Charles Laughton as the clever and greedy Captain Kidd. Image: Daily Motion
In may ways, it must have been difficult to star in a movie with Charles Laughton.
The Oscar-winning British actor probably didn’t mean to steal every scene he was in, but it happened anyway.
Look at the seafaring adventure Captain Kidd (1945) starring Laughton, Randolph Scott, and Barbara Britton. At least, we think Scott and Britton are in the film. We actually don’t remember.
Just kidding!
In this flick, Laughton stars as the titular Captain Kidd, an English pirate who plunders, kills, and destroys as casually as one might change a pair of socks. He constantly schemes, analyzes, and strategizes. He has the unique gift of prospering from nearly any situation.
Exhibit A: Our fraudulent friend learns of a royal ship carrying an exceedingly valuable cargo that needs an escort through dangerous waters. Laughton immediately arranges a meeting with the British King; to prepare, he hires a valet, upgrades his wardrobe, and studies etiquette. His goal is to dupe the monarch into thinking he’s a Respectable sea merchant.
As for the King, that sucker, he meets with Laughton and approves his plan. In fact, he’s all for it! When can you set sail already!
Laughton’s character sounds unstoppable, and nearly is, until he meets Randolph Scott, the man who will trigger his Downfall.
Randolph Scott (L) wants revenge. Image: Pinterest
You might be surprised that the portly Laughton was cast as the lead in a swashbuckler, but it’s a natural fit. Captain Kidd isn’t afraid to outsource his violence, and he’s never put in a position where he has to defend himself by the sword.
But this movie offers more than a cynical character study, such as exploding ships, buried treasure, and sword fights. It’s genuine adventure on the High Seas.
Add to this Randolph Scott as a man who signs onto Kidd’s ship for reasons not readily apparent. He seems to have little affinity for Kidd, and even less for the King. (In one scene, Laughton coerces Scott to drink a toast to the monarch. Scott does so reluctantly, then immediately smashes the glass.)
John Carradine is here, too, as a long-time associate of the unprincipled captain. He does not like or trust Laughton, but is honest enough to tell him so. Carradine and Laughton have terrific banter. For example:
Carradine [to Laughton]: You cold-gutted shark. Laughton: You’re a flatterer. You’ve no idea how gratifying it is to have a congenial soul to confide in.
Really, Laughton’s character is the most despicable type, but you can’t help but have a grudging respect for him. He’s the sort you hate to love.
Barbara Britton is wary of Laughton’s men. Image: IMDb
Captain Kidd is (very) loosely based on the life of the real Captain Kidd, who was born in Scotland in the mid-1600s. He was executed by hanging in 1701.
Kidd was a privateer, which was, apparently, different than a pirate. According to allthatsinteresting.com, “[t]he line between ‘pirate’ and ‘privateer’ was thin during Kidd’s early life, but privateers generally worked on the behalf of a government, whereas pirates worked for themselves.”¹
(Proving once again it’s not robbery if the government gets their cut.)
Kidd’s main job was to help safeguard British trade routes, but he often attacked and pillaged ships from other nations, particularly the French. Most of plundered riches would be submitted to his employer(s), although he skimmed a little off the top for incidentals.
Alas, Kidd ran into trouble in 1696 when he allegedly failed to protect British ships in the Indian Ocean, and attacked a ship that was connected with the East India Company. He was tried in a British court for murder and piracy, and was hanged in 1701.
Some say Kidd was innocent, that he acted no differently than some of his peers, and Kidd himself defended his integrity.
This sense of outraged innocence is beautifully captured by Laughton. “Hands off me, you scum,” he snaps at his jailers. “All I done was for the credit and for the honor and glory of England.”
If you’re in the mood for a Rollicking Sea Yarn – and who isn’t sometimes? – give Captain Kidd a go.
This post is part of ADVENTURE-A-THON, hosted by Cinematic Catharsis & Realweegiemidget Reviews.
Captain Kidd starring Charles Laughton, Randolph Scott, Barbara Britton. Directed by Rowland V. Lee. Written by Norman Reilly Raine & Robert N. Lee. United Artists, 1945, B&W, 90 mins.
Loved reading about this Laughton sounds like he had a ball making this one – and please say he adds a no true Scotsman accent to his role. I’ve only seen him in The Paradine Case so I should try this one… interestingly I had a Scottish friend with the surname Laughton. Anyway thanks for joining the blogathon Ruth and adding you to my Day 1 – dont forget to add your post to Barry’s review and join his competition.
Thanks, Gill! Laughton doesn’t attempt a Scottish accent, whatever the reason. There’s no delving into the pirates’ background here – no time! Too much plundereing and skulduggery going on.
Beautifully written and lavishly illustrated post on a great film—as usual! What a cast, led by the brilliant Charles Laughton. Have seen this several times but now deserves a rewatching thanks to your gorgeous post!
Never had a chance to see this movie, but it sounds like one that I would enjoy! I’ve only seen Laughton’s other Captain Kidd film, Abbott And Costello Meet Captain Kidd (in which he seems to have fun taking part in Bud and Lou’s shenanigans). I know I liked that film, so hopefully I’ll get a chance to see this one at some point!
Hi Neil! Yes, I hope you can see this movie, the Abbott and Costello “Captain Kidd prequel” – haha. It’s well worth a watch, and I think you’d enjoy it.
Any film with Charles Laughton as a pirate has to be worth a look, and the supporting cast looks very strong, although I’m so used to seeing Randolph Scott in westerns it might take me a while to get used to him in a swashbuckler.
I was skeptical re: Randolph Scott at first, but he’s a surprisingly good fit in this movie. He & Laughton have great chemistry. I think you’d get a kick out of this one.
What does it say about me that I’ve never seen this film, but I have seen Abbott and Costello Meet Captain Kidd? (Which, I might add, is almost painful to watch and one of their worst movies.)
I can very easily see Laughton as Captain Kidd taking umbrage at the scurrilous accusations against him as he’s hauled off to the gallows!
P.S.: love the line about it not being theft as long as the government gets its cut.
This is the origin story for the Abbott & Costello movie – haha – and it’s a treat to watch. Laughton is filled with righteous indignation at the end of the film and he’s terrific.
And it’s true about the government taking their cut, isn’t it?
“Laughton’s character is the most despicable type, but you can’t help but have a grudging respect for him. He’s the sort you hate to love.”
That’s a great description of how I always there was a link between Laughton’s “Captain Kidd” and his “Captain Bligh” from Mutiny on the Bounty. The difference is I love to hate Bligh.
Bligh is one of his best characters. His Captain Kidd doesn’t have the same level of chilling menace, but he’s memorable in his own way. I hope you enjoy!
This looks so good. Kidd always strikes me as being like the Jabba the Hutt of pirate captains–dangerous and deadly, but always sends others to do the dirty work.
Silver Screenings 
Loved reading about this Laughton sounds like he had a ball making this one – and please say he adds a no true Scotsman accent to his role. I’ve only seen him in The Paradine Case so I should try this one… interestingly I had a Scottish friend with the surname Laughton. Anyway thanks for joining the blogathon Ruth and adding you to my Day 1 – dont forget to add your post to Barry’s review and join his competition.
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Thanks, Gill! Laughton doesn’t attempt a Scottish accent, whatever the reason. There’s no delving into the pirates’ background here – no time! Too much plundereing and skulduggery going on.
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Excellent, it does sound like a fun one – thanks for adding this to the blogathon.
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What a fun read! I’ve never seen this movie but it sounds like a good one!
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It’s a fantastic film. Fast-paced, witty lines, and good acting. Well worth it. 🙂
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This is worth a look for Laughton alone. Love his work. Great review.
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So true! Laughton really makes this film.
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Beautifully written and lavishly illustrated post on a great film—as usual! What a cast, led by the brilliant Charles Laughton. Have seen this several times but now deserves a rewatching thanks to your gorgeous post!
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You’re right – this film has such a great cast. And Laughton seems to have lots of fun here, doesn’t it?
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He was a brilliant actor! I cannot believe I have not seen this film yet. After reading your post I now have added it to my queue! Thank you! 🙂
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I think you’ll enjoy this one. The story keeps moving and doesn’t get bogged down. Plus, so many good lines, delivered as only Charles Laughton can.
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Never had a chance to see this movie, but it sounds like one that I would enjoy! I’ve only seen Laughton’s other Captain Kidd film, Abbott And Costello Meet Captain Kidd (in which he seems to have fun taking part in Bud and Lou’s shenanigans). I know I liked that film, so hopefully I’ll get a chance to see this one at some point!
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Hi Neil! Yes, I hope you can see this movie, the Abbott and Costello “Captain Kidd prequel” – haha. It’s well worth a watch, and I think you’d enjoy it.
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Any film with Charles Laughton as a pirate has to be worth a look, and the supporting cast looks very strong, although I’m so used to seeing Randolph Scott in westerns it might take me a while to get used to him in a swashbuckler.
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I was skeptical re: Randolph Scott at first, but he’s a surprisingly good fit in this movie. He & Laughton have great chemistry. I think you’d get a kick out of this one.
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Some nice historical background here; Charles Laughton could truly be a force of nature.
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Ha! So true! Any movie with Charles Laughton automatically becomes a Charles Laughton Movie, doesn’t it?
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What does it say about me that I’ve never seen this film, but I have seen Abbott and Costello Meet Captain Kidd? (Which, I might add, is almost painful to watch and one of their worst movies.)
I can very easily see Laughton as Captain Kidd taking umbrage at the scurrilous accusations against him as he’s hauled off to the gallows!
P.S.: love the line about it not being theft as long as the government gets its cut.
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This is the origin story for the Abbott & Costello movie – haha – and it’s a treat to watch. Laughton is filled with righteous indignation at the end of the film and he’s terrific.
And it’s true about the government taking their cut, isn’t it?
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Sounds like a lot of swashbuckling fun!
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It’s a top-notch seafaring yarn!
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How in the world have I missed this movie? Thanks to your delightful review, it’s now on my radar. Thanks so much for joining our little blogathon!
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It’s a terrific movie, with lots of motive and adventure. I hope you enjoy!
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Really interesting to read about this film – also whenever I see the name Randolph Scott I have a Blazing Saddles flashback…
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I’m a bit embarrassed to say I’ve never seen Blazing Saddles… (And I call myself a movie blogger.) Thanks for stopping by!
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Fun review, Ruth!
I have never seen Captain Kidd, but it sounds like Charles Laughton and John Carradine would make it worth watching!
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John Carradine is fabulous as a smart, smarmy pirate. He and Laughton, as you indicated, play well off each other.
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I haven’t seen Captain Kidd, but it sounds like a movie worth watching. Charles Laughton was a great actor and always nailed his performances.
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He is so good here. Has a fake humility one second, and real menace the next. I think you might like this one.
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“Laughton’s character is the most despicable type, but you can’t help but have a grudging respect for him. He’s the sort you hate to love.”
That’s a great description of how I always there was a link between Laughton’s “Captain Kidd” and his “Captain Bligh” from Mutiny on the Bounty. The difference is I love to hate Bligh.
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I know exactly why you mean re: Laughton’s Bligh. He truly is character you love to hate.
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I am looking foreword to seeing this. His Bligh is still my favourite, but I suspect he is a different man in this one.
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Bligh is one of his best characters. His Captain Kidd doesn’t have the same level of chilling menace, but he’s memorable in his own way. I hope you enjoy!
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This looks so good. Kidd always strikes me as being like the Jabba the Hutt of pirate captains–dangerous and deadly, but always sends others to do the dirty work.
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Ha! A perfect description!
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Thank you! 😊
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