Thursday 6 December 2012

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947) - ★★★★★

Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Writers: Philip Dunne (screenplay), R.A. Dick (novel)
Stars: Gene Tierney, Rex Harrison, George Sanders, Edna Best

This is one of the nicest, most pleasant films I've ever seen. I really enjoyed it from start to finish, and became really emotional at the end. With excellent cinematography, acting, and a beautiful story, I'd give this film the Best Picture oscar of 1947.

In 1900, Lucy Muir (Gene Tierney), a strong and independent widow, goes to live in a beautiful cottage by the British seaside, even though it is said to be haunted. The very night she moves in she meets the ghost of the uncouth yet charming Captain Gregg (Rex Harrison), who is the former owner of the house. Their bond grows stronger as they come to know each other through time, and eventually become friends and allies. But when a charming man (George Sanders) comes courting, Lucy and The Captain must deal with their feelings for each other.

Tierney produced a magnificent performance as the strong-willed Lucy, who is a character that is respectable and intelligent. Harrison played a great brutish sailor so well that it's hard to believe he went on the play the posh character he did in My Fair Lady (1964). Together, the chemistry between these two were powerful, and sucked me right into their impossible romance. It's more than just a tale of star-crossed lovers.

Of course, George Sanders gave a great performance as the posh children's novelist Miles Fairley. There's something about his screen presence that gives so much life to a movie, which is what it did to The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. These great performances were accompanied by the wonderful music from Bernard Herrman. There is seldom an old black and white film that has really distinguished music to accompany it, which is why Mrs. Muir stands out above the rest. This and the beautiful cinematography of the sea and of London helped make this movie memorable. 

In the end it is Tierney and Harrison's wonderful characters that make this film so darn emotional. I loved both of them very much. The film gives hope to life after death. Its ending portrayed what I hope will happen when we die. This scene is one of the most beautiful scenes in film history, and I shall never forget it. This is an almost-perfect film. 


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