Have to say I'm mightily surprised to see some users here state this film is purely escapist entertainment, nothing more, nothing less. Since it ignites its comedy heart with a satirical flame, I do feel that the jovial nature of the beast has meant that the tongue in cheek nature of René Clair's first English speaking picture has been missed by some.
Murdoch Glourie {Robert Donat} is head of the Glourie clan, during a vociferous argument with the laird of the Maclaggen clan, he is so furious about the besmirching of his family name, he pegs out and dies before correcting the unjust smear on the family name. Switch to the modern day and his descendant Donald {Donat again} is frantically trying to keep the monolithic Glourie castle from collapsing under the weight of financial pressure. Hope springs in the form of love, and the beautiful Peggy Martin {Jean Parker}, but with her comes her ebullient father Joe {Eugene Palette}, and his intention to relocate the castle to Florida. Now this is something that Murdoch's ghost is particularly not happy about, and he promptly sets about haunting everyone in sight whilst the selling point fervour of a Ghost coming to America brings about mirth and intriguing problems.
Yes this film is a fantastical light hearted comedy, but its portrayal of American habits is satirical genius, covering materialistic urges and prodding the ribs of the press, The Ghost Goes West is a truly classic film in the Preston Sturges 1940s mould. What else can you think when you see a press headline stating "Kilted Scottish Phantom Fails To Show"? René Clair was annoyed by the interference from producer Alexander Korda, to the point he thought about taking his name off the credits, he didn't have to worry tho, because the film is still his, and crucially, American audiences took it firmly on the chin and embraced the picture for the delightful nudge nudge romp it is. 8/10
