Captain Kidd

In days of old when ships were bold, just like the men that sailed them.

Captain Kidd is directed by Rowland V. Lee and adapted to screenplay by Norman Reilly Raine from a story by Robert N. Lee. It stars Charles Laughton, Randolph Scott, Barbara Britton and John Carradine. Music is scored by Werner Janssen and cinematography by Archie Stout.

The late 17th century and ruthless pirate Captain William Kidd (Laughton) is the scourge of the seas and attempts a double cross of King William III (Henry Daniell). His dastardly scheming, however, is in danger of falling apart when he hires ex-convict Adam Mercy (Scott) to be his master gunner. For Mercy has a secret and he also has his own mission to complete.

The most ruthless of them all, Captain William Kidd.

Forget history and try to enjoy Captain Kidd for its light hearted piratical touches. Running at 90 minutes the film is surprisingly short on blood pumping action, with much of the screenplay given to draggy verbose passages. Yet there is an overriding sense of fun throughout, with a cast of highly watchable actors making it very much an acting 101 picture.

Particularly striking is Laughton who seems to be enjoying himself royally as he gets to pout, stomp and dally in villainy. However, there's not enough of the excellent Daniell and the very pretty Barbara Britton is a token offering who is reduced to a near walk on part late in proceedings. Janssen's score is suitably full of high seas bluster, and plot has enough skullduggery, back stabbing and treasure plundering to at the least keep one interested to the finale. 6/10

Charles Laughton stands out amongst this rather motley cast in the eponymous role; sent by King Charles II (Henry Daniell) to escort a treasure ship from India. A bit like leaving the child in charge of the sweetshop; "Kidd" has his own agenda but reckons not for the company aboard his nest of rogues of an oddly mis-cast Randolph Scott "Adam Mercy" who has a smidge too much honour. Barbara Britton provides the love interest that, frankly, drags this otherwise engaging seafaring adventure down somewhat. John Carradine, Reginald Owen and Gilbert Roland complete this main cast without much distinction and Rowland Lee does let this drag it's anchor in the weeds a little towards the end...