Expert: Mel Priddle - 5/4/2009

Question
i just have a question about a title of a movie. the only part of the movie i can remember is there is this fat guy on a horse and he is running from some other guys on horses and he runs into a castle and hides behind a curtain. while he is behind this curtain i think he falls asleep and the opening is bricked up and he becomes a ghost. It is a black and white film and i think it was sometime in the medieval time period or romantic time period. because there horses and castles and i think english accents. anyways if you know this film i would greatly appreciate the help. thanks.

Answer
Hello Richard,

That's the story of "The Canterville Ghost". The story has been filmed on several occasions, with the 1944 black & white production being the most famous. It starred Charles Laughton as Sir Simon and Robert Young as his descendant.

Story Outline: In the 1600s, the cowardly Sir Simon of Canterville flees a duel and seeks solace in the family castle. His shamed father seals him in the room where he is hiding and dooms him to life as a ghost until one of his descendants performs a brave deed.

Among the other versions were one from 1986 starring Sir John Gielgud, and the 1996 version starring Patrick Stewart and Neve Campbell.

Glad to be of help. Cheers.........Mel.