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Under the Black Flag
(1913) United States of America
B&W : Three reels
Directed by Otis Turner
Cast: David M. Hartford [Henry Morgan, the pirate], Cleo Madison, Frank Lloyd [Jack Teach], Joseph Singleton, Howard C. Hickman (Howard Hickman) [Juan], Doris Baker, Laura Oakley, Lule Warrenton
The Universal Film Manufacturing Company, Incorporated production; distributed by The Universal Film Manufacturing Company, Incorporated [Gold Seal]. / Released 2 December 1913. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama: Historical.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? The present story concerns Henry Morgan, the famous buccaneer who afterwards became Governor of Jamaica. We are first taken on board his ship, when Morgan is gaining the enmity of Jack Teach, his mate, by winning all his savings through gambling. Following is an attack on Captain Mardo’s ship. All hands are murdered, except the Captain’s little son Juan, who is saved by the Padre. Teach takes a hand in the boy’s defense. Morgan gouges out his eye. The Padre and the boy later escape to land safely. Years pass and Morgan becomes the Governor of Jamaica. His identity is discovered and a trap is laid for his arrest. He escapes to the “Undertow,” an old ship converted into a tavern and owned by Jack Teach, Teach recognizes Morgan and plots revenge. The latter rallies his men and with Teach they take to sea to renew their old trade. Incidents full of excitement pursue them. In one a city is completely destroyed by fire when the pirates raid it for plunder. Juan and his sweetheart are captured, Teach offers to bring about his escape on condition that when Morgan is captured he will be turned over to him to deal with as he sees fit. This is done and in the end Morgan is placed in irons. He is turned over to Teach, who chains him to a rock in the sea and leaves him to die.
Reviews: [The Moving Picture World, 6 December 1913, page ?] Here is a praiseworthy three-reel production concerning the career of Sir Henry Morgan, celebrated in history as a pirate, one of the worst who ever sailed the Spanish Main, although he was also governor of Jamaica at one time. In the story set forth in this film we see him deposed from his governorship by King James the Second, and after a desperate attempt to resume his piracy practiced before he was made governor, we see him killed. Into this part of his career is woven a delightful romance and many interesting characters appear. The settings, on the pirate ship, in Caracas and along the beaches, are well chosen and the atmosphere throughout is charming. The production is rather elaborate; many soldiers and pirates of a romantic age appear and the action is well sustained. A first-rate film. Boys in particular will appreciate it.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 15 November 2022.
References: Braff-Universal n. 8523; Tarbox-Lost p. 148 : Website-IMDb.
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