I honestly can't understand why anyone would not recommend this gem of a film. One weird thing about it is that despite being a pythonesque comedy it is still the best pirate film of its time. It is well produced, has an incredibly strong cast and features an absurd but strangely compelling story. If I remember correctly it is also the last on-screen appearance of Graham Chapman before his death.Don't watch this film and expect it to be a blend of Pirates of the Caribbean and modern comedy. Remember when it was made and appreciate the marriage between the comedy of the time and the intelligent humour and historic accuracy of Python's historical comedies.

I have a certain affinity for this movie of the breed where I can't really recommend it, because it really is not a well-planned, well-directed, or comedically sound film. But it appeals to my inner Python because of its history. It's a virtual "Who's who" of late 1970s comedy. I could not resist the purchase when it came out on DVD, having myself already read the book and the screenplay. Anyone with a taste for early 80s comedy will appreciate the stellar cast: Chapman, Eric Idle, and John Cleese from the Python cast, Cheech and Chong, and half the cast of Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein. Some may know, also, that Marty Feldman had previously worked with Chapman and Cleese in At Last the 1948 Show, the British sketch comedy show that predated Monty Python.But, as I said earlier, I can't recommend it because I don't know if I would have enjoyed it so much had I not had such an appreciation for the historical value. The gags are good and there is a lot of clever wordplay, but I mostly just enjoy watching such famous personalities acting alongside each other. It's a good one for the collection, but look elsewhere if production value is what you want.

I'm a big fan of Monty Python, and as soon as I heard about this little known movie I wanted to check it out. It turns out that it was pretty entertaining! Although it's not nearly on the same level of genius as other MP movies, there are a lot of little funny details throughout the movie. The thin plot revolves around everyone trying to get their hands on Yellowbeard's legendary treasure. Gags ensue. Oddly enough, it works. Graham Chapman is hilarious in his role as a blood-thirsty pirate and so is Eric Idle... But the true star of this film is Marty Feldman (Igor from Young Frankenstein). His character is similar to Igor's, but he steals every scene he's in. There's also a really funny cameo with David Bowie.I certainly do not agree with John Cleese that this was the worst movie he's ever been in. He's been in a lot of movies much worse than this one, and actually, his character here is pretty interesting and even funny.The plot is more or less of a Pirates of The Caribbean meets Monty Python, and it was interesting enough to keep me watching. I thought this was better than Jabberwocky and (although it is much sillier) it also reminded me a bit of Erik The Viking.Cheech & Chong are here and they are disappointing as Spaniards. Chong has a incredibly annoying lisp and his accent just doesn't work, let's say, as opposed to Michael Palin's hilarious performance in 'Life of Brian'. Cheech has an easier time since he's Hispanic, but their roles are simply unfunny, like much of their regular work. That's probably because wasn't any hemp in this movie (aside from the ones on Yellowbeard's hair!) Maybe they should have played stoned pirates or something like that.I was really surprised that this movie didn't suck. Sure, it's not a work of art or a must-have for Monty Python / Cheech & Chong fans. But chances are, if you're just expecting to have some mindless fun, this movie will do the trick. Just turn off your brain and enjoy. 6/10

Peter Boyle's death yesterday brings to mind all his movies, including the rather silly "Yellowbeard". The movie features Graham Chapman as the title character, an 18th-century pirate who gets released from jail to help the British government find his treasure. That's when he finds out that he has a son who has little desire to be a pirate. From there, much of the movie consists of sword fights, one-liners, and Cheech & Chong. Overall, I thought that it was a little bit lamer than it could have been, but I agree with a previous reviewer that it's just neat to see all these people together in a movie. The flick is little more than a way to pass time, but there's a few laughs along the way. Also starring John Cleese, Eric Idle, Marty Feldman (in his final role; the movie is dedicated to him), Peter Cook, Kenneth Mars, Spike Milligan, and David Bowie in a cameo.And remember: he has a big yellow beard.