
The Buccaneer
1958 · Movie · NR · 119 min · ★ 6.5 · 61% critics
As British forces close in on New Orleans during the War of 1812, a feared smuggler controlling a key island becomes vital to the city’s survival. Pulled between profit, loyalty, and pressure from his own men, he must decide which side to support before the final showdown.
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Details
- Years
- 1958
- Release date
- 1958-12-11
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
- Runtime
- 119 min
- Critic score
- 61/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.5/10 (51 votes)
- Budget
- $6,000,000
About
You may like this if you enjoy old-school historical adventures with pirates, patriotic stakes, and a touch of romance, especially if Zulu Dawn or Battleground appeal to you; Not for you if you want strict accuracy or nonstop action.
Pros: colorful adventure feel; strong historical backdrop; lively battle buildup | Cons: uneven pacing; muddled motivations; loose historical accuracy
Themes
- sea
- governor
- usa president
- new orleans, louisiana
- pirate
- war of 1812
- buccaneer
- 19th century
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Costume Design · 1959 · nominated
Cast & crew

Yul Brynner
as Jean Lafitte

Claire Bloom
as Bonnie Brown

Charles Boyer
as Dominique You

Inger Stevens
as Annette Claiborne

Charlton Heston
as Gen. Andrew Jackson

Henry Hull
as Ezra Peavey

Lorne Greene
as Mercier

E.G. Marshall
as Gov. William Claiborne

Ted de Corsia
as Capt. Rumbo

Douglass Dumbrille
as Collector of the Port
Directed by Anthony Quinn