The Ghost Goes West

I first saw this film as a child on TV in Australia round 1973 - at which time it was already a very old film and I was only 7 years old.

I guess the fact I'm now 38 and writing about it means it stuck in my mind rather strongly.

I wanted for years and years to see it again and finally did in around 2000 - 27 years later. The childhood magic was still there.

Donat is wonderful. The whole story - escapist, romantic, spooky, fun and historically rich in yes - we know a rather fantasised way.

This is a feel-good film. Films similar to this are being made now - often called 'chick flick's and suchlike, but basically, what is wrong with a movie that makes you feel good? Not really deep, not really cerebral, but magical, funny, heartfelt, and a true escapist experience from our current modern lives,

Absorbing, fun and lovely.

Watch and Enjoy!

When a haunted Scottish castle is dismantled and removed to Florida THE GHOST GOES WEST, too.

Made under the auspices of producer Sir Alexander Korda, acclaimed director René Clair & distinguished author Robert E. Sherwood, here is a fine little film--very popular in its day--for thoughtful intellects, about things which go bump in the night. Or, rather, one thing in particular: a kilted phantom doomed to stalk his ancestral castle until his family's honour is avenged--irregardless of the actual physical location of his old stones, or whatever romantic complications may ensue.

Handsome Robert Donat brings just the right amount of sophisticated humor to the dual roles of the ghost and his 20th century descendant. The lovely Jean Parker is splendid as an American rich girl very happy to take the Highlands real estate if Mr. Donat comes along with it. Playing her father, Eugene Palette exhibits both bluster & bemusement as the merchant grocer determined on buying old Glourie Castle, ghost and all.

Morton Selten & Hay Petrie have amusing short roles as clan lairds who are fierce antagonists. The marvelous Elsa Lanchester appears far too briefly at the film's conclusion as a paranormal enthusiast.

Acknowledgment should go to Vincent Korda for his atmospheric sets. And just what is the difference betwixt a thistle in the heather & a kiss in the dark?

A Scottish nobleman in the 18th century gets accidentally killed after his family name had been insulted by another family clan.Until he can redeem his family's honor he must remain a ghost in his castle.Two centuries later his ancestor sells the castle to an American businessman,who moves it to the States stone by stone.The Ghost follows....

A very funny movie fantasy with a charming performance by Robert Donat in a dual role.Eugene Pallette as the american businessman turns in a hysterically funny performance.The contrast between Scots and Americans are used for maximum effect.

Rating:**** out of *****

Scotsman Murdoch Glourie (Robert Donat) dies a coward in a battle with the rival MacLaggan clan. Murdoch is forced to haunt the family castle until he can get a MacLaggan to admit that one Glourie is worth fifty MacLaggans. Two hundred years later, his descendant Donald Glourie (also played by Donat) has to sell the castle to pay off debts. Pretty American Peggie Martin (Jean Parker) convinces her wealthy father to buy the castle and ship it, stone by stone, to the U.S.

Enjoyable British romantic comedy with a good cast and pleasant tone. Robert Donat shines in dual roles. Jean Parker is adorable and likable. Eugene Palette is always a treat. The rest of the cast is mostly made up of Brits and are fun to watch. While I do like it, I admit it drags some in the middle after a strong start. It finishes nicely though.

In the midst of the "screwball comedy" fad in 30's Hollywood comes a British comedy of a different stripe. "The Ghost Goes West" is subtler than American audiences of the 30's were becoming used to and probably did not register with them as a result. It's a gentle comedy that grows on you, with hints of humor that warms rather than overpowers.

It stars one of the best, Robert Donat, who left us too soon. He was fresh off his success in "The Thirty-Nine Steps" and is seen here in a dual role as Donald Glourie, pennyless heir to Glourie Castle, and as his ancestor, Murdoch Glourie, a womanizer and not the warrior his father wanted. He is ably supported by lovely Jean Parker, and by Eugene Palette as her father and new owner of the castle.

It is well worth your time as an interesting and rewarding example of a different type of humor than we have become used to on this side of the Atlantic.