One of the most hauntingly (pun so intended) romantic films that I’ve seen, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir stars native New Yorker Gene Tierney, Rex Harrison (My Fair Lady), and young Natalie Wood (West Side Story). Mrs. Muir, a young widow, moves to a seaside cottage with her daughter Anna and housemaid Martha. She discovers upon arrival that the house is haunted by its previous tenant and owner, Captain Daniel Gregg. Undeterred by the roguish Captain Gregg, Mrs. Muir decides to stay and forms a “unique” relationship with the ghost. But problems arise when Mrs. Muir can no longer afford the rent, and later when she becomes attracted to suave Miles Fairley.
The movie was actually made into a series in the late 60’s- but wasn’t very popular at the time, it has since accrued a dedicated following of fans. Famed composer Bernard Hermann is said to have claimed that the score he created for this film was the best of his career- outshining the one’s he created for classics like Citizen Kane, Psycho, and Taxi Driver. Gene, is of course, gorgeous and cast perfectly alongside arrogant and “crusty” Rex. And me and my sister were thrilled to see George Sanders annoy the hell out of us with another one of his devious low-life characters (if you’ve seen Rebecca then you know what I’m talking about).
Just so you know this movie doesn’t have what my sister calls “a happy ending”. However, I think it’s an adorable romantic melancholic movie that deserves to be seen. Luckily, one of YouTube’s many users has been kind enough to upload the whole thing here. If you watch it please feel free to come back and let me know what you think!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-X00-BoG9o]Memorable The Ghost and Mrs. Muir quote:
Confound it, madam, my language is most controlled. And as for me morals, I lived a man ‘s life and I’m not ashamed of it; and, I can assure you no woman’s ever been the worse for knowing me – and I’d like to know how many mealy-mouthed bluenoses can say the same.
– Captain Gregg