What's putting people in a pirate mood is, after all, a pirate movie.
If the first two "Pirates of the Caribbean" films are any indication, half the civilized world will see "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End."
But why stop there?
1. Until Johnny Depp stumbled along, your go-to film pirate was Errol Flynn. "Captain Blood" (1935) is why.
Flynn plays a doctor who is sold into slavery, escapes and sets sail as a pirate. Along the way we get Olivia de Havilland and Basil Rathbone at no extra charge.
2.
Flynn strikes again: In "The Sea Hawk" (1940), he's a pirate in service to the queen, more or less, harassing Spanish fleets. Ahoy, matey: All this pirating makes you wonder whether Flynn flew the Jolly Roger outside his home.
3.
More adventure and romance on the high seas (or at least the Caribbean): "The Crimson Pirate" (1952) stars Burt Lancaster as Capt. Vallo, also known as the pirate of the title. The word "swashbuckling" comes to mind.
Roll the dice, ye scurvy lot
Nothing gets you in the pirate mood faster than a game with a yo-ho-ho theme. Here are some games to get your competitive juices flowing. Hint: Speaking in a pirate accent while playing always increases the fun.
Battleship Command: Pirates of the Caribbean: The old standby Battleship gets updated for the Depp age. One big difference: The action now takes place on a vertical grid. ($17.
99, Milton Bradley)
Cartagena: Each player has a group of six pirates that they must break out of jail and get back to their ship. Collect cards to move them along the pathway, which changes with each game. Great fun.
($27.95, Rio Grande Games)
Corsari: Rummy-style card game, as players attempt to form crews of pirates. When the ship sets sail (i.
e., the game is over), you lose points for cards in your hand. ($11.
95, Rio Grande Games)
Dread Pirate: The board game resembles a treasure map, and players raid and trade loot with opponents. It involves rolling and moving with dice, in the classic board-game tradition. (Editions range from $26.
99 to $99.99, Front Porch Classics)
There are some accessories that every man must have if he's going to pull off the pirate look. It's true.
You wouldn't dress as a vampire without a set of plastic fangs, would you? We thought not. So here are some things you will need to pass as a pirate.
An earring: Any seafarin' pirate worth his salt has a ring in his ear, preferably a gold hoop. With any luck, you already have a hole in your lobe. If you don't, pop into the nearest mall and get it pierced.
If the thought of the pain worries you, think of this: Little girls get it done every day. Pay no attention to the old wives' tale that piercing a certain ear says you ride on the bow or stern of the ship.
A bandana: Tie it like a do-rag on your head.
With or without a hat, it adds certain panache to the proceedings. Plus, it's great for covering a receding hairline.
A puffy shirt: Those big, billowing sleeves are perfect for creating the illusion that your arms are actually muscular.
Don't unbutton the neck unless you have chest hair to expose. And remember, you need attitude to carry this off. Otherwise, you're the poor man's Jerry Seinfeld.
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