Blithe Spirit

Director David Lean's adaptation of Noel Coward's comedy is a delightful treat. Rex Harrison stars as Charles Condomine, a celebrated novelist who is recently married but haunted by the ghost of his deceased first wife. When a medium and Charles' new wife attempt to send the ghost away, they are unaware that she has a plan to keep Charles with her forever.

David Lean, renowned for his adaptations of Dickens in the 1940s, took a bold departure with this film, which stands as his only foray into comedy. Despite this, the result is a charming gem. Rex Harrison delivers a stellar performance as the sharp-witted author troubled by the ghost of his first wife, Elvira (played by Kay Hammond). Elvira's attempts to seduce Charles again create turmoil for his second wife, played by Constance Cummings, who becomes anxious about her own lack of passion. The film is a celestial romp that retains its sharpness even today. Margaret Rutherford, as the witty medium, is, as always, a standout performer.

However, the DVD edition of the film suffers from being mastered from a less-than-ideal film element, resulting in the loss of the original Technicolor vibrancy. This is particularly disappointing considering the film won an Oscar in 1946 for its spectacular special effects, including Elvira's striking green glow.

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