I saw this movie on a B&W TV in the early 1960s and was delighted to see it again as an adult. While my childhood impressions of this romantic tale remain intact, I am now mostly impressed by the context of this movie soon after a long and difficult war. It is a warm and touching story of love transcending death. Surely a relevant notion for the time. I am not suggesting any of this was intentional. Art following events and emotions of the time? I wonder.Rex Harrison reprising much of his character from "Night Train to Munich", the self superior and cynical lover, casting his grand personality over the ever pure Gene Tierney.In a way an early and oddly Feminist tale. Here is an independent woman of strength and determination making her way in the world of publishing. Betrayed by the falseness of a suitor, she remains true to herself and her small family including Martha.Seeing this movie 40 some years later it remains as true and good as ever.

In the early 1900's England, Lucy (Gene Tierney) has upset her mother and sister in laws. Having lost her husband, Lucy informs them she is moving to the sea coast where she will raise her daughter (Natalie Wood) on a small income left to her. They are aghast, mostly because they realize they won't be able to control Lucy's life anymore. When the mother and daughter arrive in their new village, Lucy hunts for a rental house within her income. One, Gull Cottage, seems perfect but the real estate agent drags his feet. Lucy insists. Yet, shortly after the move in, the widow realizes why it was available. The house in haunted, you see, by a blustering sea captain, Daniel (Rex Harrison) who died in the place. Most folks think it was a suicide. Startled, Lucy soon displays her determination to stay put and Daniel can't do anything to change that. Over time, it becomes obvious that they are in love with each other. Yet, when Lucy loses her income, she may have to move unless the duo can come up with another plan. Also, a smooth gentleman becomes enamored with Lucy and she, very lonely, may decide to marry him, much to the Captain's dismay. What's an unusual couple to do? This very lovely story has imaginative elements and a match of wits that will charm everyone. Tierney and Harrison make a terrific couple. All of the supporting cast is fine, too. In addition, the scenery is wonderful and Gull Cottage makes everyone yearn to find their own abode by the sea. Alas, although I understand the ending and it turns out fine, I was hoping for a resolution that would come sooner in the film. Admittedly, I am most likely in the minority. Movie fans, you would do well to choose this classic love romantic movie at your earliest opportunity.

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

Joseph L. Mankiewicz directed this classic romantic ghost story that stars Gene Tierney as Lucy Muir, a recently widowed woman who moves in(along with her daughter, played by Natalie Wood) with her in-laws, but feels oppressed living under the same roof, so buys a seaside cottage overlooking the English coast that turns out to be haunted by the ghost of Captain Gregg(played by Rex Harrison) the original owner, who is quite disagreeable, yet he and Lucy come to an understanding, and he even agrees to let her "ghost write" his autobiography, which turns out to be a success. Lucy and the Captain then form a long and lasting love that lasts until she is quite old... Wonderful film, much like "The Uninvited" in how it creates a distinct atmosphere that takes you to another time and place. Superbly acted, directed, and written, with a moving ending that may have later inspired "Somewhere In Time" & "Titanic"! Not to be missed.