“Blackbeard’s Ghost”

Peter Ustinov and Dean Jones in “Blackbeard’s Ghost” (Disney, 1968)

“Blackbeard’s Ghost” (Disney, 1968). Another Disney live action comedy favorite from my youth. Dean Jones plays Steve, a college track coach who accidentally conjures up the ghost of the notorious pirate Captain Blackbeard (played by the ever fantastic Peter Ustinov). Turns out that Blackbeard was cursed by one of his exes to live in a purgutory state until he actually does something good for someone else. It also turns out that the Dean Jones character is the only one who can see him. With lots of invisible man effects and sight gags galore, the film is plain and silly fun. Also stars Suzanne Pleshette, Elsa Lanchester and Richard Deacon. Based on the book by Ben Stahl. Written by Bill Walsh and Don DaGradi. Directed by veteran Disney Studios director Robert Stevenson (“The Absent-Minded Professor,” “Mary Poppins”). “Beware all wenches.”