I love black and white movies. They are consistently my most favorite on Hulu -- and a big part of that is because black and white films tend to come from aged retail concerns and such (and perhaps even retail value). But in irony, they remain frequently superiod films in every regard.
Examples would be Dr. Strangelove ('62), The Train ('65), and Paper Moon ('73?). But only the second just listed is still available on Hulu (bring the others back). The value of quality black and white films still has some weight. And this is another -- still available for the time being.
And another irony is that I expected to get amused beyond tolerance at aged storytelling like that of Captain Kidd. I didn't think I'd want to watch it all before it started and I gave it a chance.
The opposite happened. I got seriously into this film. And it is the actor who plays Captain Kidd that sells this movie. Over time, as the story develops, he is a very absorbing, unexpected (even for pirate class), and immeasurably humorous -- yet evil.
Just one example would be his multiple verbal epitaths at the burials of his multiple vicitms. In each case, he starts out describing his victims so wonderfully, only to launch an unabashed verbal pissing on their graves. It's near spectacular. I would never know the name of Charles Laughton without this film, perhaps, but I think now I won't ever forget it. Thanks, Hulu.
Bear with the oft overly melodramatic music, and a thoughtful viewer will likely find a lot of entertainment in this film..