#FDL Film Review: The Ghost and Mrs. Muir
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir
Reviewed by: Sarah Baker, Circulation Assistant
Genre: Romance, fantasy
Rating: NR
What is this movie about?: Mrs. Muir, a widow, leaves her husband’s family and takes a cottage by the seaside-a cottage that is haunted by the ghost of its former occupant, Captain Daniel Gregg. Most renters barely lasted one night, but Mrs. Muir is determined to make it her home. Captain Gregg is intrigued and comes to befriend the widow. When she falls on hard times, he helps her write a book about his life. The publisher is completely taken with her and the tome, placing Mrs. Muir on the path to comfort. But at the publishers, she meets a man who charms her. Miles Fairley, a children’s author better known as Uncle Neddy, woos her, but isn’t all he seems. The resolution to this story is so good, I’m not going to ruin it here!
My Review: “Oh, this lovely place is haunted? Perfect, I’ll move in right away with my young daughter and middle-aged servant!” Haunted house movies all seem to start this way, but this one takes a lovely turn. There’s no gore, violence, or even creep out factor. Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison play against each other so well. Harrison isn’t quite to Henry Higgins levels of rude and brash, and because his character isn’t a man of breeding and education, they’re much easier to tolerate. He’s also kinder, showing softness to Mrs. Muir in times of distress. And Gene Tierney! I could rave about her gorgeous wardrobe designed by Oleg Cassini, the loving way that director Joseph L. Mankiewicz frames her, but really, she would shine through no matter what. She has a grace and strength that make her so likable.
Three Words That Describe This Film: Sweet, Romantic, Fun
Give this a try if you like…Ghost, Laura, My Fair Lady
Rating: (out of 5) 4.5/5
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