Captain Blood (1935)

I simply don't trust anyone who can resist Errol Flynn. But that's nearly what Warner Bros. did when they were casting "Captain Blood" 1935. Thank the Universe they ended up giving him (and Olivia de Havilland) a chance to prove just how sexy an onscreen team they could be. If it weren't for this swashbuckling adventure--the obvious predesessor to all those wildly popular "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies-–we wouldn't have one of my absolute favorites: "The Adventures of Robin Hood" 1938.

So anyway, Errol. Look at him. Of course he was a carefree playboy in his time. Wouldn't you be with that stature, that face, that winning smile? In every film I've seen him in, he's effortlessly likable and easy on the eyes. Here's some more Errol's Chest for you:

*sigh*

Anyways, playing a noble doctor who gets unwillingly wrapped up with rebels in King James' England, Errol debuts with all the photogenie and dashing charisma that becomes his trademark in later films. As Errol's Dr. Blood is sold into slavery across the sea in Port Royal, Olivia's prim and proper niece of the island's miltary commander buys him and put him to work as a doctor. Having gained some favor amongst his slavedriver, he secretly plots with his fellow captives to escape and become pirates, and despite some hitches, they steal a handsome ship and become infamous in the Caribbean as Captain Blood's loyal crew. 

Soon enough, this movie tosses in a surprisingly smoldering Basil Rathbone (the iconic Sherlock Holmes actor who has the best name this side of Cumberbatch) into the mix as a savvy French pirate Levasseur. Holy cats, my ovaries!

Oh when they unsheath their swords and quarrel over a captive Olivia... I must pause to fan myself. More action-packed piratey fun ensues. Captain Blood eventually finds out that the asshole James has been deposed, and he proves his renewed English pride by rescuing Port Royal from some French attackers. He get rewarded with a governorship, and of course, his lady's hand. 

Not since silent era Douglas Fairbanks (oh, my sweet Douglas Fairbanks) had such a delicious swashbuckler leapt into moviegoers' hearts. As far as I'm concerned, "Captain Blood" is still the gold standard of pirate awesomeness. And here's some Doug Fairbanks for you before you go: