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.
Review of Blackbeard's Ghost
Blackbeard's Ghost
(1968)
Ustinov, Jones, and Pleshette elevate lightweight Disney comedy
21 October 2017