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In this Hammer production set in 18th century England, the British Navy is sent to a coastal town where residents are suspected of smuggling alcohol. When the navy arrives, they are side-tracked by assertions of ghostly ‘marsh phantoms’ that terrorize by night. The more the navy investigates, the closer they get to unmasking the ‘real’ marsh phantoms, as well as the involvement of Captain Clegg, a notorious pirate who is supposed to be dead.

Night Creatures (called Captain Clegg in some countries) captures the spooky, family-friendly spirit of ’60s live-action Disney or an episode of Scooby-Doo, complete with pirates, phantoms, scarecrows, and secret identities. The charismatic cast is headlined by Peter Cushing as the dubious town vicar and Patrick Allen as the navy captain in charge of the investigation. Oliver Reed and Yvonne Romain co-star as lovers whose hasty marriage becomes a town priority once Allen’s crew uncover the truth. The mystery may be as transparent as anything the Scooby gang ever encountered, but Night Creatures is a fun yarn that offers a large cast of characters, memorable special effects, and a bigger scope and scale than most Hammer films ever enjoy.

Based on the writings of Russell Thorndike. Directed by Peter Graham Scott. With Michael Ripper, Martin Benson, and Milton Reid.