Captain Kidd's Treasure (1938)
*** (out of 4)
Part of MGM's "Historical Drama" series, this ten minute short takes a look at Captain Kidd (Stanley Andrews) and the possibility of him burying a vast treasure on an unknown island. History says he was an evil pirate but this film brings up the possibility that he might have been a good guy whose men took part in a mutiny and stole the treasure. As with other entries in the series, how much truth there is in this short is up for debate but today this is best looked at as entertainment and not some history lesson. As far as entertainment goes this isn't the best short in the series but it does manage a few good scenes in its ten-minute running time. Andrews is pretty good as Kidd, although he doesn't get too much screen time. There's one action scene with two ships doing battle, which comes off pretty well even though it's clear the swords they're using aren't real.
*** (out of 4)
Part of MGM's "Historical Drama" series, this ten minute short takes a look at Captain Kidd (Stanley Andrews) and the possibility of him burying a vast treasure on an unknown island. History says he was an evil pirate but this film brings up the possibility that he might have been a good guy whose men took part in a mutiny and stole the treasure. As with other entries in the series, how much truth there is in this short is up for debate but today this is best looked at as entertainment and not some history lesson. As far as entertainment goes this isn't the best short in the series but it does manage a few good scenes in its ten-minute running time. Andrews is pretty good as Kidd, although he doesn't get too much screen time. There's one action scene with two ships doing battle, which comes off pretty well even though it's clear the swords they're using aren't real.