Blackbeard's Ghost (1968) User Reviews (60)

His breath would stun a horse!

[hitchcockthelegend · 8/10 · 15 December 2010]

Blackbeard's Ghost is a live action picture out of Walt Disney Studios and it's directed by Robert Stevenson. It's based around the novel written by Ben Stahl, with the adaption for the screen by Don DaGradi & Bill Walsh. Starring are Peter Ustinov, Dean Jones, Suzanne Pleshette, Elsa Lanchester & Joby Baker.

Plot finds Ustinov as the titular phantom of the title, who is suspended between worlds after a curse was put on him by his ex-wife. When amiable track coach Steve Walker (Jones) arrives in the coastal town of Godolphin he attends a charity sale and buys an antique bed warmer. Later that night Steve finds a hidden spell located in the bed warmer and after reading it out aloud he conjures up the ghost of Blackbeard. Seems that only Steve can see the bluff old pirate, and apparently Blackbeard can only escape his curse if he does a good deed. Good timing, then, since the old hotel run by the old ladies of Godolphin is under threat of closure from unscrupulous gambling gangster Silky Seymour (Baker) who wants to build a casino on the land. In spite of the fact that they just can't get on, Blackbeard and Steve may just be good for each other.

A perfect light hearted live action film for the young and the young at heart. Looking a bit dated now on account of the advent of special effects, Blackbeard's Ghost none the less carries a weighty good against evil parable and brings on the laughter in spades as it goes. The set up is classic Disney, a pretty little coastal town is home to buccaneer secrets and the equilibrium is being upset by baddies who want progress to further their greed. Enter a bad boy coming good and the underdog sports team suddenly finding a new lease of life; aided wonderfully by Blackbeard during the film's funniest quarter. And there's even an engaging romance between Jones & Pleshette that's easy to warm too. The cast are inoffensive and pleasant, particularly Ustinov who is on full tilt pantomime overdrive, while the little devilish motif of cheating for the greater good finds Disney not hiding behind the syrup jar.

Personally I laughed out loud on a number of occasions, most notably a cheerleader sequence that still has me giggling as I write this piece. Hopefully this film can have a similar effect on those looking at it for the very first time. Seek it out folks and watch with the family, for it is perfect family entertainment. 8/10

From the Newton School

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 2 April 2006]

Watching Blackbeard's Ghost yesterday put me in mind of the late Robert Newton and his portrayal of Blackbeard in a classic film from the Fifties. Had Mr. Newton not died of chronic alcoholism in 1957, I'm sure he would have been the Disney studio's choice to play Blackbeard.

With Robert Newton not being available, the studio got another actor famous for a bravura performance, that of Nero and Quo Vadis. Who'd have thought that Peter Ustinov would have gotten another role that called for flamboyant overacting. Ustinov's Blackbeard is a combination of Newton's Blackbeard and his own Nero. And he dominates the film completely.

Dean Jones who was Disney's major leading man at the time who played the roles Kurt Russell was too young for, borrows a great deal from that other actor, who's career Disney rejuvenated, Fred MacMurray. In fact the similarities between this and Absent Minded Professor and Son of Flubber are too obvious to be missed.

Still those were two pretty funny films and Blackbeard's Ghost is in a great tradition.

Dean Jones is the new track coach at Godolphin College and he stays at the inn that's run by the descendents of the crew of none other than Edward Teach better known as Blackbeard. But they are a harmless bunch of senior citizens led by Elsa Lanchester. Yet that inn is coveted by gangster Joby Baker who's bought the mortgage.

Jones finds a faded piece of paper in an old bedwarmer and it's a spell that makes the ghost of old Blackbeard visible to him only. After that Jones plays straight man to a hilarious Ustinov. Blackbeard and is doings cause some romantic problems for Jones with Suzanne Pleshette, but in Disney tradition in the end the old buccaneer sets everything to right and escapes the limbo he's consigned to.

For Peter Ustinov fans, this is a must. You can see it in his face and his performance how much of a good time Ustinov was having with this part. It will translate into your enjoyment as well.

A good Disney movie.

[wenz-2 · 8/10 · 7 March 2001]

This was a movie that brought back good memories. Our family went to see it at the theater back in the 70's.

It is a good story, with a few scenes that are very funny.

Dean Jones has the lead (of course), and Suzanne Pleshette is also very good. Peter Ustinov, is a great pirate for the kids to enjoy.

A good Disney movie, and a great family movie.

Funny and entertaining movie about a likable ghost excellently performed by the great Peter Ustinov

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 29 January 2012]

Fun Disney-fantasy comedy about a pirate/ghost that returns to our time. Enjoyable story that mingles adventure , fantasy , slapdash and amusement . One of Disney's best live-action comedies , this stars Peter Ustinov in the title role as Blackbeard , he has been cursed by his spouse who was an evil witch , so that he will never die . The phantom is suspended between worlds after a curse was put on him by his ex-wife . When a sympathetic trainer named Steve Walker (Dean Jones) arrives in the coastal little town called Godolphin he attends a charity sale and buys an antique bed warmer. After that , Steve discovers a hidden spell and after reading it out aloud he conjures up the title character and he only can see the fantastic pirate , being one important trouble , no one will believe him . The only way to "break" the curse is to do a good act for once in his life . As the notorious pirate is a ghost who has to prevent his descendants from becoming a gambling casino . Meanwhile , an ancient hotel run by some old ladies called ¨Daughters of Buccaneers¨( Elsa Lanchester and others ) of Godolphin little town is under threat of foreclosure from nasty gambling mobster who wishes to construite a house game on the location . As the coach Steve and the gorgeous Jo Anne (Suzanne Pleshette ) help protect his descendants' home from being taken over by racketeers who want to make it casino , both of whom along with the 400-year-old ghost romp around in the motel threatened with closure.

This slapstick fantasy Disney is plenty of adventure , imagination , comedy ad lots of fun . This is a likable sort of a kiddies' adaptation of a ¨ghost story¨ and another attempt for repeat the Mary Poppins magic . Peter Ustinov as the titular phantom of the title is terrific , he steals the show , as himself grins, grunts and botchers around which makes him all the more endearing . Many of the gags are good , but the movie sometimes drags . Highlights of the movie result to be the amusing scenes in which the pirate uses his powers to aid the young runners to gain competitions and fun final at the house game . Well produced by Bill Walsh , colorfully photographed by Edward Colman and lively musical score by Robert Brunner ; the three of them customary experts on Disney fantasy home . The motion picture is well directed by usual craftsman from Disney productions named Robert Steveson who achieved for the famous company its greatest successes such as ¨Mary Poppins¨ , ¨Bednobs and broomsticks , ¨Gnome-mobile¨, ¨Herbie rides again¨ , ¨Absent-minded professor¨, ¨Son of Flubber¨, ¨Shaggy DA¨ , ¨That darn cat¨ , ¨One of our dinosaurs is missing¨ and many others . Rating : Acceptable , 6,5 , worthwhile watching . Amusing and engaging film with effective combination of primitive special effects , live action , adventure , fantasy and humor . The children will get a kick out of this Disney film .

"What manner of craft be this we're cruising in?"

[Hey_Sweden · 6/10 · 24 May 2019]

Disney veteran Dean Jones plays Steve Walker, the new track coach at Godolphin College, who comes to stay at an inn owned by sweet old ladies who claim to be descended from Blackbeard the pirate. Well, later that night, Steve manages to conjure into being the title character (Peter Ustinov), who's been "living" under a curse. Blackbeard becomes determined to do one "good" thing after all of the cutthroat mayhem he instigated while alive, while driving Steve (the only person who can see and hear the pirate) right up the wall.

"Blackbeard's Ghost" is fairly amusing, if somewhat overlong, Disney fare that's pretty good family / comedy / fantasy entertainment. It's full of the expected slapstick, as Blackbeard interferes in a pivotal track meet and makes fools out of the minions of mobster Silky Seymour (Joby Baker). But the real driving force of the movie is the chemistry between Jones and Ustinov. The latter is a hoot, taking an off the wall approach to playing this legendary scoundrel: sometimes he can be annoying, even whiny. Jones also has very fine chemistry with his leading lady, Suzanne Pleshette (who plays Jo Anne Baker, a professor at the college). The special effects are generally decent, and an undeniable highlight is when Steve and Blackbeard have a reckless automobile ride through the local environs. And the supporting cast features a number of familiar faces who all get their chance to make an impact: Elsa Lanchester as the dotty Emily Stowecroft, the perfectly slimy Baker as the villain, Elliott Reid as an excitable announcer, Richard Deacon as the college dean, Kelly Thordsen as a cop, Michael Conrad as the football coach, George Murdock as an official, Hank Jones as the bright-eyed Gudger Larkin, and Ned Glass as a teller.

Overall, the movie is pleasant to watch, generating decent laughs as the harried Steve is unable to deal with this persistent new nuisance in his life, and is afraid of how crazy he looks in the eyes of others. He must learn how to make his peace with Blackbeard, and realizes that he does, in fact, need him. And the irrepressible Blackbeard does acclimatize himself enough to this strange new world.

Six out of 10.

As good as ever...

[zerodegreesk · 10/10 · 9 October 2002]

This movie had great memories from when I saw it as a kid. Usually, the movie's never as good as it was, you know, when you see it again once you're older. This one is still great, though! The jokes and gags are, for the most part, routine and common, but I think Peter Ustinov made the movie. You just have to let go of everything and have fun with it.

Silly and a little overlong, but thanks to a stellar Peter Ustinov it is a very enjoyable film

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 3 March 2010]

While silly and over-the-top at times, this film is a lot of fun. My main problem though with "Blackbeard's Ghost" though is that it is tad too long by 10 minutes. But it is hugely enjoyable entertainment for the whole family, with some nice costumes and cinematography. Also a vast majority of the jokes are very funny, the intriguing plot is along the lines of "The Canterville Ghost" and the performances are spirited. Peter Ustinov, a great actor, makes a very lively lead who is condemned to wander in limbo until he performs a good deed, and Dean Jones also does a good job. Elsa Lanchester almost steals the film though, as one of the ladies he must save from gambling gangsters. Overall, while not perfect, it is enjoyable and worth watching. 7/10 Bethany Cox

"By thunder! This raises my blood! There be a time for action! Hang on old ladies, Blackbeard's coming! Up the Jolly Roger!"

[bensonmum2 · 8/10 · 17 September 2019]

The new Godolphin College track coach, Steve Walker, spends his first night in town at Blackbeard's Inn where he inadvertently summons the ghost of Blackbeard. Blackbeard is cursed to roam through limbo, making life miserable for Walker in the process, unless he can do one good deed to send him on his way to the other side. Helping Godolphin win the big track meet (and saving the Inn in the process) might just be the good deed he needs.

The 60s and early 70s were a prime-time for live action Disney movies like Blackbeard's Ghost. These were good, clean, family films with real actors, real stories, and real comedy. I hadn't seen it in years and maybe it's a nostalgia thing for me, but I found it just as entertaining and fun as ever. A lot of the comedy may be the obvious slapstick type, but it works nonetheless. The entire track meet is a hoot. I suppose my favorite bit may have been the baton pass mix-up during the relay race. Pretty funny stuff. The acting in Blackbeard's Ghost is first rate. Ustinov is very good as Blackbeard. His overacting is exactly what the role calls for. Everyman Dean Jones and the stunning Suzanne Pleshette make the perfect Disney couple. You can't help but root for them. Finally, Elsa Lanchester steals every scene she appears in. A couple of times I found her laugh-out-loud funny. It's a nice cast. Throw in the rousing, very Disney-esque Heart of Oak pirate sing-a-long and you've got a winner.

I doubt a movie like Blackbeard's Ghost would be made today. Ustinov doesn't come close to the image Disney's promoting these days. Too bad, because today's kids and families are missing out.

8/10

Just about enjoyable

[r96sk · 7/10 · 30 July 2020]

Is this good or bad? I'm genuinely not even sure, but it's hard to doubt that it does suitably entertain.

It constantly hops between cringe/chucklesome and overacted/finely acted. The plot is mindless and impossible to take seriously, though the shenanigans that occur are mostly amusing. It would be a lot worse off without the likeable leads, that's for certain.

Peter Ustinov brings fun as Blackbeard, sometimes his acting is a little too over the top for my personal liking but he has more funny moments than lame ones. He and Dean Jones (Steve) join up well enough, as does Jones with Suzanne Pleshette (Jo Anne) - as already seen two years prior in 'The Ugly Dachshund'.

Not what I had expected, I come away probably wanting something different from 'Blackbeard's Ghost'. However, there is humour in there that's just about enjoyable.

Peter Ustinov

[Kirpianuscus · 28 June 2016]

at first sigh, a comedy who use the skills, obvious in many other films, of two good actors. in fact, only a great comedy. who gives to Peter Ustinov to create a lovely character who conquer entire story. and that is the basic fact who gives color and force and charm to a film who remains seductive decade by decade. the small pieces of history. the cliché of bad guy. the mediocre sport team , the pressure to lost their tradition to a small community. tradition, legends and hilarious meeting are only the best ingredients for a story for every age. one of films useful for rediscover the taste of a period. and the flavor of an age. and, sure, to enjoy one interesting performances of Peter Ustinov. who gives a memorable hero portrait , fascinating, seductive, nice scene by scene.

A good laugh here and there...

[moonspinner55 · 5/10 · 17 August 2005]

The new track-coach in town conjures up the ghost of an 18th century pirate; together they save an ancient inn from being taken over by crooked men who operate in rigged casinos. Hammy opus from the Disney Studios, right off their assembly-line, is colorful in presentation without being very whimsical. Still, it's not without the requisite G-rated pleasures, silly-funny slapstick, and some laughs. Dean Jones and love-interest Suzanne Pleshette are an easy match, but blustery Peter Ustinov as the besotted spirit could use some lessons in subtlety. Supporting cast (Elsa Lanchester, Richard Deacon, et al) is like a round-up of Disney's stock players. ** from ****

They don't ,make movies like this anymore.

[atinder · 10/10 · 12 August 2009]

I saw this movie on Easter Monday this year, I loved it, it has so many great jokes, mostly ghost jokes which were great.

One of the most funniest movie, I have seen, I could not stop laughing.

Blackbeard's Inn, a small hotel on the Carolina coast, is run by the Daughters of the Buccaneers, a group of little old ladies all claiming to be descendants of the notorious Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard. When Steve Walker.

The new track coach for Godolphin College, registers at the inn, he learns that the Daughters are desperately trying to pay off their mortgage in order to prevent a takeover by the local gambling czar, Silky Seymour. Encouraged by Jo Anne Baker, a college instructor, Steve helps the old ladies' cause by buying an antique bed warmer at a charity auction and discovers that it was once owned by Blackbeard's 10th wife.

Before being burned as a witch, she had condemned her philandering husband to wander in limbo until he performed one good deed. By accident, Steve conjures up the devilish pirate's spirit and persuades him to help the Daughters.

After that he life is being turn upside down by this ghost, it some very funny scenes, then people starting to thinking that Steve is the one who is going crazy.

Great comedy for the whole family.

Alternately tiresome and funny.

[gridoon · 7/10 · 21 July 2001]

This entertaining Disney comedy-fantasy drags at times, but its two major set pieces (the track championship and the final showdown) are worth watching. It's true that most of the film's dialogue passages are pretty tiresome, but it also has many clever visual gags, and some spectacular special effects. (**1/2)

Blackbeard's Ghost

[Coxer99 · 5/10 · 12 May 1999]

Ustinov is entertaining as an infamous pirate in this slapstick Walt Disney comedy. It has moments quite overbearing and moments that are quite engaging. Ustinov is the one that keeps you interested and laughing. Elsa Lancaster co-stars.

Ustinov, Jones, and Pleshette elevate lightweight Disney comedy

[a_chinn · 6/10 · 21 October 2017]

Lightweight Disney comedy gets a big boost from a strong cast. Dean Jones is the new track coach at a local college and after spending the night at Blackbeard's Inn, where he befriends the cantankerous ghost of Edward Teach, AKA Blackbeard, played by the always excellent Peter Ustinov, who then helps Jones and love interest Suzanne Pleshette secure money to save the hotel from being taken away by the bank (and gangsters). The plot isn't really why you'd watch this film. It's the banter between Jones and Pleshette, and the comic mugging by Ustinov, which all goes a very long way. It's also fun to see the original Bride of Frankenstein, Elsa Lanchester, in a supporting role. Far from a Disney classic, it's still solid entertainment. And as an aside, I'm kind of fascinated thinking back to the many Disney live action films of the 60s and 70s that were made for kids, but which feature no children. This is something you don't ever really see anymore in children's movies.

An underappreciated gem

[daffyphack-634-295132 · 7/10 · 25 July 2020]

I'm going through the Disney Plus catalog chronologically, and I've recently hit the years when Dean Jones is in basically everything. This was one of my personal favorites growing up. On rewatching these films, I think That Darn Cat is better, but this one is still pretty darn good. It's certainly superior to The Ugly Dachshund, where Jones and Suzanne Pleshette have seemingly no chemistry. In this, their relationship is less integral to the plot, but they work much better together.

Of course, the real draw for the movie and the reason I loved it so much as a child, is the unhinged performance by Peter Ustinov as Blackbeard. It's honestly a little hard to describe his affectations: a lot of shouting, weird noises, and a real commitment to the portrayal of Blackbeard as a drunkard on an emotional roller coaster. It's delightful.

Very enjoyable Disney Fare.

[gatorgus-80479 · 10/10 · 10 August 2019]

I loved this move as a kid, and it aged very well.

My wife and I watched it today, and I laughed at several parts.

Peter Ustinov was brilliant.

Peter Ustinov is ever so good as I rememberd him!

[moing · 7/10 · 17 January 2003]

I saw this film some 30 years ago and when it came on my television I remembered it as very funny. And it is still very funny, thanks to Peter Ustinov who is the real soul of the film. I would say that this film ages well.

Ustinov is a master at comedy

[nielseernink · 8/10 · 29 March 2005]

This Ustinov performance is one of the few I saw of him. The amazing ease and wit with which he performs is admirable. Who would have thought that a classic role such as a pirate could be filled in with such dignity. The story itself is a patchwork of silly situations all centring around the fund raising for a group of old ladies. The whole cast is up for a good laugh (I suspect Ustinov has something to do with this) and this gives the movie some swagger. The sets and effect used in the movie are amateurish, BUT this is what makes the movie all the more gullible. Although this might at first seem a movie to be seen on TV on a rainy Saturday afternoon, I recommend you go to the videostore and enjoy it on a Friday night before you go out.

Fun Disney flick

[gcd70 · 6/10 · 6 July 2008]

Peter Ustinov has a ball and the rest of the cast are most enjoyable in this fun Disney flick which is ideal for young audiences.

Director Robert Stevenson brings Ben Stahl's novel to the screen as he tells the story of legendary pirate Captain Blackbeard, who was cursed by his wicked wife to walk the earth in limbo until such a time as some small portion of good might be found in him. Disney released similar films around the late sixties and early seventies including "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" with much success at the time.

This enjoyable, merry fun also stars Elsa Lanchester, Dean Jones (of "Herbie" fame) and Suzanne Pleshette.

Sunday, January 18, 1998 - Video

Very entertaining

[Quackle · 1 March 2003]

I enjoyed this movie very much; there is rarely a moment where I wasn't finding it interesting. There is some great acting, especially by Peter Ustinov, playing the ghost of Blackbeard. 9/10

A shipwreck of a movie, it's just not funny. Perhaps young children might like it?

[marxsarx · 4/10 · 13 April 2003]

In this Walt Disney produced comedy, a track coach (Dean Jones) begins a new job coaching the "Godolphins", a team without a ghost of a chance of winning anything.

The ladies he is staying with are the great-great granddaugters of Blackbeard the ghost, and they are about to lose their home if they don't come up with $38,000 to pay off their mortgage. A crooked gambling man plans to get their propterty and build a casino on the site.

Dean Jones' charcter accidently finds a spell or 'conjuration' that brings back the 'ghost of Blackbeard' who gets involved in trying to save the home of his great-great granddaughters from the crooked gambler, and all types of antics follow.

The characters in this film do not click together. Translation: it's just not funny. Perhaps younger children (definitely under 13) might like it, but I suspect most adults will be annoyed by the corny acting performances of almost every principle actor in the film. Even the great Peter Ustinov can't save this sinking ship. It would have been better to leave 'Blackbeard's Ghost' in limbo, thus sparing the rest of us from this shipwreck of a movie. I give it a 4/10

Hilarious. Great Disney And Great Comedy.

[johnstonjames · 9/10 · 7 October 2010]

note: do not bother to watch the American release DVD of this. for some reason with a few of the harder to find live action classics from Disney like 'Gnomemobile' or 'One of Our Dinosuars is Missing', the DVD transfers offered on the American disc are inferior transfer. they looked like Disney transfered them from VHS or something. the region 2 DVD releases from England are, for some reason, a far superior transfer and look like they were transfered from film and not VHS. don't know why you should have to go to a foreign market to get the best quality from an American studio, but this seems pretty typical of the failure by the Disney co. to adequately showcase it's live action classics from the studio's golden age.

all that tech talk aside,'Blackbeard's Ghost' has always been one of my favorite live action Disney fantasies. and definitely one of the studio's best comedies ranking with 'The Absentminded Professor' and 'One of our Dinosuars is Missing'. with the (shall i say it?) stellar acting combination of Ustinov and Jones, 'Blackbeard' plays out like a Diney/fantasy version of Neil Simon's the 'Odd Couple'. and if you are partial to Disney and slapstick, possibly a lot funnier.

the performances by Ustinov and Jones are decidedly a focal point that drives the film and gives it it's most weighty substance. the performances, especially Ustinov's, are inspired and sharp witted. they come off as sort of lunatic fringe, counterparts to Matthau and Lemmon, but with a lot more testosteroned, highly charged, craziness. Ustinov and Jones performances are much more "over the top" than Matthau's or Lemmon's, but as charged up as their performances get, they are restrained and controlled with lots of character insight that makes the two protagonist seem like human beings and not nuttily drawn cartoons which could have easily have happened with all the buffoonery.

even though cartoonish, the characters are developed with some psychological insights. insights very similar to Simon's 'Odd Couple' play. one is uptight and repressed, the other is gregarious and lacking any moral conscience and a slob. also much like the 'Odd Couple', this is a take on the age old saying "you can't keep two bulls in one pen". a testimonial satire on the difficulties in the male relationship and of male dominance assertion. the compatibility between the two is aggravated by their extreme differences. one is a square, the other a pirate, one is living, one is dead, etc. of course in true Disney fashion, they learn to come to terms with their differences and work together.

it's also interesting to note that for a film that is over forty years old (God. forty years. i saw this at the movies when it first came out), the gimmicks and FX are still true today as ever. in many respects, the mechanical effects are even more inspired in an age that relies on CGI for everything. Peter Ellenshaw's beautiful matte composites look even better and more painted art than the monochromatic CGI composites of today.

classic Disney doesn't get much better than this. and it is certainly better than a lot of the bland, under-whelming fare, offered by the Disney channel TV movies of today.

A Bit Dated But Funny

[gavin6942 · 6/10 · 22 October 2017]

On the Carolina coast, Godolphin College's new track coach lodges at Blackbeard's Inn, run by the Daughters of the Buccaneers who claim to be descendants of the notorious pirate and who risk losing their hotel to the local mobster.

While I ultimately enjoyed the film and found it to be pretty funny, it does take a while to get going. For the first 20 to 30 minutes, I was rather bored. And that is a shame, because if I am not alone it would turn other people off to it.

Also, the version I watched was on an official Disney DVD. But it was fullscreen and clearly not cleaned up, at least not much. I do not know the original aspect ratio, but it seemed to fit the screen strangely as fullscreen.

A 1968 movie with its head stuck in 1959.

[Irie212 · 5/10 · 21 December 2009]

The chronology of Disney movies that I saw growing up are almost a record of the stages of girlhood: "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Lady and the Tramp," "Greyfriars Bobby," "The Moon-Spinners" and lastly, at 14, "The Fighting Prince of Donegal"—a satisfying transition out of puberty, with Peter McEnery swashbuckling his way into my adolescent heart. Three years later, I was buying tickets to "Bonnie and Clyde," "The Graduate," and "In the Heat of the Night," as well as imports from "Bedazzled" to "Closely Watched Trains." By 1968, I didn't even notice the release of "Blackbeard's Ghost."

Today I appreciate vintage Disney movies not only for the purity of the nostalgia, but for the durability of the formula, and the skillful choice (if not use) of talent. I recently re-watched several, just because of the casts: "Moon-Spinners" for Eli Wallach, Joan Greenwood, Irene Papas, and (yes) Pola Negri. "Pollyanna" for Donald Crisp, Adolph Menjou, Agnes Moorehead. "Kidnapped" for Finlay Currie and the Peters O'Toole and Finch. "Swiss Family Robinson" for John Mills and Sessue Hayakawa.

Family pictures, all, as is Blackbeard's Ghost. But while the others have logical plots, Blackbeard pushes the bounds of absurdity and actually becomes boring.

And "Blackbeard's Ghost" for Peter Ustinov and Elsa Lanchester. There's barely a glimpse of her after the first half hour or so, but he is in almost every scene, buttressing a silly plot with his inventive light physical comedy, and managing to sell a truly ridiculous role. Beyond, ridiculous, really: as the plot hurtles forward, he develops preternatural powers more associated with superheroes than with fat drunken ghosts.

Ustinov, unfortunately, is the only reason to dedicate 106 minutes to this movie. Its few other qualities lag far behind: the wildly creative sets for Blackbeard's Inn do look like they were assembled of jetsam (as the dialog says), and though Dean Jones is no Laurence Olivier (he's not even Fred Macmurray), he does a fine job as the dauntless straight man to Ustinov's spectral pirate.