The Ghost Goes West

"The Ghost Goes West" is Robert Donat's only and best romantic comedy. Mr. Donat only made nineteen movies - they were dramas or light dramas. This movie is hysterical. It helps to have Eugene Pallette play the father of the girl (Jean Parker) that Donat's character loves. Mr. Donat plays two roles - Murdock Glourie (the ghost) and Donald Glourie (the current proprietor of the Scottish castle).

This was Eugene Pallette's first great speaking role. The other great roles he played were in: "My Man Godfrey", "Robin Hood", "Zorro", "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington", "The Lady Eve", and "Heaven Can Wait."

It is fun to watch the unknown cast - most of them did not continue working in the 1940's and so on. Only Donat, Parker, and Pallette were lucky to continue working. Ms. Parker is still alive and living comfortably at the Motion Picture Country Home in Woodland Hills, CA.

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?

Have to say I'm mightily surprised to see some users here state this film is purely escapist entertainment, nothing more, nothing less. Since it ignites its comedy heart with a satirical flame, I do feel that the jovial nature of the beast has meant that the tongue in cheek nature of René Clair's first English speaking picture has been missed by some.

Murdoch Glourie {Robert Donat} is head of the Glourie clan, during a vociferous argument with the laird of the Maclaggen clan, he is so furious about the besmirching of his family name, he pegs out and dies before correcting the unjust smear on the family name. Switch to the modern day and his descendant Donald {Donat again} is frantically trying to keep the monolithic Glourie castle from collapsing under the weight of financial pressure. Hope springs in the form of love, and the beautiful Peggy Martin {Jean Parker}, but with her comes her ebullient father Joe {Eugene Palette}, and his intention to relocate the castle to Florida. Now this is something that Murdoch's ghost is particularly not happy about, and he promptly sets about haunting everyone in sight whilst the selling point fervour of a Ghost coming to America brings about mirth and intriguing problems.

Yes this film is a fantastical light hearted comedy, but its portrayal of American habits is satirical genius, covering materialistic urges and prodding the ribs of the press, The Ghost Goes West is a truly classic film in the Preston Sturges 1940s mould. What else can you think when you see a press headline stating "Kilted Scottish Phantom Fails To Show"? René Clair was annoyed by the interference from producer Alexander Korda, to the point he thought about taking his name off the credits, he didn't have to worry tho, because the film is still his, and crucially, American audiences took it firmly on the chin and embraced the picture for the delightful nudge nudge romp it is. 8/10

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.

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 *****