The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)

User Rating:

7.8/10   

Director:

Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Writers:

Philip Dunne (screenplay)
R.A. Dick (novel)

Release Date:

26 June 1947 (USA)

Genre:

Fantasy | Horror | Romance

Tagline:

Is Lucy Muir's love really a ghost, or is it a man of flesh and blood she yearns for?

Plot:

In 1900, a young widow finds her seaside cottage is haunted...and forms a unique relationship with the ghost.

Plot Keywords:

Ghost | Cottage | Seaside | Widow | 1900s

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar.

Cast

Gene Tierney	...	Lucy Muir
Rex Harrison	...	Capt. Daniel Gregg
George Sanders	...	Miles Fairley
Edna Best	...	Martha Huggins
Vanessa Brown	...	Anna Muir as an Adult
Anna Lee	...	Mrs. Miles Fairley
Robert Coote	...	Mr. Coombe
Natalie Wood	...	Anna Muir as a Child
Isobel Elsom	...	Angelica, Mother-in-law
Victoria Horne	...	Eva, Sister-in-law

Runtime:

104 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Certification:

Canada:14+ (Ontario) | USA:Approved (certificate #11840) | Canada:G (video rating) | Finland:K-16 | UK:U

Filming Locations:

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, USA

Company:

Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation

Trivia:

In 1990 there was serious at talk at 20th Century Fox of remaking "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" with Sean Connery and Michelle Pfeiffer in the leads, but the poor box-office for The Russia House (1990) killed it.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: Although Capt. Gregg states early in the movie that he is a spirit and has no physical body, he does a very good job of casting shadows on walls, doors, etc.

Quotes:

Lucy Muir: [referring to her romance with Miles Fairley] You said I should see men.
Captain Gregg: I said men, not perfumed parlour snakes!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Cheers: The Ghost and Mrs. LeBec (#8.23)" (1990)

This ole house is haunted

Joseph L. Mankiewicz was the right choice for directing this film. He created a film that survived the passage of time. The R. A. Dick's novel was adapted by Philip Dunne. "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" is blessed with one of Bernard Herrmann's best film scores. The music greatly enhances what one is watching on the screen. Charles Lang's cinematography gives the illusion we are somewhere on a remote spot of England, when in reality the film was shot in California!

"The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" gave its star, Gene Tierney, one of the best roles of her career, after "Laura". Ms. Tierney had the fragility to portray Lucy Muir, the plucky young widow that decides to move to the coast against her in-laws wishes. The idea of the film plays well as it unfolds because obviously, it's all in Mrs. Muir's mind all what she is experiencing.

Rex Harrison's Capt. Daniel Gregg was also one of his best opportunities as a leading man in the movies. Mr. Harrison is perfect as the crusty old seaman that refuses to abandon his beloved home overlooking a beautiful view of the sea. Mr. Harrison plays well opposite Ms. Tierney; their chemistry works well because it combines his rugged good looks and her beauty.

The supporting players are good under Mr. Mankiewicz' direction. George Sanders, Edna Best, Natalie Wood, Robert Coote, Vanessa Brown, all give good performances and enhance the film.

This film will always be a favorite for fans, young and old.