Blackbeard's Ghost began as a film project in 1966 with Walt Disney personally at the helm. Based on the popular 1965 children's novel of the same name by Ben Stahl, Disney believed that the story would make a terrific family film in the great Disney tradition. Screenwriters Bill Walsh and Don DaGradi, who had previously collaborated on the Academy Award-nominated screenplay for Disney's smash hit Mary Poppins (1964), adapted Stahl's book for the big screen.
Disney tapped Robert Stevenson to direct. Stevenson was one of Disney's most reliable and trusted directors, having put his stamp on a number of the studio's biggest hits over the years including Old Yeller (1957), The Absent Minded Professor (1961), and Mary Poppins.
Disney favorite Dean Jones was set to star as harried track coach Steve opposite Suzanne Pleshette as his college professor love interest Jo Anne. Blackbeard's Ghost marked the second time Jones and Pleshette worked together on a Disney film, the first time being on the 1966 live action comedy The Ugly Dachshund.
To play the colorful title role of Blackbeard, Disney made an inspired decision to hire the immensely versatile actor Peter Ustinov. The two-time Academy Award winner (Spartacus [1960], Topkapi [1964]) tackled the deliciously broad role with panache, and his mere presence elevated the picture's prestige.
As preparations began on the film, leading man Dean Jones was excited about the new project. However, during a one-on-one lunch with Walt Disney in the Fall of 1966 before shooting began, he took the opportunity to point out some concerns he had with the script.
"[Disney] sat back in his chair," recalled Jones in his 1982 memoir Under Running Laughter. "'You know, if you have so many objections to this picture, maybe you shouldn't be doing it at all. Maybe I should get another actor.'
We looked at each other for a moment. The iron fist was tightening in Walt's velvet glove, and I knew I had better talk fast. 'Look, Walt, you know I want to do this picture. This is an important film. They all are...There hasn't been a group of films with the historical significance of your comedies since Charlie Chaplin,' I said. 'I'd break down the studio gates to do Blackbeard's Ghost.'
'You would, huh?'
'Yes, I would,' I replied with emphasis. Walt smiled. He knew I was putting him on. Maybe he even admired the way I was doing it. He was also enjoying watching me squirm...Finally Walt let me off the hook, and he began talking about Peter Ustinov's arrival the next day.
'Can you have lunch with us?' he asked.
'Only if I'm still in the picture,' I smiled."
When shooting began on Blackbeard's Ghost in late 1966, Walt Disney kept his usual close eye on the production. However, when Disney appeared on set after a two-week hospital stay for what everyone thought to be minor neck surgery, it was clear Disney's health problems were more serious. "I was shocked by his appearance," said Jones. "His face was haggard and colorless, and there were large circles under his eyes...His suit hung on him six sizes too big...I wondered what the doctors had done to Walt's neck to make him look so depleted." Jones asked Disney if his neck would be okay.
"'Neck, no!' Disney spat with disgust, then whispered, 'They took out my left lung,'" recalled Jones.
"My mind stopped functioning. 'Your lung...That would mean cancer!'
[Disney] nodded his head slowly, disgusted, staring defiantly but unseeing into the set...I looked toward the camera involuntarily, surprised that work was continuing after what Walt had just said. The set still buzzed with noise and the crew stood ready to make the shot. Everything was normal, except Walt Disney was dying."
Just two weeks later, in the middle of production, Disney passed away at the age of 65.
Disney's sudden death shook The Walt Disney Company to its core. However, he left behind a thriving business with a strong veteran leadership team that had been mentored under his keen guidance and steeped in the Disney tradition. Life at The Walt Disney Company moved forward, and so did the production of Blackbeard's Ghost.
When the film opened in February 1968, Blackbeard's Ghost proved to be a winner at the box office, boosted by positive reviews. The New York Times called it "a delightful seasonal goody for the young and young-hearted," while Roger Ebert called it "a pleasant surprise...It is Disney's best since The Absent Minded Professor, and a splendid vehicle for the many talents of Peter Ustinov." Variety decreed it "lively and entertaining...highlighted by several very amusing chase and special effects sequences."
Dean Jones went on to star in several more successful Disney live action films, including The Love Bug (1968) and The Shaggy D.A. (1976), which reunited him with Blackbeard's Ghost co-star Suzanne Pleshette. Peter Ustinov would work twice more with Disney on One of Our Dinosaurs Is Missing (1975) and Treasure of Matecumbe (1976).
Blackbeard's Ghost was popular enough to warrant a theatrical re-release in 1976, followed by its release on home video in 1982. People of all ages will love this delightful family comedy with its flamboyant spirit of fun and excitement.
By Andrea Passafiume
