The Black Pirate 1926

The movies’ original, quintessential daredevil megastar and gallant rogue, Douglas Fairbanks, was the architect and hero of this classic hit of the 20s, an action comedy containing some of his most astonishing gymnastic stunts. Accompanying a beautifully restored print, visiting piano maestro Neil Brand matches his every move. — BG

“Alongside Keaton and Gene Kelly, Fairbanks was perhaps the most gracefully athletic mover in the history of the movies... A pacy tale of romance and revenge on the high seas, it sees Doug swashing his buckle with unsurpassed ease: the daring stunts are breathtakingly stylish (none more so than the celebrated descent down a sail on the point of a dagger), while scenes like the shoal of soldiers swimming underwater to invade the pirate ship are shot through with a poetic beauty. An added bonus is that the film was shot in two-strip Technicolor, a lovely pastel process that defies description.” — Geoff Andrew, Time Out Film Guide