by Hal Erickson
synopsis
The fabled 19th-century clashes between U.S. Marines and the pirates of Tripoli have provided story material for dozens of films. Tripoli stars John Payne as two-fisted marine lieutenant O'Bannon, though top billing is bestowed upon Maureen O'Hara as Countess D'Arneau, who has come to Tripoli hoping to wed a local prince. Also appearing is Howard Da Silva as Captain Demetrios, leader of a band of mercenaries who sell their loyalties to the highest bidder. After a great deal of byplay between the three stars, the action comes thick and fast as the marines and the pirates "have at" each other. Tripoli's strongest selling card is the Technicolor cinematography of James Wong Howe.
characteristics
- Major
- Marines
- Lieutenant
- Incognito
- Greece
- Mercenary
- Piracy
- Swashbuckler
- Soldier-of-fortune
- Sandstorm
- Pirate [seafarer]
- Good-guy
- Disguise
- Captain [military]
- Cavalry
