Widower Gene Tierney (Lucy) is looking for a house so she buys a haunted one! Of course. Well, you would, wouldn't you? The house is haunted by crusty sea dog Rex Harrison (Daniel) and he doesn't want anyone meddling on his property. However, he likes Gene so she can stay on and they form a friendship. He gives her an idea for an income before disappearing from her life as she finds a mortal love in George Sanders (Miles). Hold on, Sanders is always a cad, isn't he? This is a romantic film that mixes real life with the next world and the ending ties up things nicely. And of course this is actually what happens – love goes on forever. If you are a romantic, you'll enjoy this film. There is comedy and also a young Natalie Wood who gets to deliver ominous dialogue about liking the sea…….A lot of tragedies tied up with the cast of this film. Gene Tierney, Rex Harrison, George Sanders and Natalie Wood all have an unfortunate or scandalous story attached to them.Back to the film, it's easy-going and stays with you after it has finished.

This 1947 movie from 20th Century Fox, directed by Joseph L Mankiewicz, is certainly a heart-warming movie. In some ways it is comical, thanks to Rex Harrison's irascibility; he, in this movie once a sea captain, is the ghost of the house into which Lucy Muir (played so well by the very beautiful and appealing Gene Tierney) moves with her little daughter (performed by the precious Natalie Wood at about age nine.) Yes, you had to laugh at Harrison when he does become so unbearable toward Gene Tierney. But also, you had to feel for him when he does feel rejected by Mrs. Muir in the movie. For that reason it is difficult to say whether it should be placed under the rubric of comedy or romance. Definitely, I could feel no sympathy for the character George Sanders portrayed, a man who was disgusting and two-faced. Bernard Herrmann's music, beautiful but haunting, contributed well to the eeriness sometimes found in this production. The turn-of-the-century London was depicted fairly well. Truly, Tierney and Harrison clicked so well, and for that and other reasons it is a movie with magnetic appeal.

A masterpiece? No kidding. This is such an unusual and beautiful film. Gene Tierney plays an early 20th century widow who is unknowingly more liberated than any woman of the 21st century. The film is stunning to look at. It is amazing to think that it was made in California, it looks as English as any English movie, so much so that one wonders why so many Hollywood movies set in England look so phony. What a screenplay. It is as if we are reading a book and every dissolve means a new chapter. Tierney was not a great actress but that face is fascinating and the role sits more comfortably with her than any of her others. Harrison is one of the sexiest creatures ever seen in a movie; their scenes together truly do smolder. I dare anyone not to cry during the last three minutes. It is so rewarding to see a Hollywood movie, with a great supporting cast that is all unrecognizable except for Natalie Wood. This is simply one of the very best and it will never date since it is a period piece. That score has to be among the greatest and most effective.

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947): Dir: Joseph L. Mankiewicz / Cast: Gene Tierney, Rex Harrison, George Sanders, Natalie Wood, Edna Best: Sad romantic comedy about loneliness as widowed Mrs. Muir and her daughter move into a house at the seaside, against the wishes of her in-laws. The house is rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of a sailor but this only excites her. Her presence captivates the ghostly sea captain who forms a compromise. She will write his story and afford the house. Afterlife presented as depressing. Screenplay is sad but creative in structure and certainly inviting in introduction. Director Joseph L. Mankiewicz is aided by splendid locations particularly the ominous appeal of the house. Gene Tierney plays the vulnerable yet strong willed Mrs. Muir. Rex Harrison steals scenes as the foul sea captain whose stubborn actions are met with the opportunity to reveal his story. George Sanders plays a scheming author who attempts to romance Mrs. Muir. Natalie Wood is too brief as Mrs. Muir's daughter. She just seems to not be there and we barely notice. Edna Best plays the maid who pipes things up during key moments. Loneliness is a cancer but it doesn't have to consume as it does here. Unfortunately for a film advertized as a lighthearted comedy, this message does just the opposite and leaves viewers wondering what's the point. Score: 7 ½ / 10