The Pirate

The Pirate comes out on DVD today. This is one of Judy Garland's more...unique movies. It's actually been quite awhile since I've seen it. I had it on VHS taped off the TV, but the tape broke so I haven't seen it in years. Stupid VHS!

Basically, Judy is infatuated with this pirate, Macoco. She's also engaged to this nasty old rich man. Gene Kelly is a traveling performer type guy and he comes to town, realizes she's obsessed with this pirate and pretends to be said pirate in order to woo her. Meanwhile, her nasty fiancee is not amused. Stuff happens, there's a crazy weird Gene Kelly dance sequence and all heck breaks loose when the nasty fiancee reveals that he is the real Macoco and prepares to punish Gene Kelly. But of course by this time Judy and Gene have fallen in love, she joins his little performing group and they sing "Be a Clown." And yes, "Be a Clown" is the same as "Make 'em Laugh" from Singin' in the Rain. There's no way to get around it.

What I remember about this movie is there are some hilarious moments. Funnier and more clever than most Judy movies. It is a shame that it's typically overlooked, because it's definitely worth a watch.