Customer Reviews

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir [VHS]

5 star:		(180)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Exquisite. That one adjective describes both this film, and its leading lady. Although she is best remembered as the title character in the classic 1944 mystery, "Laura", and received greater acclaim for her Oscar-nominated performance in the highest-grossing 20th Century-Fox film of the 1940's, "Leave Her to Heaven", "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" nonetheless remains Gene Tierney's most successful film performance. As Lucy Muir, a spirited British widow at the turn of the 20th century who falls in love with the ghost of a sea captain, Miss Tierney is on screen in every scene of the film, and dazzles throughout with her ethereal beauty and her thespic versatility. Afforded the rare opportunity to play moments of high comedy, quiet drama, and romantic yearning all in one film, Miss Tierney never once strikes a false note. She is particularly touching in the sequence during which the middle-aged Mrs. Muir reflects on the past with her grown daughter; in the hands of a lesser actress, this scene could easily have become maudlin and overly sentimental, but Tierney plays it with a quiet dignity and sweet resolve that distills the essence of her graceful and independent character.

Yet, while "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" is arguably Tierney's best film, its success is not due to her efforts alone. Rex Harrison, in his second American film, also triumphs as the salty sea captain whose gruff veneer is slowly peeled away by the determined widow sharing his home. The scene in which he bids her a tender farewell is brilliantly played. George Sanders excels in his role as a romantic cad; the vocal sneer he practically patented on film suits his part here perfectly. And the entire production is aided tremendously by Bernard Herrmann's lush and majestic score, as well as Charles Lang's Oscar-nominated cinematography (that nomination was for the 1947 awards, by the the way, not the 1942 ceremonies as incorrectly noted on the front of the DVD box).

Speaking of the DVD, the transfer is - in the 20th Century-Fox Home Video tradition - disappointing. While the source print is much better that the one used for the VHS and laserdisc releases, and is infinitely superior to the scratchy, poorly-spliced copy that is often screened on pay-TV stations like AMC, the film has not been digitally restored. There are still significant flutters (especially noticeable during the opening credits), scratches, and jumps in both the picture and the soundtrack. The DVD does include the rarely-seen Original Theatrical Trailer; a stills gallery that emphasizes set design photographs but does include some interesting on-the-set photos of Gene Tierney in her wheelchair (she broke her foot during production and continued filming against her doctor's advice); Theatrical Trailers for the five previously-released Fox Studio Classics DVDs; an A&E "Biography" segment on Rex Harrison; and audio commentaries including remarks by film historian Jeanine Basinger who supervised the cataloging of the Tierney archives in Connecticut ... and whose name is misspelled on the DVD package. (Way to go, Fox! You REALLY need to hire a film historian to proof-read your DVD packages. They're uniformly inaccurate, filled with both typos and misinformation.) Despite its flaws, this DVD edition is still the best available print of this classic, greatly-beloved film and is therefore cheerfully recommended.

Trivia note: Not surprisingly, after Tierney died in 1991 at the age of 70 (not 71 as noted in the DVD's liner notes), "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" was the film chosen to represent the actress' career during the two-day auction of many of her personal effects at the Hart Galleries in Houston, Texas. The screening was a most fitting tribute to both a marvelous actress and a lovely human being.

This was the movie that convinced me that the great screen romances involved couples that were not able to kiss or even touch. The Ghost the late Captain Daniel Gregg, played by a bristling Rex Harrison, while Mrs. Lucy Muir is Gene Tierney, a widow who moves into the captain's seaside cottage with her young daughter (played as a child by Natalie Wood, by Vanessa Brown as an adult). Of course, he wants to be terrifying and chase her away from "his" home, but she, of course, finds him endearing. He declares he is not ashamed to have lived the live of a man and she counters that being alive is not a crime. They talk about everything except their feelings for each other, but that is the true topic of all of their conversations. When Miles Fairley, another one of George Sanders patented silvery-tongued rouges, enters Lucy's life offering her a chance for happiness in the real world, the Captain loves her enough to leave her, not knowing that Fairley has a secret. However, while the title characters do not live happily ever after, there is a wonderful ending to the film. Definitely one of my ten favorite Romance movies of all time with marvelous interaction between Harrison and Tierney (her best film by far). Adapted by Philip Dunne from R. A. Dick's novel, with solid direction from Joseph L. Mankiewicz and a superb score from Bernard Herrmann. "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" is a treasured Golden Oldie, not to be confused with the wretched sitcom television produced in the late 60's.

This is a wonderful romantic fantasy that tells the story of young widow (beautiful Gene Tierney)who moves into the seaside house of the late Captain Gregg (played with bluster by Rex Harrison). The captain first tries to scare the widow away, but soon they team up so that she can stay at the house. They both fall in love with the other, but neither can express their love to the other. The ghost leaves Mrs. Muir (and blots her memory of him), but they are ultimatley reunited in a very touching scene at the end of the film with her death. The film has a wonderfully atmospheric score by Bernard Herrmann (I believe it was his favorite) and a great performance by the caddish George Sanders. This charming film is a most definite buy!

The DVD has a very sharp, crisp printing of the films with excellent sound - the commentaries that accompany the film are very good and informative, providing a lot of informaiton on how the film was shot and also how Herrmann scored the film. There is a nice one-hour biography on the career on Rex Harrison, along with the usual theatrical trailer.

Admittedly, I'm a lover and a total pushover for movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood. It doesn't even have to be a great movie for me to find something to appreciate...as long as it was filmed in the 1930s, or 40s. However, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir is different...it's a rare cinematic gem, even among the many true classics from this period. It's not just a ghost story, but an unforgettable tale of unrequited love. Gene Tierney plays the beautiful, but unworldly Lucy Muir, while Rex Harrison plays the crusty "no longer of this world" sea Captain, Daniel Gregg. Once the widow Muir moves into the home of the long dead captain, things really start getting lively. Gregg, unhappy about his home being invaded, sets out to haunt Lucy Muir and her little family until they decide to leave. However, the feisty and brave Lucy refuses to be either haunted, or intimidated. Daniel, moved by Mrs. Muirs strength of character, as well as her great beauty, both inward as well as outward, finally relents and allows Lucy, her daughter...played by a very young Natalie Wood...and faithful housekeeper Martha to stay. All goes well until Lucy discovers that the small income left by her husband is gone and she now faces ruin, not the least of which is the loss of Captain Gregg's home by the sea. To keep Lucy from losing everything, Daniel comes up with the idea of writing a book..."ghost written" by him, but with all the credit going to Lucy. The book is published and is wildly successful, however, during the writing the two have fallen hopelessly in love. It's only when Daniel sees Lucy with a man who is very much alive... and played to perfection by George Sanders...that he finally realizes that he must disappear so that Lucy can have the earthly relationship she needs and deserves. However, love, even with ones feet firmly planted on solid ground, is not always possible. The ending of the movie does reaffirm for us though, that as elusive as love may appear...as invisible as it may seem...it's around us all the time. The farewell to his beautiful "Lucia", is one you will never forget and it's easy to understand why Harrison was called "Sexy Rexy" back in the 40s. He certainly was. There is real chemistry between Harrison and Tierney and the dialog is crisp and intelligent. The cinematography is a work of art and as for the soundtrack, it's Bernard Herrmann's finest...absolutely gorgeous. All-in-all, this is one of the best from the Golden Age of Hollywood and a must have for anyones movie collection.

Of all the different versions of the Ghost and Mrs. Muir, this is undoubtedly the best. The acting, and portrayal of the characters is untouchable. Edward Mulhare and Hope Lange are wonderful in the TV show of the same name (1968-70), but Rex Harrison and Gene Tierney truly bring to life the story of Lucy Muir and Captain Daniel Gregg, in a way that has never been equaled. The most haunting scene is when Lucy falls in love with a smooth talking writer, and the Captain decides that he must leave so that he will not stand in the way of her happiness. While she's asleep, he convinces her that she will remember him, and forget him as she would a dream. I think this scene shows the extent of his love for her, as he gives up his own happiness, so that she will have a chance at some of her own. It will bring tears to your eyes because you can nearly feel the love, the heart-break, and the regret felt by the Captain. I have seen the Ghost and Mrs. Muir 62 times, and find that it becomes better everytime. A rare mix of superb acting, writng, music, and scenery. Highly recommended.

The DVD edition of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir is worth the price. A beautifully produced film, Ghost is a fine example of the old studio system at its best. The cinematography (Charles Lang), set decoration, and the wonderful score by Bernard Herrmann help make this film shine decades after it was first produced. Gene Tierney, at the height of her popularity and star power turns in an excellent performance as Lucy Muir. Her Lucy is a warm yet vulnerable woman longing for a loving relationship. Little did she know that her soul mate would be a dead sea captain. As strange as the plot sounds, the story works incredibly well. Rex Harrison was never better as the ghost of Captain Gregg and he and Tierney have genuine screen chemistry, it's a shame this is their only film together. The DVD has some interesting commentaries and other extras including production stills showing the cast and crew in casual/candid poses. It also includes a biography of Harrison. Too bad they didn't include one on Tierney, especially considering her importance to the Fox studio during the 1940s. Some minor things that bug film buffs is the changing of the star billing. Tierney was top billed, but on the DVD cover packaging, Rex is top billed. This is supposed to be part of the Fox "Studio Classics" series, so I don't know why they don't keep to the original billing, artwork, and so on. The packaging also says this film was a 1942 Academy Award nominee, which is impossible since the film was released in 1947. The movie and the transfer rate five stars, but the packaging is probably about a 3.5. Would have liked to have seen them do as good a job with Ghost as Fox did with The Day The Earth Stood Still. All in all, this DVD is still worthy of any buff's film collection.

Even if you are not a romantic, you can enjoy the subtle courtship of the belligerant sea captain ghost, played by Rex Harrison, and the beautiful composed lady of the house, Gene Tierny. This movie is for everyone who is tired of the blatant sex and instant lovemaking on the big screen (and small screen) nowadays. You will enjoy this subtle departure into the past, when people respected each other's desires, and the buildup to lovemaking was often just as pleasurable as the lovemaking itself. That is the case here. The two awkwardly opposed lovers, Harrison and Tierny, are evenly matched in passion and stubborness, yet Tierny waits her whole lifetime in chastity just to die a natural death so she can live in eternity with her true love, a ghost. This is no cheap throw-away Hollywood romance. This is true love's journey into eternity.

This is such a lovely wonderful film and it's number four on my favourite films list! The casting was so great and after you've seen Rex Harrison and Gene Tierney together, you'll want to see more of their films! This is a very haunting, touching, romantic story between a widow and a sea captain ghost. Take the advise from a twelve year old for once! The music is so outstanding, and the setting on the sea shore is so glorious as well! It will definitely take you on a ride you'll never forget full of laughter, excitement, charm, romance, and even tears to you're eyes! Trust me, this is one ride you don't want to miss! So go ahead and stop reading this review and get out you're money and buy it for goodness sakes!

When Captain Gregg (Rex Harrison) utters this lament, you can't help but swoon. And why is that? Because "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" captures a fear we sometimes have,--"What if there is a person just right for me, but we never meet in this life?" and then puts a spin on it--"Well, suppose you could, if there were such a thing as a ghost!" Captain Gregg has only been dead for four years when Mrs. Edwin Muir (Gene Tierney) rents his Gull Cottage, so they have only just missed each other temporally. Yet they forge a relationship, at first rusty as he must adjust to her settling in, then companionable as her collapsed finances force them to collaborate on his memoirs, then -- but what else can there be, since he's only a ghost? The attraction for me here is Captain Gregg's longing for what he can never have, having to remind Mrs. Muir ever so gently of the sad truth of their predicament: She, "What's to become of us, Daniel, of you and me?" He: "Nothing can become of me. Everything's happened, that can happen." What a lonely, tragic thought, and the brooding, hard to grasp score by Bernard Hermann helps carry the mood of a strange dream of which we can remember only snatches when we unwillingly awake. Captain Gregg eventually realizes he must relinquish his love to live her life among the living, even though he doubts a happy outcome to her infatuation with a suave gentleman author, Miles Fairley (George Sanders). But love is about sacrifice sometimes, and even a ghost can feel pain but do the right thing. Everything about "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" fits together beautifully: the score, as mentioned before; the set of Gull Cottage, built in tasteful nautical style; the costumes designed by Oleg Cassini, then married to Gene Tierney; and the actors, competent and evocative. Cater to the romantic in your soul--see this movie as soon as you can.

I never fully realized the strength and character of this movie, until I saw an episode of the thin, and rather weak TV show. There is truly NO comparing them. In the movie, Captain Gregg(played by Rex Harrison) is potrayed as he is meant to be: hot tempered and crusty, but with a charm all his own. Ditto for Gene Tierney's Mrs. Muir. There is an exceptional chemistry between the two stars that makes this ghostly romance seem entirely possible. One of the finest movies ever made. If you have ever seen the TV show, I recommend this movie: this is the REAL story. These are the REAL characters. If you've never seen the TV show watch this first, why settle for less? Everthing that makes this movie so great, the joy, the sadness, the lonliess, and the romantic charm and hidden, unspoken(but VERY obvious) love, is missing from the TV show. This is a movie that after seeing once, you'll think of it for days.