The Pirates of Penzance
Tags: comedy, action

Plot synopsis:
Act I
On the coast of Cornwall, at the time of Queen Victoria's reign, Frederic celebrates the completion of his twenty-first year and the end of his apprenticeship to a gentlemanly band of pirates ("Pour, oh pour the pirate sherry"). The pirates' maid of all work, Ruth, appears and reveals that, as Frederic's nursemaid long ago, she made a mistake "through being hard of hearing": Mishearing Frederic's father's instructions, she apprenticed him to a pirate, instead of to a ship's pilot ("When Frederic was a little lad").
Frederic has never seen any woman other than Ruth, and he believes her to be beautiful. The pirates know better and suggest that Frederic take Ruth with him when he returns to civilisation. Frederic announces that, although it pains him, so strong is his sense of duty that, once free from his apprenticeship, he will be forced to devote himself to the pirates' extermination. He also points out that they are not successful pirates: since they are all orphans, they allow their prey to go free if they too are orphans. Frederic notes that word of this has got about, so captured ships' companies routinely claim to be orphans. Frederic invites the pirates to give up piracy and go with him, so that he need not destroy them, but the Pirate King says that, compared with respectability, piracy is comparatively honest ("Oh! better far to live and die"). The pirates depart, leaving Frederic and Ruth. Frederic sees a group of beautiful young girls approaching the pirate lair, and realises that Ruth misled him about her appearance ("Oh false one! You have deceived me!"). Sending Ruth away, Frederic hides before the girls arrive.
The girls burst exuberantly upon the secluded spot ("Climbing over rocky mountain"). Frederic reveals himself ("Stop, ladies, pray!") and appeals to them to help him reform ("Oh! is there not one maiden breast?"). One of them, Mabel, responds to his plea, chiding her sisters for their lack of charity ("Oh sisters deaf to pity's name for shame!"). She offers Frederic her pity ("Poor wand'ring one"), and the two quickly fall in love. The other girls discuss whether to eavesdrop or to leave the new couple alone ("What ought we to do?"), deciding to "talk about the weather," although they steal glances at the affectionate couple ("How beautifully blue the sky").
Frederic warns the girls about the pirates ("Stay, we must not lose our senses"), but before they can flee, the pirates return and capture all the girls, intending to marry them ("Here's a first rate opportunity"). Mabel warns the pirates that the girls' father is a Major-General ("Hold, monsters!"), who soon arrives and introduces himself ("I am the very model of a modern Major-General"). He appeals to the pirates not to take his daughters, leaving him to face his old age alone. Having heard of the famous Pirates of Penzance, he pretends that he is an orphan to elicit their sympathy ("Oh, men of dark and dismal fate"). The soft-hearted pirates release the girls ("Hail, Poetry!"), making Major-General Stanley and his daughters honorary members of their band ("Pray observe the magnanimity").
Act II
The Major-General sits in a ruined chapel on his estate, surrounded by his daughters. His conscience is tortured by the lie that he told the pirates, and the girls attempt to console him ("Oh dry the glist'ning tear"). The Sergeant of Police and his corps arrive to announce their readiness to arrest the pirates ("When the foeman bares his steel"). The girls loudly express their admiration of the police for facing likely slaughter at the hands of fierce and merciless foes. The police are unnerved by this but finally leave.
Left alone, Frederic, who is to lead the police, reflects on his opportunity to atone for a life of piracy ("Now for the pirate's lair"), at which point he encounters Ruth and the Pirate King. They have realised that Frederic's apprenticeship was worded so as to bind him to them until his twenty-first birthday – and, because that birthday happens to be on the 29th of February (in a leap year), it means that technically only five birthdays have passed ("When you had left our pirate fold"), and he will not reach his twenty-first birthday until he is in his eighties. Frederic is convinced by this logic and agrees to rejoin the pirates. He then sees it as his duty to inform the Pirate King of the Major-General's deception. The outraged outlaw declares that the pirates' "revenge will be swift and terrible" ("Away, away, my heart's on fire").
Frederic meets Mabel ("All is prepared"), and she pleads with him to stay ("Stay Frederic, stay"), but he feels bound by his duty to the pirates until his 21st birthday – in 1940. They agree to be faithful to each other until then, though to Mabel "It seems so long" ("Oh here is love and here is truth"); Frederic departs. Mabel steels herself ("No, I'll be brave") and tells the police that they must go alone to face the pirates. They muse that an outlaw might be just like any other man, and it is a shame to deprive him of "that liberty which is so dear to all" ("When a felon's not engaged in his employment"). The police hide on hearing the approach of the pirates ("A rollicking band of pirates we"), who have stolen onto the estate, intending to avenge themselves for the Major-General's lie ("With cat-like tread").
Just then, Major-General Stanley appears, sleepless with guilt, and the pirates also hide ("Hush, hush! not a word"), while the Major-General listens to the soothing breeze ("Sighing softly to the river"). The girls come looking for him ("Now what is this and what is that"). The pirates leap to the attack, and the police rush to the defence; but the police are easily defeated, and the Pirate King urges the captured Major-General to prepare for death. The Sergeant has one stratagem left: he demands that the pirates yield "in Queen Victoria's name"; the pirates, overcome with loyalty to their Queen, do so. Ruth appears and reveals that the pirates are "all noblemen who have gone wrong". The Major-General is impressed by this and all is forgiven. Frederic and Mabel are reunited, and the Major-General is happy to marry his daughters to the noble pirates after all.

Review: History records that Gilbert and Sullivan were personally often at odds when producing their great comic operettas - no doubt that, if they are still monitoring this, they are surprised to find both their humour and their music - despite its limitations in both time and location - still has a great appeal to audiences throughout much of the world.
This film is a movie version of a 100th anniversary Broadway stage production of this operetta in New York.
They also make it clear that this is a very fine production; and it would be a serious omission if I did not re-emphasise it is almost a classical example of the way in which a major stage production should be presented on film, both to retain the best of the original production and to as fully as possible exploit the more fluid form of presentation that is possible on the screen.To your reviewer who reports fears about wearing out her taped version, I would recommend doing what I have done and converting this to a VCD disk that she can play, almost for ever, on her DVD player.
We remain thankful that minority tastes can still be satisfied without infringing on the perogatives of the majority, and that in the process of doing so the film will be seen by many who initially have little sympathy with the production, but who find that - as with so many of us in the older generation - they have come to appreciate both its music and its humour..
I recently had the task, for a organization's class, to assemble various performances of the Gilbert & Sullivan operetta "The Pirates of Penzance".
There are a few small issues, such as the fudging of Linda Ronstadt's and Rex Smith's vocal parts (It is clear, whenever Smith sings, that lots of electronic enhancement is being used to bring his voice into the same universe with the other more capable singers, but still he has right delivery and it works well; for Ronstadt, she does very well, but for "Poor Wandering One" her part has been transposed down a bit, probably so that she can manage the highest notes), and the overdubbing of a couple other performer's singing by better singers, but overall the dancing and singing is as good as any I have seen.The staging is deliberately campy, somewhere between traditional stagecraft and a movie set, and it adds extra charm to the proceedings.
There has been some carping about Angela Lansbury's singing, but what she does is in line with the requirements of the role, and is in fact typical of other performances of Ruth's character (I recall the director, during casting of the performance I was in, saying of Ruth, "we don't need a GOOD singer, only a FUNNY singer).A quick review of the offerings of Pirates on Amazon reveals that the only DVD version of this cast is taken from an outdoor staging in New York (and without Lansbury).
The cast is an absolute joy, especially Kevin Kline as the Pirate King.
Tony Azito absolutely cracks me up as the Chief of Police, those "undaunted men in blue" make me laugh every time.The one person that everyone seems to forget, however, is the one whose performance I enjoyed even more than Kline's -- and that's saying something.
This fantastical, comedic, interpretation of the wonderful Gilbert and Sullivan musical updates the music, the humor, and performance, while actually enhancing the theatrical quality of the original play and leaving the plot, characters, and script largely intact.
The story is about Frederick (Rex Smith), a young man who has just left his indenture under the flamboyant, somewhat unsuccessful and soft-hearted 'Pirate King' (Kline) and his band of fairly inoffensive ruffians.
I first saw this film version of THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE in a movie theater in Dayton, OH, the night it premiered.
I don't have time or space to single them out and discuss my thoughts on each actor, but if you are either a G&S fan, a general musical theatre fan, or fans of anyone in the cast, then I encourage you to rent or buy this wonderful film!!.
I first saw this incarnation of Gilbert and Sullivan's "Pirates of Penzance" at the age of 10, but just recently saw it again when my school decided to perform it for our annual spring musical.
This is a wonderful adaptation of a great operetta, and becomes even better with the experience of performing it.Fans of Kevin Kline rejoice!
He delivers his lines with precision and, along with David Hatton (Samuel), adds a much needed low bass-baritone to Rex Smith(Frederic) and the rest of the pirates' tenor in the pirate tunes.The late Tony Azito(Police Sergeant)'s performance is literally unbelievable, as he looks more like a man made out of rubber rather than flesh and bone.
The cast has such fun with this it is hard not to be drawn into it.All-in-all, "The Pirates of Penzance" is a modern update that loses neither the spirit nor the substance of Gilbert and Sullivan's original.
This film version of the Broadway production proves that Linda Ronstadt can do almost anything musically.
(I wish she'd do more Gilbert and Sullivan.) While Kevin Kline is not a favorite, Rex Smith is charming.
Angela Lansbury plays a role very different from Jessica Fletcher and shows great understanding of British musical comedy.
While it is enough just to enjoy the film, the viewer might also want to think about the commentary on duty, the pull between the ethics of obedience to duty and the morality of obedience to conscience.A much lighter version of this material is available in The Pirate Movie, starring Kristy McNichol.
The four main characters in the movie, Frederic (Rex Smith), Mabel (Linda Rondstadt), The Pirate King (Kevin Kline) and Ruth (Angela Lansbury) make this Gilbert and Sullivan production come alive with modern enthusiasm and a clever contemporary feel.
Nice Starter Kit. If you don't know anything about The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert & Sullivan and are hesitant to watch it because of the "classic" and "operetta" labeling, please let me clarify a few things.
Stage veterans like George Rose (Major General), Kevin Kline (Pirate King), Tony Azito (Police Sergeant) feed on the audience's laughter, and their characters truly come alive on-stage.
What makes this film worth seeing is the brilliant acting by Kevin Kline as the pirate captain, but all the actors are good.
However, it is rendered with tongue in cheek and wonderful irony all the way, and although the constant invasions of tiresome group ballet performances with hysterical song gets tiresome for their desperate inaninity, the whole thing is crowned by a terrific finale, where the gymnastically virtuoso pirates and tiresome policemen's army, all fighting with each other, invade a theatre with a true Gilbert & Sullivan performance of "H.M.S.Pinafore", which raises this film considerably to a level of admirability - but you would let it rest a long time before you would want to see it again..
I saw the movie version of "Pirates Of Penzance" again six years after my first viewing;I have to admit it wasn't quite as good as I remembered.
It falters again for several minutes while Kline, Stevens, and Lansbury struggle gamely with the "Leap Year" birthday number (it just isn't all that funny,guys); and the gimmick of staging the big fight between the cops and the pirates through an community theater staging of "HMS Pinafore" is way too cutesy and self-referential.
But man, that scene where the pirates are parading through the commons singing "WITH CAT-LIKE TREAD, WE HARDLY MAKE A SOUND" at the top of their lungs...it makes me forgive the movie any of its obvious flaws.
Kevin Kline was born to play the "Pirate King" and the movie is worth watching for his (and the Major General's) performance alone.
The stage version that is now available on DVD showed all the hard work it takes to put on this type of production, all the dancing is great.
I have seen this play in the theater along with many other Gilbert and Sullivan productions and they are always a lot of fun no matter how much poetic license the artists take along the way.
If you just sit back and enjoy the movie, Gilbert, Sullivan, Papp et al will get things past you that would, if less skillfully done, make you say "huh?".The casting is great.
Ranging from the accusatory "Oh False One You Have Deceived Me" to the majestic "Hail Poetry" to the lively "Come Friends Who Plow The Sea", the songs have as much life as the characters who sing them.Although not the complete operetta, "Pirates" fans won't be disappointed with this movie.
While still, mysteriously, overlooked by film and film musical lovers alike, "Pirates" is a definite smash and even on repeated viewing continues to delight.This was a ready-made movie of sorts, a for-the-cameras version of a Broadway production that originated at the NY Shakespeare Festival.
Considering its roots, the film is remarkably un-stagey.(It didn't play long in theatres, and took a decade just to come to DVD.)The libretto for the film, as well as the stage production (from which, unlike the movie, there is a soundtrack available for purchase), features lyrics and songs lifted from other G&S works, which intensify Gilbert's penchant for self-ridicule.
As they are licensed for use only by the G&S estate, these supplements make this movie somewhat of a rarity among "Pirates" incarnations.The players are stellar- yes, Kevin Kline is outstanding, Tony Azito is the other real standout.
Kevin Kline is at his manic stage ( an act he repeated in a Fish Called Wanda) and Rex Smith as Frederick is brilliant especially his facial expressions when Mabel (Linda Rondstat) keeps on singing and he is trying to kiss her.
This film is a lot of fun, very like the operetta, and much better than a production that was made at the same time as this, in relation to the latter while Keith Michell and the music were brilliant and the dialogue witty as ever the whole production seemed amateurish and under-rehearsed and some sluggish pacing undermine what could have been a witty and charming performance.
This version, while far from flawless, is far better.The Pirates of Penzanze has a fun and charming story and some of the zaniest characters ever in an operetta(cue Major General Stanley), also the music is outstanding with some of the wittiest and literate lyrics you'll find anywhere.
My other problem is Paradox, it was a definite improvement over that of the other production I spoke of, and I liked the staging and acting but I think the conducting was too fast and although I wasn't sure whether it was the performers enjoying themselves or whether they were trying to get it over with but the whole number seemed rushed through.
The standouts however are Kevin Kline who plays Pirate King with such a voluptuous swagger -and he seems to be enjoying himself immensely- that you warm to him immediately and George Rose who is everything Major General Stanley should be.
I saw the Kevin Kline-Linda Ronstadt-Rex Smith Pirates of Penzance on Broadway and loved it.
It is in fact a filmed stage show rather than the movie which does feature Angela Lansbury.
But did anyone think they could sing and dance, too?In 1983, Wilford Leach directed Gilbert and Sullivan's masterpiece The Pirates of Penzance.
But, with all of this cast aside, Frederic decides to venture ashore where he falls head over heels for the lovely Mabel (Linda Ronstadt), daughter to Major General Stanley (George Rose).
It's a perfect fit.The Pirates of Penzance is one of my favorite musicals and this movie does that operetta much needed justice.
They are also quite beautiful, including some very romantic love songs, although the duet includes Linda Rondstadt, who looks a lot like Ms Piggy in this film.
Classical Gas. Gilbert and Sullivan purists may find a lot to quibble over in this freewheeling adaptation of the classic operetta, "The Pirates of Penzance," but the end result is a pleasing concoction of deliberately hammy acting married to Popeye gags and great music.After 13 years of being indentured to the semi-ruthless Pirates of Penzance, 21-year-old Frederic is given his freedom.
There are some awkward reaction shots, and the signature number "I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General" as performed by George Rose is grievously truncated for some reason, but the overall effect is so enjoyable it's like complaining about ants at a sunny summer picnic.A lot of attention in the early 1980s (not regarding the film, which slipped under everyone's radars, but the earlier Broadway show) was given to pop singer Linda Ronstadt's turn as Mabel.
She does a good job singing, but with all due respect to Mr. Kline, the best performance may well be by the unjustly-forgotten Rex Smith as Frederic, who carries more of the story and does a fine job sending up his character's essential credulity.
Anyone who is a Gilbert and Sullivan Fan will undoubtedly love this version of the Pirates of Penzance.
It is amazing to listen to the performers tackle the high tempo lyrics as they bounce to the quick pace of the songs yet, there are many romantic melodies as well.Its great to hear Rex Reed add his innocent voice to the role of Frederick.
Kevin Kline is an excellent and talented choice as the Pirate King and Angela Lansbury adds her matronly talent as Ruth.
Additionally,  George Rose was excellently cast and performs the very comedic yet intellectual role of the Major General.The sets are simple but, added charm and atmosphere to the movie.
Rex Smith does a brilliant Elvis impersonation, Angela Lansbury is perfect as Ruth, Linda Ronstadt has the *most* exquisite voice, I could go on and on and on.Gilbert & Sullivan operettas are never staged "faithfully", and this one remains true to that tradition.
Sprawling and magical adaptation of the Gilbert & Sullivan operetta with Kline, Rose, Smith and Ronstadt beautifully reprising their Broadway roles.
Who could be better in that role?Even though they have added songs from other Gilbert and Sullivan plays, this is a wonderful movie.
It is all very clever and the rapid delivery of George Rose is fantastic-but I could not understand all of it.When the whole chorus sing those rapid passages -forget it!!I like the look of this movie and the performances are more than adequate - saying that,I just do not like Linda Ronstadt (in this or anything she does - I don't know why!) I enjoyed the way the sets look like a stage production.
Most of the leads, such as Linda Ronstadt, Kevin Kline, Rex Smith, Tony Azito, and the unfortunate George Rose are in their roles here.
Even without seeing any other, however, I'm convinced that the Rex Smith/Linda Ronstadt/Kevin Kline version must be among the best.Beautiful melodies have an edge in lending themselves to successful adaptations to a different musical form, but there's a limit.
Singing aside, her screen personality fit perfectly with that of Mabel.To people who love this adaptation of Pirates, Kevin Kline is often the reason why they do.
Kevin Kline as the Pirate King is a classic example of an actor who could take on everything from dramatic movie roles to the silly role he plays here.
Linda Ronstadt, of all people, plays the beautiful Edwardian heroine Mabel, daughter of the Major General Stanley (George Rose).
Good looking and slim Rex Smith sings the tenor role of Frederic, the pirate who captures Mabel's heart.
This is a delightful treat for fans of Gilbert and Sullivan, but it would not have been an attention grabber if not for the participation of Linda Ronstadt, Kevin Kline and Angela Lansbury..
112 minutes.NOTES: Based on the 1879 Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, this is a movie record of Joseph Papp's 1982 Broadway revival, filmed in England.
They would have done better to introduce the doctor of divinity — a glaring omission from Gilbert's original cast list — as a singing and dancing member of the chorus — and to have retained the whole of the "Policeman's Lot" song by dubbing in a stronger singing voice for the energetic Mr. Azito.Also it wasn't a wise idea to cut General Stanley's dialogue — he has little enough to do in the Second Act as it is without further cuts, and George Rose is such a terrific performer, the more of him we see, the better we like the film.As it is, Act One is such a more pleasurable experience than Act Two — I laughed till I cried — that Act Two comes across as distinctly anticlimactic.
And the same can be said for Kevin Kline's dashing pirate king (as well, of course, of Rose's Major Stanley).
This delightful, deliberately stagy adaptation of the Broadway Pirates of Penzance is a treat both for G&S fans (I am one) and anyone who is new to their particular combination of great music and zany humor.I saw this production in London in the early 80s, and it remains my favorite version of any G&S opera, and one of the most enjoyable evenings I've ever spent in a theater.
They have nothing to do with the original play or the Broadway version, but they help bring the film to a joyous end.(When Pirate King Kline shouted "SIT" to the police dogs - and all the policemen immediately sat on the ground - I was wiping tears of laughter from my eyes.) One of the best "feel-good" movies you are ever likely to watch..
Comical cops pop in to fight the pirates for a climactic battle scene that is never bloody, and like all good old fashioned musical comedy or operetta, everything turns out all right.
After seeing this movie, I fell in love with Kevin Kline and his sense of humor.