Screenwriter-turned-director Sidney Salkow never managed to graduate from the B-picture factory but that might be to his credit because when it comes to entertainment value, his films deliver the goods. One of his best is Raiders of the Seven Seas (1953), which is just as action-packed as a major studio release like Fair Wind to Java (1953) but on half the budget.

John Payne stars as Barbarossa, an amorous pirate who creates big trouble for himself when he is caught fooling around in the Sultan of Morocco's harem. Does he stop there? No, he makes matters worse by hijacking a Spanish prison ship, releasing the convicts, and making them official members of his swashbuckling crew. Barbarossa also has another reason to hate the Spanish. The beautiful Alida, played by Donna Reed, is being forced into a loveless marriage with the contemptible Salcedo (Gerald Mohr), and we simply can't allow that, can we?

Director: Sidney Salkow
Screenplay: John O'Dea, Sidney Salkow
Cinematography: W. Howard Greene
Editor: Buddy Small
Art Direction: Edward L. Ilou
Music: Paul Sawtell
Cast: Henry Brandon (Capt. Gitti), Anthony Caruso (Renzo), Lon Chaney Jr. (Peg Leg), Christopher Dark (Pablo), Frank DeKova (Romero)
C-88m.

By Jeff Stafford