful rendition of Gilbert and Sullivan's classic operetta. Critics often highlighted the comedic timing and musical prowess of the cast, particularly Kevin Kline and Angela Lansbury, while acknowledging its theatrical roots.
Google audience: Audience reviews often praise the film's humor, the excellent singing and acting, and the faithful adaptation of the original stage production. Some viewers find it a bit too theatrical and less cinematic than expected, but overall it's seen as a delightful and entertaining musical.
Angela Lansbury, who plays the modern-day Ruth, had previously played Mabel in a 1960 Broadway revival of 'The Pirates of Penzance'.
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