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3 Sheet poster is for the 1958 film
The Buccaneer, a historical adventure drama produced by Cecil B. DeMille and directed by Anthony Quinn.
Plot Overview
Set during the War of 1812, the film follows the semi-fictionalized exploits of the French privateer Jean Lafitte. As a British fleet of 60 ships and 16,000 men prepares to attack New Orleans, General Andrew Jackson—commanding a vastly outnumbered force of only 1,200 men—seeks Lafitte's assistance.
Lafitte, who operates from a strategically vital island near the city, finds himself torn between his loyalty to his crew and his love for the governor's daughter, which draws him toward the American cause. Ultimately, he strikes a deal with Jackson to defend Louisiana in exchange for pardons for his men.
Key Cast & Production
The film featured a star-studded cast and was a massive production for its time:
Yul Brynner as Jean Lafitte (sporting a rare head of hair for the role).
Charlton Heston as General Andrew Jackson.
Claire Bloom as Bonnie Brown and Charles Boyer as Dominique You.
Directorial Debut: This was the only film ever directed by actor Anthony Quinn, who stepped in when his father-in-law, Cecil B. DeMille, became too ill to direct.
Visuals: It was shot in Technicolor and VistaVision, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design.
Reception
Despite the high-profile cast and a large budget of approximately $6 million, the film was considered a commercial failure, grossing only about $3.2 million at the North American box office. Critics at the time gave it mixed reviews, often citing a slow-developing script, though the final 30-minute recreation of the Battle of New Orleans is frequently praised as a highlight. |
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