The Ghost Goes West Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Ghost Goes West.
The Ghost Goes West Ending Explained: Donald Glourie shares his crumbling ancestral home with the ghost of his Highland ancestor, Murdoch, who has been condemned to haunt the castle until he avenges a 200-year-old insult from a rival clan. Directed by René Clair, this 1935 romance film stars Robert Donat (Murdoch Glourie / Donald Glourie), alongside Jean Parker as Peggy Martin, Eugene Pallette as Mr. Joe Martin, Elsa Lanchester as Miss Shepperton. With a 6.7/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Ghost Goes West?
Donald Glourie shares his crumbling ancestral home with the ghost of his Highland ancestor, Murdoch, who has been condemned to haunt the castle until he avenges a 200-year-old insult from a rival clan. To clear his mounting debts, Donald sells the dilapidated pile to an American businessman, Mr Martin, who has the castle complete with the Glourie ghost transported and rebuilt in Florida. While old-world gentility rubs up comically against 20th-century materialism, Martin's daughter takes a liking to both Donald and Murdoch, convinced they are one and the same man...
René Clair's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Robert Donat (Murdoch Glourie / Donald Glourie)'s journey. To clear his mounting debts, Donald sells the dilapidated pile to an American businessman, Mr Martin, who has the castle complete with the Glourie ghost transported and rebuilt in Florida.
How Does Robert Donat (Murdoch Glourie / Donald Glourie)'s Story End?
- Robert Donat: Robert Donat's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Jean Parker (Peggy Martin): Jean Parker's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Eugene Pallette (Mr. Joe Martin): Eugene Pallette's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Ghost Goes West Mean?
The Ghost Goes West's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Robert Donat may feel rushed. René Clair's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.