The Sea Hawk (1940)

Written by CinemaSerf on June 23, 2022

This is probably my favourite Errol Flynn film. The story is (very) loosely based on the privateers who raided the Spanish treasure ships during the reign of Elizabeth I of England (rather convincingly portrayed here by Flora Robson). Flynn seizes an ambassadorial galleon on which are travelling Claude Rains and Brenda Marshall, and a tale of espionage, secrecy, love and skullduggery ensues for an exciting couple of hours. Korngold always had the skill to add something special with his score to these seafaring adventure films - and he does in abundance here too (though perhaps not the songs with the shockingly terrible rhymes!?). Henry Daniell is also worthy of mention as the duplicitous "Lord Wolfingham" A brilliant bit of cinema that you ought to see if you get a chance.