Review of Blithe Spirit (1945) by Jen P — 27 Dec 2007
Margaret Rutherford is rousing as Madame Arcati, the eccentric medium hired by Charles Condamine (Rex Harrison) to hold a seance, which inadvertently conjures the spectre of his deceased wife Elvira (Kay Hammond). Playful Elvira torments Condamine and his second wife Ruth (Constance Cummings) until Madame Arcati is sent for to expunge her before anybody gets hurt.
The film was made in England during WWII and according to Rex Harrison's autobiography, the mood on set was understandably anything but blithe. Perhaps this is why it Spirit falls a short of its potential. Noel Coward (who wrote the original play) was also unhappy with it, but it is still an enjoyable way to spend an hour or so. There are certainly worse comedies being produced in Hollywood in the present era.
This review of Blithe Spirit (1945) was written by Jen P on 27 Dec 2007.
Blithe Spirit has generally received positive reviews.
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