Kampf um den Piratenschatz

This is not a movie of great measure. It's just a VERY good showcase for the ultimate pirate actor, Robert Newton, who fits the role so perfectly as to become THE pirate to be imitated in every pirate movie to follow. He is the centerpiece of this film, make no mistake about that. Every scene belongs to him and every word of dialogue he speaks is the learning base for future "pirates" of the silver screen.

Not a Newton fan? Steer clear, then Matey, because this movie is his and his alone. Not even the beautiful Linda Darnell can distract from him in any scene they share. He is an overpowering and magnetic force when he plays his pirate to perfection.

AWWWWWRRRRRRRRRR.

Being a big fan of the man I enjoyed this movie thoroughly. I find his acting to be natural and amusing. This is his niche and here he rules.

The cast and crew must have had a ball making this flick, since it has so many funny bits in it.Just listen to this exchange between Robert Newton doing his never-equaled pirate character as Blackbeard, and the lovable lug Bill Bendix, of Life of Riley fame, as Worley, the dim-witted first mate. Blackbeard is pulling up a rope that the hero has used to climb into the Captain's cabin, and says, "I be fishin' for a rat!" Worley: "Why, are ya hungry?" Don't miss The Funeral at Sea ("For distance this time!") Watch Edward Maynard eye Linda Darnell's lavish expanse of bosom and say, "Never mind the measurements!"

And while you're thinking about the plot...how _did_ they ever get off that island?

I am gratified that so many others have commented on Robert Newton's completely over-the-top performance in the title role. Unfortunately, it completely transcends the otherwise conventional Hollywood pirate movie that surrounds it. When he's on the screen, nothing else exists. Yes, it's ham-acting at its hammiest but it's virtuoso ham acting that hardly anyone could hope to match. He rolls his eyes, growls, orates...he simply takes over the movie and almost gives ham-acting a good name. The only performances of this kind that I can think of which come close to matching him are Orson Welles (in many things but especially in "Black Magic") and Ralph Richardson in "Things to Come."

Some people are born to play certain roles. Robert Newton was born to play a pirate. No one comes close to his wild pirate performances and the film Blackbeard provides this in spades. If you liked watching him as Long John Silver in Disney's Treasure Island, you will absolutely love him running amock in Blackbeard.

Despite the fact that Sir Henry Morgan and the infamous Edward Teach aka Blackbeard operated in different centuries and that Teach was a mere six years old when Morgan died in 1686 don't worry about historical accuracy. This is a film to be savored and enjoyed especially by those who are true devotees of ham.

Robert Newton who could also restrain himself and give good performances turns off all restraint in this rollicking and colorful pirate portrayal. He blasts everyone else off the screen, not easy to do when you consider Linda Darnell's beauty and William Bendix who usually steals the films he's in.

The plot such as it is has Keith Andes looking to obtain evidence that Henry Morgan is still a pirate after getting a King's pardon. Andes boards a ship that is commanded by the infamous Blackbeard, rival to Morgan. Newton has also taken as hostage Linda Darnell who is the governor's niece and her maid Irene Ryan. Morgan who is also played by another scene stealer Torin Thatcher, is real interested in Darnell and he's held at bay somewhat by Newton having her as hostage.

Newton is a guy who thinks fast on his feet and is not above double crossing his own crew. That's something he does once too often as it turns out.

Once seen you will absolutely never forget Newton as Blackbeard, you will be unconsciously mimicking him for weeks.