Why I saw it: I had some time to kill at the Barrington Library and picked it up in case I was in the mood for silliness. I’ve enjoyed other Bob Hope movies when I’ve been in silly moods in the past.

Brief Synopsis: Sylvester is an actor sailing to America. Princess Margaret is on the same ship, fleeing an arranged marriage and intending to meet her true love in Jamaica. The notorious pirate known as The Hook captures the ship and holds the Princess for ransom. Sylvester is about to walk the plank when he’s rescued by one of the crew, a pirate known as Featherhead. He helps Sylvester and Margaret escape to a nearby island, but they soon fall into the clutches of La Roche, a partner in crime with The Hook. After about an hour of silliness, the two are once more aboard The Hook’s ship when they are boarded by the king’s ship and Sylvester and the Princess are rescued.

What I liked about it: It’s a farce, with some genuinely comical moments. The ending is hilarious — Sylvester thinks the Princess has fallen for her, but when the king gives her permission to marry the commoner she loves, she rushes past Sylvester into the arms of … Bing Crosby, who wasn’t in the movie except for this scene. Bob Hope goes out of character and complains about bit player from other studios getting the girl.

What I didn’t like about it: I wasn’t really in the mood. It was due back at the library on Monday so I went ahead and watched it.

Quotes:
Princess Margaret: I hear there are pirates in these waters.
Sylvester: Yeah? Well, let them stay in the water. They're dangerous on ships!

Bottom line: It had a few moments and a great ending. I gave it a 7.

Other comments: I found wondering how Bob Hope could make money playing the role of a cowardly but loveable loser in so many movies. Didn’t audiences back them get tired of the same thing over and over? But then I think of today’s audiences and the Police Academy series. At least the Bob Hope movies were clean and had some funny moments.