The Pirates of Penzance (1983)

When New York theatrical producer Joseph Papp decided to bring Gilbert and Sullivan to Broadway, he added typically broad, bold strokes to make their singular operetta format meaningful to 1980s audiences. In The Pirates of Penzance, Papp had a story that offered a mixture of potential action and comedy that was less arcane than other G&S chestnuts, which Papp's production underlined by playing up its antic conflict between its hapless, titular pirates and the citizens of Penzance, the Cornish town targeted for plunder. Adding to the new production's mainstream allure was the theatrical debut for erstwhile country-rock siren Linda Ronstadt as the virginal Mabel, along with a plum role for another putative pop heartthrob, Rex Smith, as the "good" pirate, Frederic.

Naturally, such amendments piqued complaints from self-appointed G&S purists, for whom the duo's original satirical edge and theatrical innovation were obscured (if not ossified) by their canon's patina of respectability. Happily, for the rest of us, Papp's cheeky revisions are generally on the money, and this 1983 film version preserves them with unusual fidelity. Instead of opening up his production with location shooting or intricate editing, director Wilford Leach savors the artifice of its stage sets and hokey, colorful costuming, celebrating the genre's proud theatrical legacy.

The cast, meanwhile, tears into the farcical plot with elan, led by Kevin Kline as the Pirate King, a role perfect for his skill at lampooning masculine bravado (not to mention his underexposed, generally strong singing). Broadway veteran George Rose proves the very model of the modern Major-General Stanley, and Angela Lansbury, added to the film's cast for marquee value, again shows her mettle as the ditzy maid, Ruth. Ronstadt justifies Papp's gamble, having trained rigorously to meet Sullivan's acrobatic melodies--indeed, this project marked her commitment to grow beyond rock, confirmed with her subsequent exploration of classic pop with arranger-conductor Nelson Riddle. --Sam Sutherland Amazon.com

The best 'Pirates' version I've ever seen, for television

There was much controversy over the release and re-broadcast of this version, with Ronstadt playing Mabel. While the rest of the title cast (Kline, Rose, Smith, etc.) were marvelous, Ronstadt was selected to play Mabel for her "star" status at the time - and the raw outlook, that she was a country-western singer, NOT an opera or classical voice. Apparently she had worked for many weeks prior to shooting Pirates in order to enhance and "ready" the soprano she needed to portray Mabel. Not an easy feat, as she is no classical soprano. Through most of the chorus songs, and her solos, her lyrics are quite muddy, and you will notice during the round of 'Poor Wandering One' her inevitable country 'twang' seeps in, but is ALMOST rescued by a genuine sweeping soprano lyric.

However, her redemption at the ending of 'Poor' really gives you chills, a well done orchestrated coloratura she nails - as I've never heard ANY prior or latter version out do what she was required to accomplish as Mabel. Those incredible 'licks' she "teases" with the piccolo, and up to the encore high F at the very end.

As everyone else has previously commented, Kevin Kline was masterful as the bumbling Pirate King. Kline agreed to fulfill this role in his essence of once again returning to the Broadway stage in effort to create something broad, comical, and physical in humor. And that feat he certainly accomplished. Especially the musical scene in 'It Really Doesn't Matter'. His facial expressions, and running out of breath as he "faints"....priceless. Lansbury was equally wonderful as the long-repressed Ruth, secretly in love with her 'ward' Frederick....alas.

The huge disappointment with the CD release....it is not Lansbury's voice you hear as Ruth, but actress Estelle Parsons, whom Lansbury replaced for the film version. Her lyrics are even muddier than Ronstadt's and not nearly as delightful as Lansbury's voice.

But overall, I highly recommend this movie for ANYONE. Ronstadt and Smith have undeniable romantic chemistry together, and George Rose and Kevin Kline play marvelously off each other during the Major General song. November 30, 2008

Pirates VHS

No problems with delivery, arrived quickly and in good time. Sender was very helpful and willing to assist with or correct any possible problems. I'd buy from them again anytime. October 27, 2008

Hurrah for the Pirate King!

I love Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, and most of all, The Pirates of Penzance. This rendition captures all the comic enthusiasm G&S could ask for. The sets keep the stage performance feel, with a wider scope. Of course the main glory of this production is the fabulous performances, especially that of Kevin Kline, who is the perfect Pirate King. Linda Ronstadt proves her abilities in the difficult singing role of Mabel, and Rex Smith is a charming young Frederick, balancing his innocence and sense of duty. George Rose is a marvelous major general and Angela Lansbury does quite well as the deceptive nurse-turned-pirate Ruth. All in all, it is completely entertaining. The singing is wonderful, the scenes are lovely, and the little liberties taken with the plot (such as the storming of the theatre playing another G&S production) only add the the fun. This VHS version is far superior in sound and filming to the stage film available on DVD. It should definitely be put on DVD. October 12, 2008

BE WARNED: NOT THE DVD ADVERTISED

Potential buyers should be warned that this is not a DVD version of the made-for-film production that includes Angela Landsbury in the cast, though her name certainly appears on the box cover in the advertisement, the product description, and the reviews. It appears that none of the reviewers actually own a DVD copy of this film, and are therefore commenting on a different production than the one being sold (which I already own). As I remember, the production being sold here has sound issues, and the volume fades in and out. Nonetheless, "Hyacinth Bucket" gives a very strong performance as the foolish nursery maid, and the production has other appealing features to collectors. August 5, 2008

Avoid confusion with this title

There is a lot of confusion in the reviews of this movie, and the reason is simple, there are 2 films with he same name and almost the same cast. There is a version which is the film of the broadway stage show, which I have not seen, but lots of people who have say its pretty horrible (the film and sound, not the actual broadway production which most people think was excellent). Then there is another version which is made on a soundstage with simple sets. The later version is, in my opinion, excellent. The singing is great, the acting is great (in this style), and the cast looks like there are having a great time. So there you have it, if you see a bad review, it is probably the film of the stageshow, and if you see a great review, it is probably a review of the soundstage version.

Now for the down side, the good verion (which you can pick by the fact it has Angela Lansbury playing Ruth), is at the time of writing this review not availbale on DVD. So, if you get a DVD it will be the crappy version. You can get the good version on VHS. July 28, 2008

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