The Pirates of Penzance
1983 · Movie · G · 112 min · ★ 6.1 · 74% critics
A young man finally finishes an accidental apprenticeship with a band of pirates and heads ashore, where he falls for one of a strict major-general’s many daughters. Just as he tries to start a new life, a bizarre technicality pulls him back into pirate duty, setting off a string of romantic mix-ups, comic standoffs, and rapid-fire songs.
Based on The Pirates of Penzance
Also known as Pirates of Penzance · Pirates · The Slave of Duty
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in the US.
2 hours to watch.
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Years
- 1983
- Release date
- 1983-02-18
- Language
- English
- Rated
- G
- Runtime
- 112 min
- Critic score
- 74/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.1/10 (48 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a lively, deliberately theatrical musical packed with wordplay, sing-along energy, and broad comedy, like Shrek the Musical or The Boy Friend; Not for you if you dislike operetta-style patter or need every lyric to be crystal clear.
Pros: catchy songs; playful stage-like sets; big, silly humor | Cons: hard-to-catch lyrics; uneven second half; theatrical style not for all
Themes
- cornwall, england
- victorian england
- pirate
- based on opera
- 19th century
- inspirational
- comic opera
Cast & crew
Kevin Kline
as The Pirate King
Angela Lansbury
as Ruth
Linda Ronstadt
as Mabel
George Rose
as Maj. Gen. Stanley
Rex Smith
as Frederic
Tony Azito
as Sergeant
David Hatton
as Samuel
Tim Bentinck
as Pirate
Mike Grady
as Pirate
Andrew Paul
as Pirate
Directed by Wilford Leach