NEW ULM – Take a little trip with the New Ulm Film Society down the mighty Mississippi with a screening of “The Buccaneer” 1958.

The screening begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the New Ulm Public Library. The movie is the second film in the Film Society’s America at War series.

“The Buccaneer” was released in 1958 and tells the story of the final battle in the War of 1812, the Battle of New Orleans. The story focuses on pirate Jean Laffite, played by Yul Brynner. In the lead up to the battle, Lafitte controlled the bayous surrounding New Orleans. Andrew Jackson, played by Charlton Heston, seeks to enlist Laffite’s help in keeping the city out of British hands. For his assistance, Jackson is prepared to offer Laffite a pardon and American citizenship in return.

“The Buccaneer” is based on actual events. Before the Battle of New Orleans, Jackson really did seek out Laffite’s assistance. Screenwriter Jesse Lasky Jr. said the real story of Laffite was so over the top it was a relatively easy script to write.

Director Anthony Quinn also felt the real life story of Laffite was interesting enough without adding additional dramatic flourishes. However, the film does stray from the truth in some areas thanks in large part to the film’s producer. The legendary filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille.

“The Buccaneer” is actually a remake of DeMille’s the 1938 film by the same name. DeMille was planning to direct the remake as well, but became gravely ill and passed directing duties onto his son-in-law Anthony Quinn. DeMille still took an active part in the film’s productions. Brynner and Heston had famously worked with DeMille before in “The Ten Commandments.” According to Quinn, the final edit of the film was made by DeMille. DeMille died a month after the film was released, making it his last film.

Outside of “The Buccaneer” connection to DeMille, the film is now remembered as one of the rare films to tackle The War of 1812. When “The Buccaneer” was released, for better or worse, it was likely the only depiction of the war most Americans had seen. It is a conflict that is not often remembered, saved for the origins of the Star Spangled Banner and the rise in prominence of Andrew Jackson.

The Battle of New Orleans as depicted in “The Buccaneer” actually occurred after a treaty was signed ending the war. News of the treaty had yet to reach everyone. The battle’s greatest significance is it gave a young nation a reputation for standing up against powerful forces. The Battle of New Orleans has become less historic and more mythic legend.

“The Buccaneer” is tapping into the mythic status. Rather than focus on the political implications of the British invading an American city, the movie tells a story about a pirate and his heroic actions to save a struggling young country. It’s a good story and certainly inspiring. A few months after “The Buccaneer” was released, Johnny Horton recorded “The Battle of New Orleans,” which further established the conflict in folk history.

The New Ulm Film Society’s screening of “The Buccaneer” is free to the public. Before and after the film, there will be a discussion about the film’s place in film history.