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SMITHSONIAN: THE REAL STORY: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN

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This Smithsonian Channel program considers how realistic the first "Pirates of the Caribbean" film is. By looking at the reality of the weaponry, social life and habits of real pirates who operated in the Caribbean in the early 18th Century, a strong case is made for the Johnny Depp film as presenting a surprisingly accurate representation. Though very little of the actual "Pirates" film is shown, reenactments of pirates are well-done and a weapons' expert enthusiastically, if a bit gruesomely, demonstrates the weapons of the era. Much attention is given to Blackbeard, the most infamous of pirates, upon whom Geoffrey Rush's Barbossa is partly based. A fascinating segment focuses on the discovery and restoration of canons from Blackbeard's sunken ship. Computer-generated drawings of ships provide detail as to the structure and operation of pirate ships, of which I wish there had been more. The fast moving production really just skims the surface of the subject matter, but production quality is excellent and it is chockfull of fascinating details. Recommended for ages 14 to 18, as well as adult. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Michael F., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror

Johnny Depp and the cast of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" present the buccaneer lifestyle as a back-stabbing, high-living, hard-drinking world. It makes for an entertaining series, but is it a true depiction of the times? Evidence shows that amidst the lawless merriment, pirates formed a highly organized society, where democracy ruled and voting and health care preceded England by 100 years. We interview historians, weaponry experts, and one of the film's screenwriters to show how true pirate adventures inspired this blockbuster franchise.