With the above statement in mind I will first share with you some interesting information from Ms. O'Hara. I asked her about the big sailing vessels - were they actually built in a studio? She informed me that behind the Fox lot there was a lake (not sure if it was man-made or an existing body of water) and it was called "Tyrone Power Lake." Complete, fully rigged ships were anchored there. They were replicated sections of ships built inside the studio for more confined shots. She said there were huge rolling backdrops of skies and clouds that would be used for the complete high seas effect - and, of course, we must not forget the wind machines for the gentle sea breezes or gales - whichever were required.
Films that fall in the category of the term "Swashbucklers" according to Webster's would include: The Black Swan - Sinbad the Sailor - Spanish Main - Bagdad - Tripoli - Flame of Araby - At Sword's Point - Against All Flags . Although Lady Godiva had some hand-to-hand combat, I don't think it quite qualifies - but that's just my opinion. Also, I've only included films in Technicolor.It is important to keep in mind that these swashbuckler films were big box office in the 40's and 50's. There was a lot of action, gorgeous costumes, fencing, fisticuffs, romance and adventure. With the invention of Technicolor by Herbert Kalmus things were even better - especially for Maureen O'Hara. Maureen's peaches and cream complexion, huge eyes, and red hair were dazzling in this new color process. In fact her image so enhanced this new invention that Maureen's appearance in film would guarantee of a color commitment by Kalmus. It's easy to understand why she was dubbed "The Queen of Technicolor." After completion of each movie Kalmus would send Maureen a bouquet of multi-colored roses."The Black Swan" (1942) was considered cinematically to be one of the finest swashbucklers ever made and won an Academy Award for cinematography. It was the dashing Tyrone Power who wooed his reluctant lady fair with a rather aggressive courtship but as you can see in the above photo - she soon succumbs to his charms and the life of a lady at sea.
Sinbad the Sailor was an extraordinarily beautifully filmed adventure, telling one of the many tales of the legendary Sinbad. In this film Anthony Quinn plays a rather villainous fellow, and eventually Douglas Fairbanks Jr. as Sinbad, wins the treasure and the lady.
Against All Flags is a favorite of mine. What was unique about this movie, as well as At Sword's Point is that Maureen's characters were swordswomen. In these films she was an action heroine, quite capably crossing swords with Cornell Wilde and Errol Flynn.
Master Swordsman, Fred Cavens was one of the most renowned instructors of the sword in the motion picture industry. All of these fencing scenes in movies with what seems like hundreds of people, are carefully choreographed by such experts. Mr. Cavens was originally from Belgium, and was assisted by his son in preparing the swordplay in these epic adventure films. Above he instructs Maureen between scenes in "At Sword's Point."
Maureen did ALL of her own fencing, and again, most of the physical stunts required for her character in these adventure films. Maureen's prowess with a sword was not to be taken lightly because she herself developed into a most competent swordswoman. Maureen O'Hara is one of the few actresses who could handle the physical demands of these films. There were no computer generated animations or insertable graphics back then to produce physical/athletic fetes of skill. Fencing isn't the only area that Maureen demonstrated physical strength and skill. She became quite proficient with the bull whip. Any actions in a film that required being "pushed around" falling, jumping, or running required above average physical fitness and coordination.
In Tripoli Maureen endured quite a few challenges including rolling down a sand dune, being dropped by John Payne on her derriere, riding a camel, and stumbling through a a major sandstorm in the Baja desert (endearingly called "The
Hollywood Sahara." Her brother Charles once reflected that Maureen looked so good in these adventure desert flicks that the directors sentiments were "You're gorgeous...get up on the camel!" Her family's sense of humor reportedly included a nick-name of "Maureen Sahara." Meanwhile, the audience filled the theaters to enjoy all of these adventure films. In the pictures below it may look like Maureen is rehearsing for "South Pacific" - "I'm gonna wash that man right outta my hair"... in this case she is scheming to get her man - not get rid of him. LOL
This is just one of the reasons I find Maureen's film career so totally unique. She not only was a fine actress and singer, along with her great beauty - but she was capable of accepting the physical challenges that were presented in her roles. Looking back at her childhood you'll note she preferred playing all the rough and tumble games possible - and even longed to have her father create a soccer team for women, so she could play. In the film "McLintock" (which was chock full of stunts) she did all but one or two dangerous stunts, and she was then age 43.
If you have any specific questions on the swashbucklers - I would be happy to relay them to Maureen. I think it's a fun topic and one I've enjoyed tremendous. I could not possibly do justice to all of this genre of film on a website layout. However, if you would like to see some scene captures from any of your favorites, I'll be happy to oblige.
So if you have a favorite scene let me know.
Maureen in beautifully costumed in "Bagdad" & "Spanish Main" with Paul Henreid
Please note: - The opinions and philosophies incorporated in this essay are those of the writer, and not to be misconstrued as my having any "expertise" in classic movie knowledge - Nor am I an self-appointed "expert" on the career and life of Maureen O'Hara. If I have written anything from which you take exception, I welcome your criticism and/or suggestions. I do the page as a hobby - not as a profession.
Copyright
June Parker Beck© 7-2001
