The Canterville Ghost

A comedy set in an English castle. Sir Simon took fright and ran from a duel three hundred years ago. His family never forgave it and sealed him into the castle wall. The curse is this: he will remain a ghost until someone of Canterville blood performs a brave act in his name. Three hundred years pass. American soldiers are billeted in the castle during the Second World War. The ghost tries to frighten them. Rattling chains, bloodstains and walks at night have no effect; the soldiers find it entertaining. Lady Jessica, the small mistress of the castle, talks to the ghost and learns the terms of the curse. Then one soldier's surname catches her attention: he is the descendant of a Canterville who emigrated to America. From there the film takes up that man's question of courage; he carries the same fear and tells nobody. The register is light; a war narrative and a ghost comedy mix together. Charles Laughton plays Sir Simon, Margaret O'Brien plays Lady Jessica and Robert Young the soldier. The source is Oscar Wilde's story; the film moves it to wartime and changes the ending. Jules Dassin directed. A pleasant choice for anyone who likes classic Hollywood comedy and light ghost stories. For a viewer expecting Wilde's satire, the film softens the mocking register of the book.