The Ghost and Mrs. Muir [G]

After the death of her husband, Mrs. Muir, as a means of escaping her in-laws, rents a sea cottage where she, her maid Martha, and her daughter Anna, are to live. She soon discovers that the cottage is haunted by the ghost its owner, a sea captain who’s attempts to scare her and her family off soon turn into a most strange affair. When she is in dire need of financial aid, the Captain ghost writes a novel of his life, but its success brings with it the attentions of another man and, soon both the Captain and Mrs. Muir are forced to make decisions that may haunt them forever. 

It’s a wonderfully tragic romantic drama, just like Truly Madly Deeply, which followed it years later. Armed with its beautiful story, its wonderful performances, and a haunting and lovely soundtrack from Bernard Hermann, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir is a gorgeous film that brought me to tears. I’m still dabbing and wiping my face furiously. It’s simply beautiful! 

After the death of her husband, Mrs. Muir, as a means of escaping her in-laws, rents a sea cottage where she, her maid Martha, and her daughter Anna, are to live. She soon discovers that the cottage is haunted by the ghost its owner, a sea captain who’s attempts to scare her and her family off soon turn into a most strange affair. When she is in dire need of financial aid, the Captain ghost writes a novel of his life, but its success brings with it the attentions of another man and, soon both the Captain and Mrs. Muir are forced to make decisions that may haunt them forever. 

The story is remarkable with the hoped-for sentimentality and romantic intentions denied the audience, making it more of a tragedy and packing a fairly poignant and emotional punch to the stomach. Only at the end, after a fair amount of tear shedding are we indulged with a happy ending to sooth our aching hearts. 

Gene Tierney who stars as Mrs. Muir was simply stunning, giving a performance that was determined, stoic, charming, and just lovely. And she is so beautiful too. 

Rex Harrison is the ghost of the Captain and he was a right scoundrel: charming, rugged, brash, and, through his lethal diction and timing, provided much of the film’s comic relief and warmth. I have a real soft sport for Rex Harrison I have to admit. 

Starring George Sanders, Edna Best, Vanessa Brown, Anna Lee, Robert Coote, Isobel Elsom, Victoria Horne, and Natalie Wood, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir is truly beautiful movie filled with romance, drama, conflictions, and comedy. I just loved it… so much so that I’m still teary.