Charles Laughton as Captain Kidd |
Captain William Kidd (Charles Laughton) presents himself to King William III (Henry Daniell) and is assigned to keep pirates from attacking a British ship filled with booty. Kidd, of course, has other ideas about what to do with that ship. Kidd gathers a crew of cutthroats under sentence and offers them a pardon if they serve on board his ship. One of these men, Adam Mercy (Randolph Scott), hides a secret: that Kidd murdered his father. When the British ship is destroyed and stripped of her bounty, the beautiful Lady Anne (Barbara Britton) is taken aboard -- she and Adam will form a romantic alliance, but getting away from Captain Kidd may not be so easy.
Laughton with John Carradine |
Verdict: Heavily fictionalized but entertaining look at the infamous alleged pirate with an absolutely marvelous Laughton. ***.
2 comments:
Can’t believe everyone I have never seen this one, though of course I have seen the Abbott and Costello spoof. I love love love Mr. Laughton, he is always so magnificent. My favorites are his performances as Henry VIII in the thirties and his wonderful blustery barrister in Witness for the Prosecution.
- C
Yes, yes, two of my favorite Laughton performances as well. Just proves that great talent can make up for a lack of classic good looks even in the acting world!
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