This week on The Video Store Podcast, we're diving into some adventurous waters with four pirate films you might not have rented yet, but are worth a look. These films span decades, showing how Hollywood has captured the allure of swashbuckling adventures over time. Whether you're a fan of classic Hollywood, musicals, or big-budget ‘90s action, I’ve picked a lineup that I think captures the spirit of the genre in different ways. Here’s what’s on this episode: Captain Blood (1935) If you’re curious about Errol Flynn’s big break, Captain Blood is the film to watch. Directed by Michael Curtiz, who later went on to make Casablanca, this movie was released during the Golden Age of Hollywood and set the standard for pirate films to come. In it, Flynn plays Dr. Peter Blood, an Irish physician turned reluctant pirate, a role that became iconic for him. Olivia de Havilland co-stars, marking the first of eight films they’d appear in together. The movie was actually adapted from Rafael Sabatini’s 1922 novel, and what’s interesting is that Flynn wasn’t the studio’s first choice. Warner Bros. originally wanted Robert Donat, but when he turned it down, they took a chance on Flynn, who was then unknown. The film went on to be a hit, and Flynn’s career took off from there. Treasure Island (1950) Disney’s first fully live-action film was Treasure Island, adapted from Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel. This film captures the heart of the classic pirate tale with Bobby Driscoll as Jim Hawkins and Robert Newton as the unforgettable Long John Silver. Newton’s portrayal of Silver is what many credit with shaping the “pirate accent” we recognize today, especially that exaggerated “Arrr.” For a lot of people, myself included, this is the definitive version of Treasure Island, so it’s a must-watch for anyone wanting a straightforward adaptation of the classic tale. The Pirate Movie (1982) The Pirate Movie is very different from the last two films. It is more of a campy, musical rom-com take on The Pirates of Penzance. If you’re looking for a quirky, offbeat experience, this film, starring Kristy McNichol and Christopher Atkins, is definitely that. Though critics weren’t fond of it when it was released, it’s gained a bit of a cult following since then. One interesting thing about this movie is that it openly riffs on the Gilbert and Sullivan opera it’s based on, adding a lot of modern (for the time) references. It’s worth a watch if you’re into musicals and don’t mind a less traditional approach to a pirate story. Cutthroat Island (1995) Last up is Cutthroat Island, an ambitious, big-budget adventure directed by Renny Harlin and starring Geena Davis and Matthew Modine. Known mostly for being a notorious box office bomb, it has gained some appreciation over the years for its impressive stunt work, practical effects, and for putting a female pirate in the lead. Davis plays Morgan Adams, a captain on a quest to find hidden treasure. While the film’s financial failure might have overshadowed its merits at the time, there’s a lot to admire. It’s also one of the last pirate movies before Pirates of the Caribbean would revive the genre nearly a decade later. If you’re ready for a bit of pirate escapism, these four movies offer different takes on the genre, from classic Hollywood adventure to musical satire to large-scale nineties action. Listen to the show to hear a little more about each film and why they’re worth watching, and maybe even renting, this week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.videostorepodcast.com