Drake the Pirate

A fairly solid and enjoyable patriotic movie from 1935. The film centres on a flawed hero who helped save England from invasion famously. The film has some good strengths, the costumes, the sets, the strong portrayal of the Queen. The romance element feels contrived but the plotting and intrigue gives the story some extra complexity. Drake is treated in the movie as a popular hero and celebrity but mistrusted with the court while England is menaced by a powerful Spain threatening Europe. You could make some comparisons with Fire over England but they are also quite different movies. Lovers of British history may also enjoy this movie.

As you'd expect the film builds up to the exciting climax and victory of the English navy and the celebrations which follow.