The Canterville Ghost (1944)

Director:

Jules Dassin

Writers:

Oscar Wilde (story)
Edwin Blum (screenplay)

Release Date:

July 1944 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Fantasy

Plot:

In the 1600s, cowardly Sir Simon of Canterville flees a duel and seeks solace in the family castle....

Plot Keywords:

Castle | Blood | 1600s | Duel | Family Honor

Cast

Charles Laughton	...	Sir Simon de Canterville / The Ghost
Robert Young	...	Cuffy Williams
Margaret O'Brien	...	Lady Jessica de Canterville
William Gargan	...	Sergeant Benson
Reginald Owen	...	Lord Canterville
Rags Ragland	...	Big Harry (as 'Rags' Ragland)
Una O'Connor	...	Mrs. Umney
Donald Stuart	...	Sir Valentine Williams
Elisabeth Risdon	...	Mrs. Polverdine
Frank Faylen	...	Lieutenant Kane
Lumsden Hare	...	Mr. Potts
Mike Mazurki	...	Metropolus
William Moss	...	Hector
Bobby Readick	...	Eddie
Marc Cramer	...	Bugsy McDougle

Runtime:

95 min (copyright length)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Certification:

USA:Approved (PCA #9781) | USA:Passed (National Board of Review) | USA:TV-G (TV rating) | Canada:14+ (Ontario) | Australia:G | Finland:K-12 | Sweden:15

Filming Locations:

Busch Gardens - S. Grove Avenue, Pasadena, California, USA

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Trivia:

After 38 days of shooting, director Jules Dassin replaced Norman Z. McLeod. Although a news item stated it was due to a "difference of opinion," many believe it was done on the insistence of Charles Laughton. At the same time, William H. Daniels replaced Robert Planck as director of photography.

Quotes:

Sir Simon de Canterville: I have roamed these halls for three centuries and I am so tired. If only I could rest...

Movie Connections:

Spoofed in "The Ghost Busters: The Canterville Ghost (#1.3)" (1975)

Soundtrack:

Bless 'em All

An absolute for all movie lovers!

Okay, I'm the first to admit this movie has almost nothing to do with Wilde's original story, but I can't help loving it. Like most versions of the story, this one is adapted for the time it was made in, so this one revolves around war and bravery. When I was eight years old I forced my entire birthday party to watch this movie and every year after they all always wanted to watch it. It's been a long time since I 've had a birthday party like that, but some of those friends have even gone out and bought the movie since then. We all had a little crush on Robert Young in this. Margaret O'Brian is fabulous sneaking around the Ghost's room and doing her bob of a curtsy. And of course Charles Laughton spitting in at the portraits of his cowardly kinsmen. The comedic timing is wonderful and there are great one liners. Best line: "I believe they call it woogie boogie".