Double Crossbones (1951) is a moderately amusing musical comedy that lampoons the swashbuckling pirate movie of its day as well as its staple plot: the double cross, especially the kind that involves upstanding fellows who are mistaken for pirates. The upstanding fellow in pirate's clothing in this case is Davey Crandall (played by Donald O'Connor), a mere shopkeeper's assistant, who, through a series of misadventures, becomes a prince among buccaneers. I am giving away nothing in mentioning this, as his status is clearly stated by the narrator at the beginning of the film (which is, incidentally, by far the most humorous part of the film). Donald O'Connor is most famous for his part in Singin' in the Rain and his recurring role in the Francis the Talking Mule series of movies. As Davey, O'Connor unleashes his skills as a dancer, singer, and comic, but a weak script and weak performances by most of the cast prevent this film from being more than somewhat memorable. It is light entertainment with only one outstanding feature: O'Connor's incredible agility.
Writing: MediocreDirecting: Mediocre
Acting: Mediocre
Cinematography: Fair
Stunts: Great
Swordplay: Fair
Panache: Fair
Overall Rating: Fair
Swashbuckling Rank: Good
[Originally posted in Cuparius.com on 6 July 2013.]
Addendum
Written by: Oscar Brodney and John Grant
Directed by: Charles Barton
Performed by: Donald O'Connor, Helena Carter, et al.
