Movie spotlight
Donald Glourie shares his crumbling ancestral home with the ghost of his Highland ancestor, Murdoch, who has been condemned to haunt the castle until he avenges a 200-year-old insult from a rival clan. To clear his mounting debts, Donald sells the dilapidated pile to an American businessman, Mr Martin, who has the castle complete with the Glourie ghost transported and rebuilt in Florida. While old-world gentility rubs up comically against 20th-century materialism, Martin's daughter takes a liking to both Donald and Murdoch, convinced they are one and the same man...
A playful Scottish ghost accompanies his castle's new owner, an American millionaire, to Hollywood. The ghost, accustomed to haunting his ancestral home, finds himself bewildered by the modern world and the film industry. He endeavors to protect the castle's legacy and its new owner from exploitation, leading to a series of comical misunderstandings and adventures.
Upon its release, 'The Ghost Goes West' was met with considerable critical acclaim for its witty script, charming performances, and innovative visual effects, particularly the depiction of the ghost. It was celebrated as a delightful and sophisticated romantic comedy that cleverly blended supernatural elements with satire of the burgeoning Hollywood film industry.
Praised for its sophisticated humor and charming premise.
Lauded for Robert Donat's engaging dual performance.
Celebrated for its inventive visual storytelling and satirical edge.
Google audience: N/A
René Clair, the director, was the first filmmaker to win an Academy Award for Best Director of a foreign language film, though this was for a French film and not 'The Ghost Goes West'.
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Robert Donat (the younger "Glourie") is on good form in this enjoyably daft ghostly caper that sees the son of the chief of a cowardly Scottish clan condemned to haunt his castle until their sworn enemy the "McLaggen" takes an oath declarin...