"Thank you. I've always wanted to be considered obstinate!"
Lucy Muir (Tierney), a young widow, is tired to following expectations. Despite the protestations of her anxious mother-in-law, Angelica (Isobel Elsom), and domineering sister-in-law, Eva (Victoria Horne), Lucy decides to move to the seaside town of Whitecliff. She falls in love with the inexpensive Gulf Cottage and decides to rent it, even though the locals say it is haunted. She moves into the cottage with her young daughter Anna (Wood) and maid Martha (Best). The first night in the house, she stumbles onto the ghost of Captain Daniel Gregg (Harrison).
Captain Gregg died in the house and has been scaring potential renters for years. He and Lucy strike a deal: she won't change the house, and he won't bother anyone else. They begin talking each day and start a unique relationship.
The story is based on the 1945 novel "The Ghost of Captain Gregg and Mrs. Muir" by R. A. Dick. It was adapted to radio in 1947 with Charles Boyer and Madeleine Carroll. It was adapted again in 1951 with Boyer reprising his role alongside Jane Wyatt. It was also adapted as a TV show that ran from 1968-1970.
A friend recommended the film and I went in blind... only knowing the title and that Rex Harrison was the ghost. And I was pleasantly surprised.
The story is simple, but intriguing. Gene Tierney is ok as the lead, but she is far from the most interesting character. Harrison is commanding as Captain Gregg. I always enjoy George Sanders' performances, and as usual he is smooth and fascinating to watch. The cinematography, by Charles Lang, is beautiful.
The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography. It was also recognized in the American Film Institute's (AFI) 100 Years... 100 Passions list.
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947) 104 minutes
Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Starring: Gene Tierney as Lucy Muir
Rex Harrison as Captain Daniel Gregg
George Sanders as Miles Fairley
Edna Best as Martha Huggin
Natalie Wood as Anna Muir
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