Cecil B DeMille had successfully filmed this tale of pirate Jean Lafitte in 1938 with Fredric March, but DeMille was ailing by the time of this remake, so direction was entrusted to his son-in-law, actor Anthony Quinn (his only film as director). Though a little long and drawn out, it's splendid to watch in Technicolor and boasts quite a cast: this time a bewigged Yul Brynner is the dashing Lafitte and his women are a feisty Claire Bloom and the lovely Inger Stevens. Charlton Heston appears as General Andrew Jackson. The most impressive sequence is a well-mounted but studio-bound Battle of New Orleans, immortalised by the Johnny Houston/Lonnie Donegan hit ballad. The anti-British sentiments might alienate some viewers, but for students of American history and for fans of a Hollywood in decline this is worth a look.

During the War of 1812 against Britain: General Andrew Jackson has only 1,200 men left to defend New Orleans when he learns that a British fleet will arrive with 60 ships and 16,000 men to take the city. In this situation an island near the city becomes strategically important to both parties, but it's inhabited by the last big buccaneer: Jean Lafitte. Although Lafitte never attacks American ships, the governor hates him for selling merchandise without taxes - and is loved by the citizens for the same reason. When the big fight gets nearer, Lafitte is drawn between the fronts. His heart belongs to America, but his people urge him to join the party that's more likely to win.