The Ghost & the Guest

Webster and Jackie are a newlywed couple ready to put the “honey” in “honeymoon.” I realize that's not a very good joke, but that's kind of how I felt about most of the jokes in The Ghost and the Guest so I find it appropriate. What the newlyweds find inappropriate are the uninvited guests determined to spoil their first night as a couple.

First is an old executioner that is living at the house Jackie has bought for her family. This is a guy that enjoys his nooses far too much. Then comes the coffin containing the remains of a recently executed criminal. At least it's supposed to contain that, the “remains” are nothing of the sort but a living man who hops out and hides in secret passages in the walls throughout most of the movie. Shortly thereafter a band of thugs pretending to be mourners shows up followed by the police who want to know why the coffin is empty.

So as the police investigate a presumably missing corpse (I say “presumably” because they never once verify that the coffin ever actually contained the corpse only taking the hangman's word that it was supposed to). Meanwhile the crooks search the house for something, but for what we don't really know.

This is a plot full of questionable points and unimpressive writing. If the funny moments were funnier the problematic plot might be less annoying. Despite all these flaws, though, I didn't hate the movie. I didn't think the characters are all that believable as far as how they are written, but the actors are fine. And I don't mean to give the impression that there are no funny moments at all, they are just few.

MORALITY:

This is an old film so worried about questionable content that it depicts the newlywed couple, on their honeymoon, getting into different beds for the night. Yeah right, like that's going to ever happen.

There is no real violence, no strong language, and nothing else of note.

SPIRITUALITY:

Despite the title there are no actual ghosts. There's nothing supernatural at all nor anything religious or spiritual.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

If you like old (circa 1940's) comedy + suspense films you might come away feeling amused by The Ghost and the Guest. I have enjoyed other William Nigh movies, but couldn't get into this one enough to recommend it highly.

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