O'Hara's Wife

I saw this film over 15 years ago on Cable TV. There are far worse films out there that you can watch. I liked and cared for the characters, and that's more than you can say about a lot of films. And I remember the plot after all this time.

Independently-produced ghost story-lite was the first (and only) directorial effort from character actor William Bartman, who managed to assemble a good cast for what is basically a nondescript piece of fluff. Kissy-face married couple Ed Asner and Mariette Hartley are planning their first vacation in years before she suffers a brain aneurysm and dies--but not for long! She comes back as an unwitting ghost, but only Asner can see her. The opening moments with Hartley's family (including daughter Jodie Foster, filling time between classes at Yale) grieving her loss are painfully elongated. Once that's been dispensed with, Asner starts yakking with the ghost and everybody thinks he's gone off the deep end. Bartman, who also co-wrote the original treatment, wants nothing more than to be a little fanciful and funny, but his sense of humor has "Topper" cobwebs. * from ****

Forget about the plot - of course "ghost" movies can run into formula. What's amazing about this little film - which I just watched again after 30 years - is the acting by Hartley, Asner and Bosley. Besides being genuinely touching (with a very poignant moment regarding end of life decisions that was ahead of its time), this movie is absolutely hysterical at times. Hartley never misses a beat, and shows off her comedic chops brilliantly. But it's the interpersonal relationships, little quips and asides that make this so enjoyable. It's certainly better than anything running on network television right now - especially in regard to strong, intelligent female characters (who aren't law enforcers shooting people or lawyers).