The Ghost Goes West
The Ghost Goes West Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: The Ghost Goes West
| Movie | The Ghost Goes West |
| Release Year | 1935 |
| Director | René Clair |
| Genre | Romance / Comedy / Fantasy |
| Runtime | 95 minutes (1h 35m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Ghost Goes West (1935) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Romance.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Ghost Goes West are led by Robert Donat . The supporting cast, including Jean Parker and Eugene Pallette , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Ghost Goes West stands out as a strong entry in the Romance genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Romance narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Ghost Goes West has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Romance fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Ghost Goes West
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1935, The Ghost Goes West is a Romance, Comedy, Fantasy film directed by René Clair, written by René Clair. The narrative explores the complexities of love and relationships with emotional depth and authenticity. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Robert Donat as Murdoch Glourie / Donald Glourie.
Ending Explained: 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.
The Ghost Goes West Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Ghost Goes West Based on a True Story?
No, The Ghost Goes West is a work of fiction. While the romance, comedy, fantasy film directed by René Clair and starring Robert Donat may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Ghost Goes West?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Romance films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Robert Donat or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Where to Watch The Ghost Goes West Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Criterion Channel
FlixFling🎟️ Rent on
FlixFling🏷️ Buy on
FlixFlingThe Ghost Goes West Parents Guide & Age Rating
1935 AdvisoryWondering about The Ghost Goes West age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Ghost Goes West (1935) is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Directed by René Clair, the film runs for 95 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, The Ghost Goes West is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1935 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Ghost Goes West worth watching?
The Ghost Goes West is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Romance movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Ghost Goes West parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Ghost Goes West identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Ghost Goes West (1935)?
The runtime of The Ghost Goes West (1935) is 95 minutes (approximately 1h 35m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
