There is exactly one reason to see this movie--and it's not because of the Noel Coward play or David Lean's direction. Margaret Rutherford, whom few movie goers are likely to remember, steals the movie completely out from under the rest of the cast with her performance as Madam Arcati, the medium who stirs up the spirit that transforms the life of the other characters. Margaret Rutherford was a splendid actress in her day, and this is a wonderful performance. This, I must say, is the least lively performance of "Blithe Spirit" I've ever seen, and David Lean's direction is hugely disappointing because it is so static. It displays none of the visual imagination that has earned Lean his rank among the greatest directors of all time. (He's also credited as one of the writers of the screenplay.) There is also some interest in seeing Rex Harrison when he was young and exceedingly handsome. But I can recommend only to people who've never seen Ms. Rutherford or who are so madly in love with Noel Coward or David Lean that they are willing to endure a turkey.
Review of Blithe Spirit
