In the 17th century, "Death's Head Tavern" waiters Bud Abbott (as Rocky Stonebridge) and Lou Costello (as Oliver "Puddin' head" Feathergill) meet blustery Charles Laughton (as Captain Kidd) and his tall blonde rival Hillary Brooke (as Captain Bonney). Abbott and Lou Costello accidentally obtain a treasure map and use it to join Mr. Laughton and the pirates on a trip to "Skull Island" with young lovers Bill Shirley (as Bruce Martingale) and Fran Warren (as Lady Jane) also venturing forward. This noisy, cluttered musical comedy captures the box office stars and their big name guest at low tide.*** Abbott and Costello Meet Captain Kidd (12/27/52) Charles Lamont ~ Lou Costello, Charles Laughton, Bud Abbott, Hillary Brooke

One of the least funny "comedies" I've ever seen. I can't believe the IMDb rating for this is so close to that of the original "Captain Kidd" (1945). I like Charles Laughton but this is just beneath him. If you want to see him in a truly funny, witty comedy, check out "Ruggles Of Red Gap" (1935).Fran Warren's singing is just about the only highlight here. I was quite annoyed when one of her songs was interrupted for more stupid gags. Her romantic subplot and "characterization" (haha) is practically non-existent, but at least her musical numbers (as forgettable as the songs are) provide a respite from the rest of the idiocy.I'm not big on Abbott and Costello, but I assume this is near the end of their career, and they've done better work? They'd never be so famous if "Meet Captain Kidd" was typical for them, right? Recommended if you enjoy obvious physical "humour", childish slapstick, lame running gags (more like, tired limping gags), just plain bad writing, amateurish directing/editing, and what seems like a constant background noise of pirates yelling along with a clunky musical score which seems to desperately implore, "laugh here! please? are we having fun yet?" I almost feel sorry for this movie. But I feel sorrier for myself and anyone else who tries to get through it.I've read that Warner's done some grand restoration which they're planning to release on DVD. Although I normally hate to see films deteriorate like this one has, not taken care of over the years ...this is SUCH a bad movie, I can't help feeling it's not worth the time and expense! So many better movies deserve rescuing more than this piece of crap. But I suppose A&C are bankable names and even their weakest (to put it kindly) stuff will sell... which is all Warner Bros. cares about. I hope my review encourages some people to save their money. Arrggh, mateys! Hide your loot from those cutthroats who would rob you! And remember, my "clever" pirate reference just now, is more hilarious than all the jokes in "Meet Captain Kidd", put together. Yes, it's THAT BAD.

This is a curious film. Abbott and Costello were only a bit beyond their prime, ready to do the first year of their still beloved television series. Someone, apparently at Warner Brothers, suggested this movie, a low-budget musical comedy filmed in a wretched color process that all but killed the project in itself. Hiring Charles Laughton to do slapstick and Hillary Brooke, quite a talent in herself, must have taken more of the budget than anticipated. The toy ships, the cheap sets, the dreadful choreography, and the forgettable music do little to enhance the low comedy. What an interesting choice for the singing lead: big band singer Fran Warren. She couldn't act worth a lick, but oh those pipes! The song "Speak to me of the Tall Pines" is actually not bad. Her romantic relationship in the film with the totally forgettable tenor is awkward at best. Still, three cheers for Laughton. He steals every scene he's in. But in this crummy film, that isn't saying much.

I'm a huge fan of A&C and realized that the Captain Kidd story was not part of my collection. I have noticed from other comments that the viewing copies of both Jack and The Beanstalk and A&C Meet Captain Kidd are horrendous...I did get to see the Jack and the Beanstalk..and was appalled at the transfer. My being a cinematographer here in Hollywood I know that if these films were brought to a decent telecine house that amazing improvements can be made to the original color. It's a matter of getting the original negative from the print to start with then having a good colorist to work on it! So that being said...if anyone knows if and when the A&C Meet Captain Kidd will be on DVD...or if it has already been out there. I would love to see it. Noticed that Rio Rita is not available on DVD either. Also is A&C Meet Captain Kidd public domain?