Blithe Spirit [DVD]

This is a film I've loved since I was a child. It only came out on DVD last year, but the film was made in 1945. It must be about 20 years since I last watched it and, I'm pleased to say that it has aged well and I enjoyed it just as much today as I did on all the previous occasions that I watched it. As you would expect in a script created by Noel Coward, it's very clever and very witty. Margaret Rutherford is one of my favourite comic actresses and she's on form in this film, playing a dotty old medium, Madam Arcati, who conjures up the spirit of her client's first wife - and is then quite at a loss to know how to get rid of her. Rex Harrison plays the client: author, Charles Condomine, who arranged for Madam Arcati to have a séance at his home. He's hoping that she's a fraud and he wants to study her methods for the book he's writing. Coward could have written this part for Rex Harrison who plays the part with cool, sharp, intelligent wit. His wives - the first Mrs Condomine, Elvira, played by Kay Hammond and the current Mrs Condomine, Ruth, played by Constance Cummings are both excellent: the naughty, mischievous Elvira taking every opportunity to annoy and upset poor Ruth and get Charles into trouble; the indignant Ruth, in turns angry and exasperated. There's a playful and good natured feel to the film. Elvira's more teasing than spiteful; Ruth is never pushed too far and Charles quite enjoys having both his wives with him - if only they could get on nicely together.I think it's probably fair to call this film a 'classic' of its kind. I'm so pleased to have found it available on DVD. It's just the thing to cheer up a wet Sunday afternoon. I recommend it.

The film is based on a play by Noel Coward, and apparently Mr Coward was not impressed with what David Lean made of his play. One wonders why, because it's not a bad little film. Charles Condomine (Rex Harrison) and his second wife Ruth are plagued by the ghost of the first Mrs Condomine. To get rid of the mischievous spirit, they invite a local medium for a seance. The kooky medium is played by the inimitable Margaret Rutherford who rather steals the show with her spirited performance. However, rather than getting rid of the troublesome ghost, the blithe spirit now becomes visible to her former husband and causes even more mischief in the Condomine household.The ghost story is played purely for fun, it's all comedy without any frightening moments and the atmosphere is light throughout. Made in 1945, this is one of David Lean's early films, and while it's fun to watch on a quiet evening in, it's remarkable only for the then latest special effects - which are of course terribly basic by today's standards.I don't know if there is much point reviewing the DVD itself since I received a different version from the one ordered (I ordered the ITV release with the black and white cover photo and I received the Carlton release with the coloured picture of the original poster). This is probably due to an error by the seller, but it is of no consequence to me and I didn't bother following it up. The following part of my review is based on the Carlton release: The picture is good and the colours are strong and vibrant. The sound quality is excellent and subtitles for the hard of hearing are available. The aspect ratio is 4 : 3 full frame, which in this case seems to be the original format, not a cropped version.

A good film enjoyable and amusing.

So my wife says

Really good old fashioned film Margaret Rutherford in an early role absolutely brilliant

I watched this film years ago and I thought it was good and so funny. But I am bored of this now. Another dvd fir the charity shop

Movies from a different time where people and life was much gentler are my absolute favourites. This is the first film I ever saw as a youngster on the old Sunday afternoon movies on mainstream tv back in the 1970's. Loved Margaret Rutherford as the spiritualist in this movie and that led me on to the Miss Marple movies and then onto anything with Alistair Sim in. This movie is lovely to watch for devotees of 1940's fashion as well.

'Blithe Spirit' is mannered, elegant, superbly made entertainment, full of quick subtle humour. If it was remade now the ghost scenes could benefit a lot from modern techniques, but neverthless it is good, and very English.Rex Harrison's acting is slightly stagey but improves after the first scene and Elvira Kay as the first wife doesn't really come over as much of a 'femme fatale' as her movement and hand gestures are limited, but her general bitchiness is refreshingly un-American. Margaret Rutherford is superb as Madame Arcati. This movie is pure entertainment and as light as a feather so don't expect profound depths as there aren't any. Noel Coward at his best, glossed with a Wildean touch.