‘THE GHOST GOES WEST’

Evening Star, Issue 22367, 17 June 1936, Page 14

‘THE GHOST GOES WEST’

UNUSUAL THEME lImStRACTIVE , FILM Alexander Korda, the producer of ‘Henry VIII.’, ‘ Tne Scarlet Pimpernel,’ and many other outstanding films every one of which has been a popular success—has achieved, in _ ‘ The Ghost Goes West,’ what the critics are unanimous in describing as ‘_a triumph for all concerned.” ‘ The Ghost Goes West,’ which null begin on Friday at the Regent, is a typical Korda Picture, which is to say that it has the Iqnd of theme that the average producer would shrink from bringing to the screen. It is said that it is elegantly made and -'smoothly acted; that it is wittily, imaginatively daring; and that itappeals to the intelligence, but not. in such a way as to frighten lowbrows. In the words of an English critic: “ Oslo leaves the theatre feeling that one has been merrily entertained by a subtle and cleverly embellished ioke ” Robert Donat phys both the ghost and Murdoch Glourie (who died in 1745, but was'condemned to haunt the family castle till ho. should have avenged an insult) and Donald , the ghost’s modern descendant. He dif-. ferentiates neatly between the selfpossession of the former and the embarrassment of the latter, playing both characters so well that, again in the words of the critic quoted above: One cannot think of another actor who could hare equalled his performance. One of the' successes of the picture is Eugene Pallette, whose performance, it Ts reported, as the American; who burs Glourie Castle, and the ghost as well, and takes them both to America, is put over with such rich gusto and unobtrusive skill that he steals many scenes with ease. Jean Parker ig extremely attractive as his daughter, courted by both spectre and man. The delicate fantasy, comedy, and romance of ‘ The Ghost Goes West ’ are served • up in an attractive way. Two hundred years ago, as the first scenes of ‘ The Ghost Goes West ’ der scribe. Murdoch Glourie’s philandering, with a prettv shepherdess delayed his avenging a MacLagglan insult to the Glourie Clan. Thera was a battle going on at the time which somewhat interrupted Murdoch’s playing of * Spell Me a Riddle,’ a game at which h n excelled. His favourite riddle was: “ What is the difference between a Scotch thistle and a kiss in the dark?” "Even as a ghost - he still plays the game. Can you guess the answer? See page 14 for competition.