The Pirates of Penzance (1983)

A film version of Gilbert and Sullivan's Victorian comic opera. It's a gallant effort, although sometimes understated -- it is after all a comic romp, and overacting adds to the experience. And the singing isn't all good, and some of it is bad. Linda Ronstadt as Mabel, right in the picture, is probably the strongest singer.

There is a chorus of policemen, and in this version they are acrobatic dancers too; this was a clever touch. The actors are evidently mainly professional dancers. At least one of them is played by a female, centre in the picture; I think it is Peppi Borza.

HF December 2006

This Page: The Pirates of Penzance Return to Alphabetical Index Page Return to Home Page

Hazel Freeman's International Transgender Film Guide is maintained by

Hazel Freeman

and hosted at