Sunday 4 September 2005

The Ghost Goes West (1935)

The great director Rene Clair made this trifle for Alexander Korda in England between leaving his native France and trying his hand in Hollywood -- and while I am sure that it is remembered with affection by those fortunate enough to have seen it, I doubt that it is well known today since it's not been broadcast for a good twenty years.  Robert Donat plays the dual role of the cowardly 18th century Scottish lothario who is doomed to haunt the family castle until he avenges the family's honour and his impoverished descendent who reluctantly agrees to sell the old homestead to American nouveau riche entrepreneur, Eugene Pallette (one of the 30's unforgettable character actors).  He demolishes it stone by stone to rebuild it in Florida and this is where the fun begins as the ghost finds himself transported as well. It's all a good-natured dig at American pretensions combined with a charming love story, as Palette's daughter is wooed by both of the Donat characters.  Catch it if ever you can.

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