Abbott and Costello Meet Captain Kidd (1952)

Abbott and Costello Meet Captain Kidd (1952) is an American comedy film directed by Charles Lamont and starring the comedic duo, along with Charles Laughton who reprises his role as the infamous pirate from the 1945 film. On their way to the Death’s Head Tavern where they work, Oliver ‘Puddin’ Head’ Johnson and Rocky Stonebridge run into Lady Jane. She enlists their help in delivering a love note to Bruce Martingale, the tavern singer. Inside, they come face to face with Captain Kidd himself who is dining with fellow pirate Captain Anne Bonney. Bonney voices her grievances about Kidd raiding ships in her territory and demands her share of the treasure. However, Kidd reveals that he has hidden the loot on Skull Island and holds the only map to its precise location.

He accepts her offer, with her ship trailing closely in case of a potential betrayal. As they wait nervously, Oliver mistakenly switches Lady Jane’s love note with Kidd’s map. Upon discovering the mix-up, Rocky strikes a deal with Kidd to join them on the journey and divide the treasure in exchange for the map. Though Kidd initially agrees, his true intention is to eliminate Oliver and Rocky once he has the map in hand. With Bruce forcibly brought aboard, their voyage sets sail. Throughout the journey, Kidd repeatedly tries to regain the map without success. Meanwhile, Bonney mistakenly believes that Lady Jane was declaring her love for Oliver and becomes intrigued. As they sail on, Kidd attacks an English ship carrying Lady Jane and abducts her.