The Canterville Ghost (1944)

Sir Simon de Canterville (Charles Laughton), called to defend the honor of his brother, chickens out. For his cowardice he is walled up inside the castle. His spirit will never become free until one of his descendants does something brave in his name. Unfortunately, all of his descendants are also cowards. It’s World War II and an American army unit is being housed in the once-grand Canterville castle. I wonder if one of those brave Yanks is a Canterville.

Six year old Margaret O’Brien plays Lady Jessica. She seems especially brave, but apparently curses are strictly misogynistic. O’Brien was very memorable in Meet Me in St. Louis that same year. As an adult she almost completely transitioned to television. Curious how she would have fared as a Hollywood leading lady.

It's very curious how the film clearly outlines the problem to be solved and the conditions that must be met to solve it. Because of this we are not surprised that G.I. Cuffy Williams (Robert Young) has the exact same birthmark as our spirit. That was the classic Hollywood version of 23 and me. Reginald Owen (A Christmas Carol) plays Sir Simon's less than forgiving father and Rat Packer Peter Lawford is his undefended brother. Una O'Connor has a disappointingly small role.

I’m certain I’ve confused this film with A Canterbury Tale more than once. Both were released in 1944, set in rural England, and involve the US Army. Not sure the Nazis were actually operating in rural England, but both films say otherwise. That said, the films aren’t terribly similar. This is a very Hollywood production while A Canterbury Tale is, well, not.

Based on an Oscar Wilde story, it has been adapted a great many times, twenty eight by my count. This appears to be the earliest. I know little of the source material, but I do know that sir Simon was guilty of far more than just failing to defend his brother's honor.

The Canterville Ghost isn’t a bad watch, but predictable and unimaginative. AMRU 3.