The Pirates of Penzance Reviews

• A Delightful Romp

  
  By A10RJ73FK600DJ on 1999-03-24
  Unlike a previous reviewer, I am a long-time Gilbert and Sullivan lover who loved this movie--I first saw it some 15 years ago, and I waited for many years for it to come out on video. Needless to say, when I finally bought a VCR, I bought this as soon as I could find it.

  The three key roles in Pirates are the Major General, the Pirate King, and the Sergeant of Police. All are well cast here. Tony Azito has a bit less vocal heft than a true Savoyard would like in the Police Sergeant's role, but he is superb at the physical comedy the role demands. George Rose is a superb Major General (that's, in Anna Russell's immortal phrase, "the little man who prances around and sings the patter song.") Best of all, Kevin Kline turns in a terrific performance as the Pirate King, showing once again what a wonderfully versatile actor he is.

  Of the rest of the cast, Linda Rondstadt and Rex Smith, as the young lovers, are good. As Mabel, Rondstadt's job is primarily to sing with gusto, which she certainly does. G&S purists may be annoyed by Smith's casting as Frederic, since he does not have the pure tenor voice the role calls for, but he acquits himself well in the comic moments.

  All in all, this is a movie to be enjoyed over and over. And for any of you out there who don't like it, a suitable penalty has been prepared. Something with boiling oil in it, I fancy. Yes, boiling oil or molten lead.
  
  

• Almost perfect

  
  By A108A421PC6MH3 on 2002-04-10
  I can't add to much to what others have already said. Too many G&S traditionalists have lost sight of what great fun this piece can be, but this production gets it right! Like others, I'd single out Kevin Klein, Linda Rondstadt, and Tony Azito for special praise. George Rose, a G&S veteran, is also excellent. Other characters are equally good - and especially Mabel's sisters. Although most of the principles are the same as in the Broadway production, one positive move was adding Angela Lansbury to play Ruth

  So, what's not perfect? I have the CD of the Broadway production and it's obvious this video was edited to fit a broadcast time slot. The additions at the end are funny, but it's disappointing that they cut one verse of the Major General's song and several of the prettiest and/or more amusing bits by Mabel and her sisters. I'm even disappointed that they didn't include "Sorry Her Lot", which isn't really from PofP, but is on the Broadway CD and works perfectly in context. I understand why they did it, but I don't have to like it.

  Also, as almost everyone else has said, WHERE'S THE DVD?!? I'm a little better off than most since I have it on a LaserDisc, but a DVD would be more convenient (and besides, I could play it on my computer while I'm working).

  The bottom line... My list of favorite films has remained fairly stable for at least the past decade. Every so often a new film or video comes along to join the top 10, and a few inevitably drop off. However, I can't imagine this production ever droping out of even my top 5.
  
  

• Thank you Rex Smith!

  
  By on 2000-06-30
  I first saw this when Rex Smith was a heart throb. In fact, if it were not for Rex and Linda being in this show, I would not have watched it at all because I was a fan of theirs. Thanks to them, I became introduced to a whole new world: the outrageous world of Gilbert and Sullivan.

  Linda amazes me that she can hit that high note and her innocent facial expressions are to die for!

  I still to this day love Rex Smiths voice in this movie, and it takes me back to the good old days of innocent fandom. Rex Smith updated this movie enough to make it live in the present, even though it was set in the past. He was fresh, innocent and I loved his facial expressions as well!

  Kevin Kline unexpectedly took my breath away. (What a MAN.. at least in this movie)He can kidnap me any day as long as he stays in THIS character role!

  I found myself amazed at Tony Azito's agility which was hilarious and George Rose was fabulous as well. I found myself trying to sing as fast as he could. He almost challenges you to keep up with him and he also wears you out listening to him! A real delight!

  Angela breaks my heart.. because she is SO GOOD! Her charactor is so real that I found myself feeling what her character felt. That is great acting!

  Ok.. so some people don't like Rex (although why? I don't know..), but let me tell you this: If Rex had not been in the lead, many young people of MY day would not have been introduced to Gilbert and Sullivan. That would be the biggest shame of all.
  
  

• Not Classic G&S, but Great, Nonetheless

  
  By AJEG0A9TCG7QJ on 2002-11-21
  This version of 'Penzance' isn't in classic Gilbert and Sullivan style. However, I fully enjoyed it.
  Angela Lansbury plays Ruth very well. She incorporates a Scottish accent, giving her role a very homely and authentic feel. Her voice is superb.
  Kevin Kline's Pirate King probably steals the show. He has a certain wittiness to his role, while at the same time being, plainly, stupid. Probably, he is the funniest out this, all in all, very funny movie.
  George Rose plays Major General Stanley very well also. In his rendition of the perpetual classic, "I am the Very Model of a Modern Major General", he is topped by none other. The version is slightly adapted from Gilbert and Sullivan's original, with a presto-agitato ending flourish.
  As Mabel, Linda Rondstadt has great vocals, reaching every high note perfectly. I noticed, though, her acting skills were highly below par.
  Tony Azito plays a very comical Sergant. His vocals are a bit too nasally and over-comic, but his acting is flawless. All of his movements seem to flow together very well forming a VERY funny carachter.
  All in all, this is probably the best version of 'Pirates' out there. Everything meshes very well. Buy it!!!
  
  

• Not classic G&S, but fun nonetheless!

  
  By on 2001-03-30
  This movie was my introduction to Gilbert and Sullivan when I was a teenager, and while I was already enamoured of musicals at that point I think it's probably one of the best ways that I could've discovered the creations of G&S.

  No, it's not "classic" or "official" G&S, but heaven forbid that anybody should have FUN with a production, eh? I heartily applaud the direction that this movie goes, and absolutely love every minute of it. Kevin Kline is a sublime Pirate King, no matter that he isn't a professional vocalist. Angela Lounsberry is a wonderful Ruth, perfect in character - so who cares if her voice is a little crackly, as it fits the character anyhow? The rest of the cast is great, too... Tony Azito dancing practically boneless as the Police Sergeant was a particular favorite.

  If you want to have fun, enjoy musicals and light opera, and aren't tied to the "traditional," get yourself a copy of this movie!
  
  

• a delightful fairy tale
  By AXLN36UV9KGXD on 2005-04-23
  This is a wonderful performance of a favorite Gilbert & Sullivan musical.
  You will never hear a more gorgeous voiced Frederick than that of Rex Smith.
  Prepare to be dazzled by the athletic dancing and strutting of Kevine Kline as the Pirate King.
  Linda Ronstadt's singing is beauttiful, though at times she seems to garble some of the words a bit.
  Angela Lansbury is charming as nursemaid "Little Ruth." I didn't realize she could dance a bit as well.
  One recommendation: you might also try the DVD version of Pirates, which features Patricia Routledge as Ruth. It is performed live in Central Park, and has a spontaneity that is also a lot of fun.
  
  
  
• The Tarantula Strikes!
  By A38L9BSE6NQNV1 on 2000-04-16
  This film version of director Wilford Leach's famous New York Shakespeare Festival production of PIRATES is sensationally good. Without sacrificing any G&S words or music (indeed, several favorite songs are reprised), this re-orchestration capitalizes on Gilbert's tongue-in-cheek spoofing of Englishness. The all-star cast--George Rose, Angela Lansbury, Kevin Kline, Linda Ronstadt, Rex Smith, and the amazingly rubber-limbed Tony Azito (as the Sergeant of Police)--create absolutely wonderful characters and fresh inventive business to make this not just great G&S, but one of the funniest comedies available on video. If there is any flaw it is when actors milk gags just a tad too much. But where else can you see Elvis and singing flowers in opera? For the diehard G&S fan, we even get a bit of HMS PINAFORE thrown in. From the first appearance of the pirates aboard a most handsome ship, the Tarantula (cleverly named for the repeated Police chorus lyric "Taran-Tara") to their final transformation into bowler-hatted, brolly-toting "lords," these PIRATES strike a solid hit!
  
  
• The Slave of Duty
  By A13OFOB1394G31 on 2004-05-21
  Kevin Kline who has performed in such diverse productions as "Hamlet" and "A Fish Named Wanda" gleefully buckles and swashes through the role of the Pirate King in Joseph Papp's 1983 movie of "The Pirates of Penzance." He's not a bad singer, either. If you prefer a slightly more British version of this Gilbert and Sullivan character, the Pirate King was once played by Prince Charles when he was a boy at Gordonstoun School in 1967. However, I don't think a movie was made of the Gordonstoun version.

  Broadway veteran George Rose is the very model of a modern Major-General, and Angela Lansbury, added to the film's cast for marquee value, mugs a ditzy path through her role as nursemaid-turned-pirate. Linda Ronstadt is a suitably sappy Mabel, and her suitor, Rex Smith is a sexy ex-pirate, although I didn't particularly care for his crooning falsetto.

  This is a very lively production, whatever purists might have to say about Papp's borrowing of the 'matter' trio from Ruddigore and Josephine's first act ballad from "H.M.S. Pinafore," not to mention a scene from 'Pinfore' which is turned into an operetta within an operetta at the climax of this movie. Even those of us who are not particularly fond of Gilbert and Sullivan can enjoy this 'Pirates' for its roguish, romping energy (Kevin Kline is a heckuva dancer, too) and spectacular sets. Except for George Rose and Angela Lansbury, the singing is a little hard to understand, but if you really need to understand all of the words get one of the Stratford Festival versions.

  This 'Pirates' is too much fun to pass up.
  
  

• interpretation... works wonderfully!
  By A3CB8JH302FSSL on 2004-12-07
  The casting of this amazing and fun musical couldn't be better. Some might complain at the liberties taken by the director (such as Fredrick doing an Elvis impression) but it really is very funny and works well with what we generally feel about the character anyway. This is my favorite musical of all and I fully recommend it.
  
  
• Delightful
  By A3D8DQVIFVBT3U on 2005-12-29
  The movie is delightful. I would buy this version if it were released in DVD format.
  
  
• Perfect Entrance Into the Satirical World of Gilbert and Sullivan
  By A2I6QY99NRZVEB on 2006-01-22
  I am a long time fan of this movie. As a child of two musical buffs, I was brought up on fare like Oklahoma, Singin' In the Rain, and West Side Story....but the most memorable (and most loved) was always Kline and Lansbury's Pirates of Penzance (first viewed when I was 4). Its fanciful story containing the age-old literary facination with pirates is an immediate draw to youngsters, as are the bright costumes, joyful songs, comedic characters, and (for those who have seen 1960's Disney productions) the familiar and much-loved face of Angela Lansbury. The story has only gotten better as I've grown and been able to understand better and better the subtle nuances of G&S humour. While the trend is to shift to DVD, this movie is worth keeping your VCR for, especially if you have children or grandchildren!
  
  
• Best Gilbert and Sullivan!!!
  By A27IDPREGJBVTC on 2006-09-06
  I first saw this version as a child when it originally came out and I really am dissappointed that I can't own it yet!!! It is one of my favorite operas and I think the version with Angela Lansbury is the best!!! You would think that with all of these known actors that this film would be on DVD. It has always been a favorite and really helped open the door to music as a child!
  I absolutely recommend this version above all others...this far excels over the other "stage" version especially because it was done with a bigger budget!
  Please release this on DVD soon!!!!!!!!!!
  
  
  
• WHERE'S THE DVD???????
  By A3OMDSHIGTFY84 on 2002-03-16
  In 1984, I was a music major in college, and this movie was running constantly on HBO. All of the students in the music department were watching it repeatedly, videotaping it, and circulating the copies. G & S suddenly became a hot property among all of us, and we had this movie to thank for it. The performances and arrangements are priceless. Who knew that Linda Ronstadt could sing notes that high? (This is also what turned me into a Ronstadt fan.) It's a shame that some purists don't seem to like anything that "tampers" with classical music. Yes, this production takes some liberties, but it also made me seek out other G & S creations like "The Mikado" and "Trial By Jury", which I enjoyed just as much. Films like this can open the door to a larger world of musical enjoyment, especially for the uninitiated who might not watch something like this otherwise. Note to Universal: This needs to be on DVD!! Widescreen, with theatrical trailers and hopefully a commentary track!!
  
  
• great fun
  By AF6I17HGN55DC on 2004-11-17
  I grew up watching musicals and operettas (to which I am forever in my parents' debt), and among my favorites has always been Pirates. This production is wonderful beyond words. The comedic and vocal talents of Kevin Kline, Angela Lansbury, Rex Smith, and Linda Ronstadt shine, as well as the equally talented, but less focused on, George Rose and Tony Azito. The lyrics are amazingly witty (as I have gained appreciation for in my later years) and the execution of this play is simply masterful. I would highly recommend this movie for anybody looking for a clever, upbeat film and a wonderful musical performance, regardless of age. I only hope they come out with a soundtrack so I don't have to watch the movie EVERY time I want to hear the songs!
  
  
• The Pirates of Penzance
  By A1UQ5JECF3VQKN on 2004-11-27
  The first time you watch the show you might think it is "corny".
  But then watch it again and you will guickly become addicted to this musical.
  Great family fun. My youngest to my teenagers LOVE this musical. We watch it over and over and over.
  Where is the DVD version?
  
  
• Eagerly awaiting release
  By A20ADR6I1TUWGW on 2005-09-30
  This was a wonderful production; it's a great way to introduce people who haven't been familiar with Gilbert and Sullivan to their whole oeuvre. I have the stage production, but I grew up on this movie (I was nine when it was released, and saw it in the theater) and so did my brother (it was his favorite VHS tape when he was young) and I would love to have it (a) in widescreen and (b) on DVD.
  
  (...)
  
  
• See the 'Orphans' Wreck Havoc.
  By A2F3SXHT6RBV81 on 2005-10-25
  This was my introduction to Kevin Kline, as the pirate par excellence. When he performed the antics as the Pirate King, my heart skipped a beat or two. I loved the music -- no one can beat Linda Ronstadt as Mabel with her lyrical renditions of the Gillbert & Sullivan songs. She added an extra introduction to one, which I loved, though Christine was upset because it did not go with the G&S version. Her friends had criticized Ronstadt as the star because of her lack of range. She made up for it with her innocence and talent.
  
  The dogs at the beginning of the film were in tune and had an encore further on. The Inspector General, father of so many daughters, was funny, which Christine said he was not supposed to be, and young Rex Smith was darling as the suitor. The Constabulary, which I called Keystone Cops which caused Christine to correct me, were Chaplain-antics to beat all.
  
  
• Splendid satire, earnest foolishness
  By A1K2BPKCVJ6CT8 on 2006-01-24
  Gilbert & Sullivan is an acquired taste, and those who come with too high a barrier of scorn and skepticism might miss the hilarity. The best G&S productions honor the glorious music, and play the characters with earnest conviction, especially when far far over the top. Kevin Kline as the Pirate King is a splendid example, fierce but gullible. Linda Ronstadt's Mabel is another dimension, virginal and sweet with entire self-confidence, a maidenly readiness for action. I'll buy this one (and buy it again if it does come out on DVD, please!) for some of the added bits - the Pirate King's shocked objection when the Pirate King tune is used for the Major-General, and especially for the insertion of the stolen patter song ("we'll sing this song from 'Ruddygore,' it really doesn't matter matter matter").
  
  
• Cheeky and Fun!
  By A3F5JV08JUY06C on 2001-05-29
  Gilbert and Sullivan D'Oyly Carte purists beware. This is not traditional Gilbert and Sullivan. However, there are some very redeeming qualities in this film. Linda Ronstadt is stunning as Mabel. Angela Lansbury is a perfect Ruth. The standout, by far is Kevin Kline as the Pirate King. Gilbert and Sullivan must have written the role with him in mind. The weakest cast link is Rex Smith as Frederick. His voice is too "pop" for the role of a dramatic tenor. The scenes and sets are simple enough to be a staged production, yet elaborate enough to be a movie. A fun movie that has brought Gilbert and Sullivan to a wider audience.
  
  
• Absolutely First Rate Movie - WANT the DVD!
  By on 2002-06-28
  I first saw this as a surly teenager forced to watch 'a musical' by Mom. After about 10 minutes she allowed me to go back to my book. I couldn't leave- even to prove her wrong- which was saying a lot back then.
  This is a FABulous movie- if you never see another musical, at least see this one. It captivates you- picks you up- and teaches the glorious joy of using song as a means of expression.
  But I WANT THE DVD!!!!!!!!!!
  :)
  
  
• I want this on DVD
  By on 2003-04-20
  I have this on laserdisc, but am waiting to get it on DVD, as the wide-screen version (seen in the theatre) was a little funnier. This is a GREAT video, non-the-less, to intoduce kids to Gilbert and Sullivan. My two children watched this on laser disc over and over growing up, and know the words by heart. It is a wonderful, wonderful, experience for the whole family. Just the silly police alone, are worth the price of the video.
  
  
• fabulous production of a G & S classic
  By AQ8DU6XVA3USJ on 2004-05-09
  Anyone who enjoys the wit and merriment of Gilbert and Sullivan will adore this marvelous production. The cast is superb, with Kevin Kline giving us one of his most delectable performances, playing the Pirate King with bravura and remarkable athletic ability. Rex Smith is wonderful as the handsome Frederick; he has a gorgeous tenor voice, with a charming vibrato and fine timbre.
  Linda Ronstadt is a cute and demure Mabel, and as her father, the Major-General Stanley, George Rose is a riot. His of course is one of the most famous fast-patter songs ever written, "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General", and he makes the most of it. Other notable performances are by Angela Lansbury as Ruth, and Tony Azito, who is a terrific dancer, as the Sergeant.

  The staging and choreography are top-notch, and I'm especially fond of the sets, which look like three-dimensional paintings, contrasted by usually having running water in each scene. Lovely cinematography (Douglas Slocombe) and excellent direction by Wilford Leach make this one of the best G & S films ever.
  Gilbert loved to parody the conventions and society of his time in his lyrics, and Sullivan did the same with grand opera. There are sections of "Penzance" that spoof Verdi's "Il Trovatore" and "La Traviata".

  The official premiere was in 1879 in New York City, and the opera still sparkles with cleverness, its silly plot devices are still inanely funny, and the characters still lovable.
  The subtitle to the opera is "The Slave of Duty", and the story concerns a boy who was mistakenly apprenticed to pirates by his nurse, who hard of hearing, thought her master said "pirate" instead of "pilot"; when he meets Mabel, feelings, sense of duty, and being born on February 29th (one of those silly plot devices !) collide, and chaos ensues.
  This performance, based on the N. Y. Shakespeare Festival production, will thoroughly delight anyone who appreciates Gilbert and Sullivan, and Kevin Kline fans will love to see yet another facet of his talent. Total running time is 1 hour and 52 minutes.
  
  

• Great Fun and Great music
  By A3CP88V1K15FPS on 2005-01-31
  I saw this movie when it was first released to TV. I was totally addicted to it's tongue in cheek humor. My three sons who were 10, 8 and 6 at the time loved it so much that they memorized many of the numbers. It was not uncommon for my six year old to be standing with one leg on the arm of the couch and the other on the seat singing Frederick's song to the maidens. The boys are obviously all grown and married now, but they still love this movie. It was a great introduction to Gilbert and Sullivan!
  I'd love to be able to give them each a dvd of this. I hope that it comes out soon!!
  An update: My youngest (now 29) just saw a stage production of this in a community theater in NJ and called me on the way home to ask if I knew whether or not it was available on DVD yet. So we'll want at least 4 copies when they finally bless us with this amazing production on DVD! My oldest son will want to show it to his daughters!
  
  
• An Absolute Favorite!
  By A365WTPD0N0MV on 2006-08-25
  I love Gilbert & Sullivan and I love The Pirates of Penzance. I have the Broadway version (Kevin Kline, Linda Ronstadt) on DVD, however, this movie version will always be my favorite. I really wish they would produce a DVD. Please??????
  
  
  
• Where are the Pirates?
  By A37KI5UMLTKE30 on 2006-11-03
  This rendition of Pirates of Penzance with Angela Lansbury has got to be released, it is too good a production to sit idly in some vault someplace. How long must we wait for the DVD to come out?
  
  
• Tribute to G&S: they survive Broadway
  By A3HAT6OT8GM58C on 2000-09-02
  I bought this to see Linda Ronstadt as Mabel: and it was worth it. She does the high notes perfectly, though the real Ronstadt voice only comes through in the lower registers.

  On the whole this is a spoof of G&S rather than of human (especially English) foibles. The brilliant political satire gets lost; Broadway seems to think that humor means slapstick. The tempo of the music is often impossibly fast, while the dialogue drags. Ruth is terribly schoolmarmish: just doesn't cut it as a piratical maid of all work. I guess it would be too politically incorrect for her to brandish her famous pistol. The "most ingenious paradox" scene doesn't work without it. Ruth and the Pirate King actually pleading for mercy, rather than saying "have mercy" while they have Frederick in their sights or at sword's point: oh come on!

  The acrobatics and tap dancing were splendid. The Pirate King and the Major General gave great performances.

  I couldn't help enjoying the video just to see what Broadway would do to it, and it does have some pleasing moments.

  I hope viewers will, after this taste of the immortal verse and melody, go on to see some authentic G&S.
  
  

• Can't wait for the DVD to come out!
  By A2E31YWTK8KQXC on 2003-12-12
  I've seen this various versions of this most wonderful of G & S operettas, but none can rival the Joseph Papp movie production, chockful of charm and invention and talent, with the terrific Kevin Kline, the marvelous voice of Linda Rhonstadt, and the magic comic dancing of the policeman. People who denigate this wonderful piece of collective art must come from another planet. What puzzles me is why it is still not available on DVD when we're being smothered by millions of disks full of absolute tripe. Someone, somewhere in the heirachry, has no vision at all.
  
  
• Simply Fantastic
  By A3HIP1EMH755U9 on 2006-09-20
  This has to be the most wonderful musical ever. My family has worn out so many tapes, we can't wait for it to finally come out in DVD. I would recommend this to anyone who loves music and comedy. Children absolutely are fascinated with all of the dancing and love to sing along. Everyone should experience this once.
  
  
  
  
• When will it come out on DVD please?!!!!!!
  By A3CG1936WHZGYK on 2007-04-22
  I don't have much to add to others' comments here except this is one of the most entertaining versions of a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, as the stage version was starring most of the same cast, before it. Kevin Kline's performance alone is enough to consider owning it for, but the rest of the cast is excellent as well. Rex Smith's 'Elvis' take on "Oh, Is There Not One Maiden Here?" never ceases to crack up most people in my family when we've watched the VHS which is so worn now that I fear it will fall apart from overplay. Kline's charisma, George Rose's showmanship, Tony Azito's antics, and even Linda Ronstadt's quite good performance as Mabel, should not fail to please most people who like G and S, except those who are bound to the traditionalist Doyly Carte type performances (lampooned a bit in the film where the Pirates raid a stodgy performance in Penzance of HMS PINAFORE). Some have criticized Angela Lansbury's performance here; and I must admit, having owned the Broadway cast album first and listening to it numerous times before seeing the film, I wasn't sure if I liked it as well as the lady who played Ruth on Broadway, but Angela's performance here grew on me. I hope Universal doesn't take forever to release this on DVD. I would hope anyone who enjoys this film will take the time to email or write them and request that they do release it on DVD. If enough people do, their greed will undoubtedly make them finally get it done.
  
  
• So good, it should be on DVD
  By on 2000-06-29
  This is an excellent production in every respect: sound, stage, and cast performance (Amazon's promotion material does not even mention Linda Ronstadt). I haven't a clue why this is not available on DVD.
  
  

• Gilbert & Sullivan - The Pirates of Penzance / Kline, Ronstadt, Smith, Routledge, Delacorte Theater (Broadway Theatre Archive)
• The Pirates of Penzance
• Gilbert & Sullivan - The Mikado / Eric Idle, Lesley Garrett, Richard Van Allan, Felicity Palmer, Richard Angas, Bonaventura Bottone, Susan Bullock, English National Opera
• Gilbert & Sullivan - H.M.S. Pinafore / Trial By Jury - David Hobson, Anthony Warlow, Colette Mann, Tiffany Speight, John Bolton Wood, Richard Alexander, Opera Australia, State Theatre, The Arts Centre Melbourne
• The Pirates of Penzance in Full Score