The Ghost

The Ghost is an Italian horror ghost story starring Barbara Steele. Par for the course for these kinds of movies it's not the worst I've ever seen but not that great either. This one is similar to Nightmare Castle right down to the lovers rolling around in a solarium. This time it's the husband who does the haunting, though.

The husband in this one, Dr. Hitchcock, is a wealthy, crippled doctor. He is being treated by a respected young doctor, Charles, using experimental treatments developed by Hitchcock himself.

Charles and Mrs. Hitchcock's lover are one and the same. The lovers plot to kill the older doctor, but when he's out of the way his wealth isn't hidden where it's supposed to be. Charles and the now widow Hitchcock begin scouring the estate for the missing jewels, but strange things are happening. The ghost of the murdered Dr. Hitchcock seems to want vengeance. Or did he simply plan ahead for the eventuality of his murder with the help of his faithful housekeeper? Whatever the explanation it's going to make these killers wish they hadn't been so greedy.

The worst part about this movie (besides the Italian dub effect of speech that almost but doesn't quite match up to the mouths – which is worse to me than not matching the mouths at all) is that it takes so long to get to the supernatural. The beginning of the story drags far too much with too little atmosphere or action. Even when it finally picks up with more of the intrigue and spooks it can still drag on at times.

I do enjoy where the story goes towards the end. While not completely unpredictable, it's not totally run-of-the mill, either. It's not strong enough to make the movie as a whole a good one, but it at least keeps it from being a waste of time.

Acting is B movie grade average. It's good enough to get by for this kind of movie but nothing impressive. The same can be said about the quality in general. People are likely to recognize a few of the names like Barbra Steele, but that doesn't seem to be enough to have gained the movie any kind of following.

MORALITY:

This is a tame movie as far as questionable content, typical of movies from the 60's. The violent and gruesome parts are only going to bother those with a low tolerance for horror movie material.

While there is some sexual suggestion there is very little depicted sexuality. Nor is there any nudity.

Strong language is minimal.

SPIRITUALITY:

While there is the suggestion of the supernatural here, it's also called into question. Are ghosts real or not? The movie has an answer, but I'm not telling what it is (unless you bribe me with cookies).

FINAL THOUGHTS:

This is one of those that might be worth checking out if you are going to have access to it anyway (such as getting it as part of a set). Don't go putting any effort into finding, though.

#TheGhost