Blithe Spirit (1945)

Blithe Spirit (1945)

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“What, no ectoplasm?”

Synopsis:
An eccentric medium (Margaret Rutherford) conjures up the ghost of author Rex Harrison’s deceased wife (Kay Hammond), much to the consternation of his new wife (Constance Cummings).

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Comedy
  • David Lean Films
  • Ghosts
  • Love Triangle
  • Margaret Rutherford Films
  • Marital Problems
  • Noel Coward Films
  • Play Adaptations
  • Rex Harrison Films

Response to Peary’s Review:
David Lean’s adaptation of Noel Coward’s popular play is a uniquely comic look at life-after-death, one which makes good use of marital insecurities. Never before has a deceased wife caused so much trouble for the woman who has replaced her!

As Peary notes, Harrison’s ego is inevitably stroked when he realizes he has two women fighting over him; despite his henpecked consternation, there’s a part of him that’s downright tickled. However, the highlight of the film is undoubtedly Margaret Rutherford as the sincere but trouble-making medium, Madame Arcati: from the moment she appears onscreen, riding her bicycle down the street with a satisfied grin on her face:

… she is enchanting, giving a strong and memorable character performance. Watch for the plot twists — things suddenly take an interesting turn — and then another.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Margaret Rutherford’s outstanding performance as the irrepressible Madame Arcati
  • Jacqueline Clarke as Edith, the bewildered maid who plays an unexpectedly important role in affairs
  • The unusual but effective ghost makeup
  • Atmospheric cinematography

Must See?
Yes, simply for Rutherford’s performance.

Categories

  • Noteworthy Performance(s)

Links:

2 thoughts on “Blithe Spirit (1945)”

  2. A must – but mostly as cinema history. Although not of his best work (film work, at least), it has importance since it was written by the renowned Noel Coward (at least the play was; the adaptation, for some odd reason, took director Lean and two others to handle!). Haven’t read the source in a long time but, like the ghost of Elvira, one can sense enough of Coward’s presence.

    While a number of the jokes are musty or simply snide asides, the overall construction is clever – and, yes, perhaps the first part of the film is stronger: when we meet both Madame Arcati and Elvira. Some of the best lines come early on as well – a fave of mine is Harrison’s: “Discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit.”

    I may be in a minority here but ‘Blithe Spirit’ is part of what, in many ways, is the better period of Lean’s career. (It seems to me that, starting with ‘Summertime’, a somewhat dour element enters his work. But more of that when reviewing those films.)

    Rutherford does indeed steal the show – and one wonders what to make of any possible sexuality here. As Ruth, Cummings (on the surface) appears to be simply a shrew – but hers may actually be the most difficult role. I wish Hammond had been given a sufficient number of memorable lines. Harrison is as stuffy as he’s called on to be.

    The last five minutes – a real departure from the play, apparently – cause a letdown (esp. re: ‘logic’), but perhaps not from a ‘commercial’ perspective.

    My favorite visual touch: Madame Arcati’s parrot is intensely jolted at the sight of Elvira.

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