Lucky Ghost
Lucky Ghost

Lucky Ghost

1942Movie61 minEnglish

An all-black horror comedy starring Mantan Moreland and sometimes partner (and straight man) F.E. Miller, Lucky Ghost is amusing low-brow fare that exploits the more base, stereotypical elements of old-time black life (chicken thievin', gamblin', runnin' from ghosteses) for laughs -- sort of like the BET of its day. Mantan and Miller win a house-cum-casino in a craps game, only to discover that the deceased former owners aren't too pleased that their old home is being used for "jitterbugging, jiving, and hullaballooing". I hate hullaballooing. The ghosts decide to scare everyone off by opening doors and windows, pulling out chairs, even playing the drums.

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IMDb6.0/10
Director: William BeaudineGenres: Comedy, Musical

Plot Summary

A young man inherits a speakeasy and finds himself entangled with gangsters who want to take over his new business. To help him out, a bumbling private investigator and a wisecracking porter concoct a scheme to rid the place of the criminals. Shenanigans ensue as they attempt to outsmart the mobsters with comical results, all while navigating the vibrant jazz scene of the era.

Critical Reception

Lucky Ghost is a product of its time, often categorized as a 'race film' which were produced for African American audiences. While critically panned by mainstream critics of its era for its simplistic plot and comedic style, it has gained a cult following over the years for its historical significance and performances, particularly from Mantan Moreland.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its historical significance as a race film.
  • Mantan Moreland's comedic timing is a highlight.
  • Plot is considered thin and formulaic by modern standards.

Google audience: Audience reception is difficult to gauge due to limited modern availability and analysis, but it is appreciated by those interested in early African American cinema.

Fun Fact

The film is notable for being one of the few starring vehicles for comedian Mantan Moreland, who was a popular figure in African American cinema during the 1940s and 1950s.

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