BBC radio comedian Arthur Askey's most popular movie foray, was undoubtedly his version of "The Ghost Train". Like the 1931 movie, this one was also directed by Walter Forde. The powers-that-be at J. Arthur Rank Distributors have always claimed that they have the 1931 negative nice and safe in their library. Thirty years ago, they even sold the broadcasting rights to Swedish and Australian television networks. Despite repeated requests by both broadcasters to supply the contracted prints, Rank failed to comply. The print had either got lost or stolen, or even worse, it may have deteriorated. Fortunately it has now been found and has actually been issued on a DVD!Anyway, getting back to Arthur Askey's version: Thanks to Walter Forde's adroit direction and Askey's inspired performance (Herbert Lomas too, generally wasted in nothing roles, is absolutely unforgettable here) the 1941 picture is an exceptionally happy marriage of mystery and comedy. Nowhere and in no place do we ever get the impression of a photographed stage play. It's an absolutely must-see movie through and through! (Good prints are available on both Network and ITV DVDs).

Actually quite a crafty and thoughtful sitcom, with some enjoyable twists, and perhaps one should begin by understanding what this movie's style implies, you can judge the degree of craft that went into shooting this comedy by the very natural instantaneous changes of key, from the overabundance of comedy to the suspenseful moments (as when the station master returns, or when the ghost train passes, etc.); despite the fact that some mistake it for a shocker, which by no means was it ever meant to be. Even a seeming clumsiness like Julia's acting when she raves within the station, gets explained after-wards. Slapstick and sitcom, thoughtfully plotted; though coming from the league of unpretentiousness (the script is an occasional story, with a patriotic intent, and at least one mind-blowing twist …), it shows an enchanting ease at switching registers, at passing from slapstick to paranormal suspense, I also liked very much the sets, the station and its few shown surroundings. A 4th intimation would be that the leading actor knew how to move, how to use his body, and also how to make a bawdy remark; also, complainers who find his acting indigestible or astringent should be aware that this movie is a vehicle for him, he actually is the leading actor.

When you can't sleep at night I guess you'll watch anything to make you drift away, even long forgotten Brit-coms. This obscure film features a group of eight passengers stranded at a remote train station in Cornwall. All they need to do is make it through the night, but tales of a spooky, spectral locomotive do nothing to settle the nerves.The film makes great use of its single location (it was adapted from a stage play after all) but I do wish there would have been more emphasis on mystery rather than the tomfoolery of the main characters. The big reveal is very "Scooby-Doo", but the writing and dialogue is sharp enough to lend the film a bit of credibility.

Above is a quote from this film and it very aptly sums up this film! The comment is made to Arthur Askey's character and I wanted to see him either be quiet or die in this film--either would have made me ecstatic. His character, to put it very bluntly, was the most annoying person I've seen in a film for perhaps the last year--and I watch A LOT of movies!! The film begins aboard a British train during WWII. The train's progress is halted by a selfish and sub-human jerk (Askey) who pulls the emergency stop cord because his hat fell out the window. While this is clearly a criminal offense, he is indifferent to the anger of the crew and runs about annoying people repeatedly--in particular a huge cricket player who wanted to kill Askey (oh, why, why DIDN'T he?!). Later, when a group of travelers gets to their stop, they find they are stranded and they missed the connecting train--thanks to Askey's stunt. And, Askey isn't the least bit repentant or sorry and continues to make a total nuisance of himself. I really, really, really wanted him to just shut up, as this boorish character would not let up for a second--pushing the rest of the group (as well as the audience) past all human endurance. By this point in the film, I was so fed up with him I really could not enjoy the movie and mentally turned it off...though I did continue watching. Sure, there was a plot about a ghost train that began almost half-way into the film, but I honestly didn't care at all any more and just wanted it to end.I understand that Askey was a bit of an institution in the UK (on stage, TV and in movies)--and was apparently quite beloved. Well, as an American I am not familiar with him and perhaps he was a great comedian after all. However, he is simply a grating comedian in "The Ghost Train". He was bold and cheeky like Groucho Marx but without charm or humor. While the rest of the actors tried, they simply couldn't get noticed because Askey behaved like a spoiled and obnoxious child who insists on entertaining his parents' party guests. Don't this film unless you as a masochist.