Blackbeard's Ghost is a 1968 Disney comedy film directed by Robert Stevenson and based on the novel of the same name by Ben Stahl. The film stars Peter Ustinov as the ghost of the notorious pirate Blackbeard, who returns to the present-day world to help his descendant, a college track coach named Steve Walker (played by Dean Jones).
The story takes place in a small seaside town in New England, where Blackbeard's former hideout has been converted into a historical museum. The museum is run by an elderly woman named Emily Stowecroft (played by Elsa Lanchester), who is struggling to keep the place afloat. Meanwhile, a group of gangsters led by Silky Seymour (played by Joby Baker) are trying to force Emily to sell the museum so they can build a crooked casino in its place.
When Steve Walker comes to town to start his new job as the college track coach, he unwittingly becomes involved in the conflict between Emily and the gangsters. One night, Steve discovers a trunk of Blackbeard's old possessions at the museum, and accidentally summons the pirate's ghost. Blackbeard appears to be a cantankerous and mischievous spirit, but he agrees to help Steve and Emily save the museum from the gangsters.
Together, Steve, Emily, and Blackbeard use their wits and Blackbeard's ghostly powers to thwart the gangsters' plans. Along the way, they also have to deal with quirky side characters, such as a skeptical police chief (played by Richard Deacon) and a love interest for Steve, a beautiful college professor (played by Suzanne Pleshette).
Blackbeard's Ghost features a mix of slapstick comedy, ghostly effects, and heartwarming themes about family, friendship, and perseverance. The film was a modest success at the box office and has since become a cult classic, beloved by fans of Disney comedies and pirate adventure stories.