66
Metascore
8 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineThe cast is charming, the sets intentionally stagy, and the musical performances fine.
- 75The Associated PressBob ThomasThe Associated PressBob ThomasThe Pirates of Penzance is not for everyone. Gilbert and Sullivan purists, beware. Rock fans, watch out. But for those who like a rollicking good show, full of inspired silliness and performed in high style, by all means go. [07 Mar 1983]
- 70Time OutTime OutThe show is strewn with throwaway sight gags absent from the stage version which, while mercifully never quite sliding into camp, serve to apply a much needed cattle prod to Messrs G & S. The sets are superb.
- 70NewsweekJack KrollNewsweekJack KrollWhatever it is -- movie, photographed stage show, TV spectacular -- Pirates of Penzance is a happy hybrid. [14 Feb 1983, p.85]
- 70Washington PostGary ArnoldWashington PostGary ArnoldDelightfully melodious, high-spirited and nonsensical, the movie version of The Pirates of Penzance can be recommended with only trifling reservations. [25 Feb 1983, p.D1]
- 63Miami HeraldBill CosfordMiami HeraldBill CosfordThe movie is happy and bright and thoroughly nice, and every now and then it's loud and funny and at least as large as life. And it could have been larger, and better. [22 Feb 1983, p.C5]
- 60The New York TimesJanet MaslinThe New York TimesJanet MaslinThe Pirates of Penzance has been made into a cheerful movie, but it isn't nearly as deft or distinctive here as it was on stage.