YELLOWBEARD

UK, 1983, 96 minutes, Colour.
Graham Chapman, Peter Boyle, Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Peter Cook, Marty Feldman, Martin Hewitt, Michael Hordern, Eric Idle, James Mason, Madeline Kahn, John Cleese, Spike Milligan, Kenneth Mars.
Directed by Mel Damski.

Yellowbeard is a knockabout comedy spoof of all those old pirate movies. It is somewhat in the vein of Mel Brooks' send-ups, though not as clever. It was written by Graham Chapman for himself in the title role. Peter Cook and Bernard Mc Kenna also had a hand in the screenplay. However, the great range of American and English comedians all probably did some improvising for their characters.

The film is set in the 17th century, has the overtones of the Caribbean (and some echoes of Treasure Island). It finishes up with echoes of ghost stories. Graham Chapman seems to enjoy himself in the central role. Peter Boyle is a sadistic Moon. Cheech and Chong appear to some advantage in comedy roles as Caribbean rulers. Marty Feldman in his final film does his best with a typical comedy turn. Peter Cook is rather subdued as an English Lord. Michael Horden, Eric Idle and John Cleese do familiar roles. It is surprising to see James Mason as the Captain - rather out of place with cameos from such people as Susannah York, Beryl Reid, Spike Milligan. Eric Idle does his Python turn and Madeleine Kahn is a rasping American in England. There is also an ordinary hero - Martin Hewitt (from Endless love).

The film is entertaining in a very broad kind of way, is too vulgar to become even a cult spoof. Direction is by Mel Damski, a director of many telemovies, including For Ladies Only.