Watch The Ghost Breakers

The Ghost Breakers is a 1940 American comedy horror film, directed by George Marshall and starring Bob Hope, Paulette Goddard and Richard Carlson. It is based on the 1909 Broadway play The Ghost Breaker by Paul Dickey and Charles W. Goddard. The movie follows the journey of Larry Lawrence (Bob Hope), a radio personality who, after fleeing New York City, finds himself onboard a ship headed for Cuba. On the ship, Lawrence meets Mary Carter (Paulette Goddard), an heiress who has recently inherited a castle on an island off the coast of Cuba, where she plans to move to improve her health. Lawrence, who is continually pursued by gangsters, sees an opportunity for a quick buck and follows Mary to her castle.

Upon arriving, the two realize that the castle is haunted by the spirits of its previous owners, who were murdered by a local rogue. Lawrence finds himself determined to solve the mystery of the murders, while Mary becomes increasingly frightened by the apparent presence of ghosts. The local governor’s daughter, Florinda (Virginia Brissac), introduces Larry and Mary to Geoff Montgomery (Richard Carlson), an archaeologist who assists in their investigation.

As the trio explores the haunted castle, they encounter many frightening and suspenseful situations. The group eventually discovers a secret underground passage and an underground room, where the ghostly presence seems to be most prominent. Through a series of twists and turns, the group uncovers the truth about the murders and the supernatural happenings taking place in the castle.

The Ghost Breakers is a classic mixture of horror, mystery, and comedy, with Bob Hope’s quick-witted humor often lightening the mood in tense situations. Paulette Goddard also gives a solid performance as the terrified heir who experiences both supernatural and physical dangers. The chemistry between the two leads is undeniable, and their banter and witty exchanges add to the entertainment factor of the movie.

Richard Carlson's performance as the archaeologist with an interest in Cuba's history and the supernatural lends the film a sense of authority and legitimacy regarding the history of the island.

The movie is also notable for its suspenseful and well-executed set pieces. The special effects, while dated by modern standards, were state-of-the-art at the time and serve to add to the haunting atmosphere of the film. The cinematography, which incorporates shadowy silhouettes and Spanish colonial architecture, further enhances the eeriness of the castle.

The Ghost Breakers was a commercial and critical success upon its release and has since become a classic horror-comedy. It spawned several remakes and imitations, including Scared Stiff(1953) starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis and filmed in Technicolor.

In conclusion, The Ghost Breakers is an entertaining and timeless horror-comedy. Bob Hope, Paulette Goddard, and Richard Carlson all give solid performances in a movie that blends humor, horror, and mystery into an engaging and suspenseful story. Its point-of-view based narrative, creepy atmosphere, and strong ensemble cast of characters make it a unique and notable film in the annals of film history.

The Ghost Breakers is a 1940 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.