Blackbeard's Ghost facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Blackbeard's Ghost
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Robert Stevenson
Produced by	Bill Walsh
Screenplay by	Don DaGradi Bill Walsh
Starring	Peter Ustinov Dean Jones Suzanne Pleshette
Music by	Robert F. Brunner
Cinematography	Edward Colman
Editing by	Robert Stafford
Studio	Walt Disney Productions
Distributed by	Buena Vista Distribution
Release date(s)	February 8, 1968 (1968-02-08)
Running time	106 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Money made	$21,540,050

Blackbeard's Ghost is a fun fantasy comedy film from 1968. It was directed by Robert Stevenson and stars Peter Ustinov, Dean Jones, and Suzanne Pleshette. This movie was made by Walt Disney Productions and Bill Walsh. It's based on a book called Blackbeard's Ghost by Ben Stahl, which came out in 1965. The film was shot at the famous Walt Disney Studios.

The Story of Blackbeard's Ghost

Steve Arrives in Godolphin

The movie begins when Steve Walker (Dean Jones) moves to a made-up town called Godolphin. It's a town by the sea in New England. Steve is there to be the new track coach at Godolphin College. On his first night, there's a special event at the hotel where he's staying. This hotel is called Blackbeard's Inn. It's named after the famous English pirate, Captain Edward Teach. The inn is run by a group of older ladies called the Daughters of the Buccaneers. They are actually descendants of Blackbeard's old crew!

Saving Blackbeard's Inn

The inn was built using wood from old ships that crashed nearby. The Daughters of the Buccaneers are trying to pay off their loan so they can keep the inn. A local businessman, Silky Seymour (Joby Baker), wants to buy the land. He plans to build a casino there. Steve quickly notices that his new track team isn't very good. He also has some disagreements with the college dean and the football coach. Luckily, he meets Jo Anne Baker (Suzanne Pleshette), a friendly professor. She really wants to help the ladies save Blackbeard's Inn.

A Ghostly Discovery

At a charity auction, Steve buys an old antique bed warmer. It once belonged to Blackbeard's tenth wife, Aldetha Teach. People said she was a witch. Inside the bed warmer's handle, Steve finds a secret book of magic spells. These spells used to belong to Aldetha. Just for fun, Steve reads a spell out loud. It's a spell "to bring to your eyes and ears one who is bound in Limbo".

Suddenly, the ghost of Blackbeard (Peter Ustinov) appears! He's a bit wild and causes trouble. His wife had put a curse on him. He's stuck in a place called limbo until he can do a good deed.

Steve and the Pirate's Antics

Because of the spell, Steve and Blackbeard are connected. Only Steve can see or hear the ghost. This means Steve has to deal with the pirate's silly actions. At the same time, he's trying to make his track team better. He also wants to get to know Jo Anne more.

One time, Blackbeard tries to drive Steve's car like a pirate ship. He even crashes a police officer's motorcycle! Since no one else can see Blackbeard, Steve gets arrested. He spends a night in jail. While he's there, Steve reminds Blackbeard that a good deed could break his curse. Steve asks Blackbeard for his treasure to help save the inn. But Blackbeard admits he spent all his money! Steve decides he can't trust the pirate.

The Big Track Meet

The next morning, Steve is released from jail. But he's told he must win the big track meet or lose his job at the college. The problem is, Steve's team is very weak and usually doesn't have a chance to win. Steve tells Blackbeard many times not to interfere with his team or the other team.

But Blackbeard causes more trouble. He secretly takes one of the inn's mortgage payments. Then, he bets it all on Steve's track team! Blackbeard plans to use his ghostly powers to help Godolphin win. He wants to use the prize money to pay off the inn's loan completely. Steve is very upset at first. But he realizes that winning the money for the inn is more important. He also lets Blackbeard help him deal with Silky Seymour and his helpers. Seymour didn't want to pay the winnings from the bet.

The Curse is Broken

With the mortgage paid, Blackbeard has finally done a good deed! This breaks his curse. Steve asks the ladies and Jo Anne to say the spell. This makes Blackbeard visible to everyone. Blackbeard says a friendly goodbye to them all. Then, he leaves to join his old pirate crew. Steve and Jo Anne are left to start their future together.

Who's in the Movie?

Comic Book Fun

• Gold Key: Blackbeard's Ghost (June 1968)

See also

In Spanish: Blackbeard's Ghost para niños