Blackbeard, the Pirate

A lavish seafaring adventure with Robert Newton excellent as Edward Teach "Blackbeard"; the legendary 17th century pirate and Torin Thatcher as the poacher-cum-gamekeeper Governor of Jamaica (Sir Henry Morgan). Clearly cast for his good looks, Keith Andes ("Robert Maynard") isn't quite so convinced about Morgan's Damascan transformation and goes undercover as a surgeon to win a reward by proving Morgan is still as naughty as ever. It's very much a vehicle for Newton - with obvious comparisons to his super performance in "Treasure Island" (1950). Linda Darnell brings some rather clunky glamour to the proceedings aided by Irene Ryan (doing her best Una O'Connor impression as the maid). It's a hotch-potch of historical fact and fiction; Raoul Walsh doesn't quite keep his hand steady enough on the tiller well enough though - parts of the middle do sag a bit; but it's a great watch with lots of swash, buckle and rum!