Bloody Bess, Part II

This tape features footage from a 1974 performance of "Bloody Bess," produced by the Organic Theater Company in Chicago and performed at the Uptown Center Hull House Theater. The play was conceived by Stuart Gordon and written by William J. Norris and John Ostrander. It tells the story of Elizabeth Presberty, daughter of the Governor of the island of Tobago. After being taken prisoner by a group of pirates, she returns home to face betrayal and the murder of her family members. She eventually transforms herself into Bloody Bess, a rugged pirate captain out to bring those who have done her wrong to justice.

00:00Copy video clip URL This tape begins with a black screen and static.

00:21Copy video clip URL Open on Presberty and another character who informs her of their upcoming marriage. Another man beats her after she calls the other man a murderer after learning about her father’s death. She struggles intensely. This lasts for several minutes.

04:07Copy video clip URL Cut to a shot of Presberty lying in bed. Annie Bailey approaches and almost stabs her, but chooses not to. Presberty then wakes up and the two talk.

09:07Copy video clip URL Cut to footage of a battle between a group of pirates and their rivals. Presberty has a confrontation with the lead pirate. She kills him and becomes the captain of the ship. This lasts for several minutes.

13:34Copy video clip URL The pirates find treasure. Presberty and Bailey converse with one another about their plans. The other pirates also appear.

18:45Copy video clip URL Cut to a scene with the rivals. The men plot an attack against the pirates.

22:28Copy video clip URL Cut to footage from the battle. Presberty battles the man she was to marry in one-on-one combat. She ultimately kills him. The tape ends shortly afterward.

28:00Copy video clip URL Tape ends.