A High Wind in Jamaica is a Disappointing Children's Pirate Adventure

At the time of its release in 1965 this might have been an adequate adventure for children, but it does not stand the test of time. There's not enough action and it moves too slowly. It might be a fun treat for people who grew up with it or for fans of classic Hollywood, but no one from Generation X and onward could sit still through this.

A hurricane hits the Caribbean and the Thorton family takes cover. Young Emily, a precursor to Ripley from Alien, risks her life by running out to save the cat. Her father follows. Due to my biologically induced dislike for felines, I don't like Emily immediately and would have left her outside to fend with the elements. The kid is obviously not too bright and evolution should be allowed to take its natural course. The Thortons have four or five other kids so they would get over it quick.

After the hurricane destroys their home, mother decides that the children aren't safe and they need to be returned to England. On the way, a band of pirates, led by Captain Chavez (Anthony Quinn) and Zac, his second in command (James Coburn), loot the ship. Somehow they don't notice the kids and a nanny boarding their own ship amid all the chaos. They are the nicest, sweetest pirates ever. Everyone keeps their hands off the attractive nanny and they don't hurt anyone when they rob them. Even though the kids are constantly in their way, the men work around them and take them to an island called Tampico.

During this sequence, the film changes from fun adventure and turns dark. The men and some children are at a bar/brothel and some of the children go upstairs. A cockfight is taking place below and as one boy leans out to see what is going on he falls one story to his death. Back on the boat, Emily gets hurt when some type of spike falls and punctures her. The Captain cares for her like a father.