Leofwine_draca THE GHOST GOES WEST is one of those genteel supernatural comedies that Hollywood and Britain were so fond of making back in the day. A lot of its charm comes from the presence of Robert Donat in the cast, playing a friendly ghost who finds himself transported to Florida when his ancestral Scottish castle is literally shipped, brick by brick, to America. Dated shenanigans ensue in this quiet character piece, with an emphasis on character comedy and amusingly offbeat hijinks. Donat is a delight and matched by the equally delightful Elsa Lanchester who has a moderately large role.

Michael_Elliott Ghost Goes West, The (1935) ** 1/2 (out of 4) Charming fantasy about the Scottish Murdoch Glourie (Robert Donat), a ladies man who goes to fight in the war, which allows his father to die in peace. However, moments later Murdoch is killed due to him being a coward and this act won't allow him into Heaven so he must stay in a middle ground. Decades later an American father (Eugene Palette) and daughter (Jean Parker) buy the castle with plans of moving it to Florida where a media frenzy breaks out over the ghost that haunts it. The title makes it seem as if the ghost goes to the Old West but that's not the case to this Clair comedy that's certainly worth watching even if the end results aren't as good as one would hope for. I think the prologue that starts the film is actually the best moments as Donat is clearly having fun playing the ladies man. When we meet him he's in a field with six or so women and there's no question that Donat is having fun flirting, smiling and kissing them. When we get to the battle scenes there's certainly no great effects but the comic timing by the director is quite good and we get a fair number of laughs from Donat's cowardice. Things stay moving pretty well when the American family first shows up with a daughter who loves ghosts and the mother who of course is terrified of them. I thought the family members were quite funny but a lot of this is due to the terrific performances by Parker and the underrated Palette. Donat is also quite good in the role of the ghost as he has no problem playing that loose and fun character. I thought he had somewhat more trouble playing the castle's current owner who of course is in love with the Parker character. Donat isn't quite as good playing the straight park but there's no question that he has some nice chemistry with Parker. Elsa Lanchester, Ralph Bunker and Patricia Hilliard round out the supporting players. The special effects of Donat in both roles in the same scene aren't that impressive today but I think for the most part they're good enough to where they don't take you out of the movie. THE GHOST GOES WEST is certainly far from a classic due mainly to the "comedy" not having enough laughs to carry the full running time but fans of the director will enjoy the innocent charm of the story.

Ron Oliver When a haunted Scottish castle is dismantled and removed to Florida THE GHOST GOES WEST, too.Made under the auspices of producer Sir Alexander Korda, acclaimed director René Clair & distinguished author Robert E. Sherwood, here is a fine little film--very popular in its day--for thoughtful intellects, about things which go bump in the night. Or, rather, one thing in particular: a kilted phantom doomed to stalk his ancestral castle until his family's honour is avenged--irregardless of the actual physical location of his old stones, or whatever romantic complications may ensue.Handsome Robert Donat brings just the right amount of sophisticated humor to the dual roles of the ghost and his 20th century descendant. The lovely Jean Parker is splendid as an American rich girl very happy to take the Highlands real estate if Mr. Donat comes along with it. Playing her father, Eugene Palette exhibits both bluster & bemusement as the merchant grocer determined on buying old Glourie Castle, ghost and all.Morton Selten & Hay Petrie have amusing short roles as clan lairds who are fierce antagonists. The marvelous Elsa Lanchester appears far too briefly at the film's conclusion as a paranormal enthusiast.Acknowledgment should go to Vincent Korda for his atmospheric sets. And just what is the difference betwixt a thistle in the heather & a kiss in the dark?

artzau Robert Donat and Jean Parker...and Eugene Pallett (whose voice was once described like a semi hauling logs driving down a gravel road). Hey, isn't that enough to get you to see it? Add an amusing story of a young Scottish Laird fending off a businessman who wants to buy his castle and a ghost cursed to salvage his family name, romantic intrigues and you have fun, fun, fun. I remember seeing this film as a kid (hey, it was old even then!) and going back to the old Crystal theater to see it again and again. I've heard rumors that a video exists obtainable through a buyer in Canada but if it crosses your screen on the late show, DON'T MISS IT!