Movie spotlight
The Pirates of Penzance
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. Filmed live from the 1985 Stratford Festival in Ontario.
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Plot Summary
Frederic, a young pirate's ward, believes his indentured servitude is over, only to discover his birthday falls on February 29th, meaning he must serve until 1907. He falls in love with Mabel, the Major-General's daughter, but his sense of duty to the Pirate King complicates their romance and leads to comical encounters with the constabulary.
Critical Reception
This adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta was met with generally positive reviews, praised for its vibrant performances and faithful adaptation of the beloved stage musical. Critics often highlighted the energy of the cast and the playful humor, though some found the film slightly too stagey.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its energetic and charming performances, particularly from Kevin Kline.
Appreciated for capturing the whimsical spirit and musicality of the original Gilbert and Sullivan operetta.
Some noted that the film retained a strong theatrical quality, which may not appeal to all filmgoers.
Google audience: Audiences enjoyed the film's musical numbers and the comedic performances, finding it a delightful and faithful adaptation of the classic operetta. Many appreciated the visual spectacle and the lively interpretation of the well-known songs.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in Australia, specifically in Port Douglas, Queensland, which provided a picturesque backdrop for the pirate adventures.
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