with Gene Kelly When it was released in 1948, The Pirate was not a success. Gene Kelly later referred to it as a huge inside joke -- apparently it took audiences about 20 years to "get it."  Since then it has become something of a cult favorite, and visually it is stunning.

Director Vincente Minnelli once again paints a vivid picture on the movie screen, Gene Kelly's bravura Douglas Fairbanks-style "pirate" is a joy, and Judy's tongue-in-cheek humour is very funny indeed ("I wish you'd stop circling me -- it's like talking to a top!"

The "pirate" of the title is actually a performance by Kelly's character Serafin, a humorously self-important actor who creates the dangerous persona to captivate young Manuela (Judy).

Comedic flourishes aside, the chemistry between Judy and Gene has never been more apparent, especially when Serafin's impersonation of the 'Black Macoco' is taken seriously by officers of the law, and his life is put at stake.

Cole Porter's score includes "Be A Clown", and other numbers are peppered with...unusual lyrics, even for Porter: "Suddenly I feel a great affinity/Macoco leaves a blazing trail of masculinity"... Or how about "Nina/ I'll be having neurasthenia/ 'Til I make you mine..."  Maybe it was Porter's revenge -- he reportedly abhorred the film.

The Pirate has stood the test of time well, and remains an enjoyable, if off-beat, showcase for three of the greatest movie musical craftspersons ever: Garland, Kelly, and Minnelli.