Charles Laughton haunts this adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s beloved ghost story, blending British whimsy with American wit in one of the most entertaining fantasy films of all time, says DAVID SAUNDERSON
TITLE: The Canterville Ghost
RELEASED: 1944
DIRECTOR: Jules Dassin
CAST: Charles Laughton, Robert Young, Margaret O’Brien
The Canterville Ghost 1944 Review
Oscar Wilde’s The Canterville Ghost has delighted readers since its publication in 1887 with its blend of humour, charm, and a lot of spookiness.
The 1944 film adaptation brings this classic English ghost story to a new era, setting it during World War II with American soldiers stationed in an old British manor.
The story centres on Sir Simon de Canterville (Charles Laughton), a ghost who has haunted his ancestral home for centuries due to a curse.
When a group of American soldiers, including the bold Cuffy Williams (Robert Young), is assigned to stay in the Canterville mansion, Sir Simon forms an unexpected partnership with a spirited young American girl, Jessica de Canterville (Margaret O’Brien).
Together, they work to break the curse and give Sir Simon the rest he deserves.
The film smartly mixes Wilde’s Victorian tale with wartime England. The presence of American soldiers in the English countryside adds to the comedy, highlighting cultural differences while keeping the story’s heart intact.
This mix of spooky fun and wartime friendship is what makes The Canterville Ghost so memorable.
Charles Laughton is both amusing and touching as Sir Simon. Known for serious roles like Henry VIII, Laughton shows his comedic side here, similar to his performance in Hobson’s Choice 1954.
His portrayal of the weary ghost, shifting between grand and tender moments, is the soul of the film, making him an unforgettable character. Margaret O’Brien’s Jessica also shines, bringing a youthful energy that works well against Laughton’s character. Their quirky friendship adds a warm touch to the film’s humour.
Director Jules Dassin keeps the film lively, balancing its comedic moments with real suspense. The setting of the old manor is suitably eerie, with its cobwebbed halls and grand portraits.
The wartime backdrop adds tension and comedy, as the American soldiers struggle to understand the very British hauntings around them.
The special effects, while simple by today’s standards, are charmingly done. The ghostly appearances use classic film tricks like double exposures and shadows. The music score adds a playful tone, matching the film’s blend of humour and emotion.
While many ghost stories aim to frighten, The Canterville Ghost stands out for its warmth and wit, capturing the spirit of Wilde’s original story. It’s funny, touching, and just spooky enough to give a little shiver. The film successfully combines the supernatural with light-hearted fun.
Fans of BBC’s Ghosts or The Ghosts of Motley Hall will enjoy this film, which shares the same humour and charm.
Wilde’s tale, although written in the 1800s, proves that a good ghost story fits any era – even one with wartime bombers and dancing soldiers.
Overall, The Canterville Ghost is a fun journey through a haunted house with a lively cast of characters. Like Beetlejuice, it’s proof that ghosts can be funny, sad, and charming all at once. If you’re looking for something spooky, silly, and heart-warming, this film is perfect.
What more could you ask for from a ghost story?
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