Cutthroat pirate William Kidd captures Admiral Blayne's treasure ship and hides the bounty in a cave. Three years later, Kidd, posing as a respectable merchant captain, offers his services to the King of England. Seeking a social position, Kidd also negotiates for Blayne's title and lands, provided he can prove Blayne was associated with piracy. Launched upon his royal mission, Kidd is unaware that Blayne's son Adam is among the crew, determined to clear his father's name.
Acting
Laughton's theatrical villainy devours every scene
Costume
Velvet coats and plumed hats worth the Technicolor
Production
RKO's ship sets surprisingly lavish for B-picture budget
Director
Rowland V. Lee
Charles Laughton
Captain Kidd
Randolph Scott
Adam Mercy / Adam Blayne
Barbara Britton
Lady Anne Dunstan
Reginald Owen
Cary Shadwell
John Carradine
Orange Povey
Gilbert Roland
Jose Lorenzo
John Qualen
Bart Blivens
Sheldon Leonard
Cyprian Boyle
William Farnum
Capt. Rawson
Henry Daniell
King William III
Abner Biberman
Theodore Blades (uncredited)
Clifford Brooke
(uncredited)
Harry Cording
Newgate Prison Warder (uncredited)
Jimmy Dime
Pirate (uncredited)
Lumsden Hare
Lord Fallsworth (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Charles Laughton so enjoyed playing villainous seafarers that he essentially recycled this performance for his 1952 Captain Bligh in 'Mutiny on the Bounty.'
The real William Kidd was likely a privateer turned scapegoat rather than a true pirate, but Hollywood preferred the theatrical version. The film's 1945 release cashed in on post-war appetite for escapist adventure.
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