This short little ghost story feels just like that, a story someone might tell during a long drive or over a campfire. The details are obscure enough to make you wonder and the reaction of Orson Welles to the story told him here is priceless to witness. A short little film which manages to tell an haunting story in a very short amount of time.
28 Reviews
"A short story straight from the haunted land of Ireland"
ackstasis24 April 2009
During a break in the filming of 'The Tragedy of Othello: The Moor of Venice (1952),' Orson Welles recounts a creepy "tall tale" allegedly told to him by a broken-down motorist to whom he offered a ride. Welles plays himself in the film, acting not only as the narrator, but more involvedly as the resident storyteller. One can imagine that it was this role, in addition to his obvious talents on radio, that inspired 'The Fountain of Youth (1958)' – a wonderful half-hour television pilot for "The Orson Welles Show," which boasted a concept not dissimilar to "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," but with Welles taking a more active presence in each episode's production (inconceivably, the show was immediately rejected). One also suspects the film's influence on the BBC's "Ghost Story for Christmas" series, the most impressive of examples of which are 'A Warning to the Curious (1972)' and 'The Signalman (1976)' {adapted from stories by M.R. James and Charles Dickens, respectively}.
The best kind of ghost stories, I think, that those told through an intermediary – it keeps them grounded in reality, which paradoxically makes them all the more creepy. The viewer's natural inclination is to trust the narrator's word, but in this case the narrator must rely on the word of the motorist, Sean Merriman (Michael Laurence), who could be making the whole story up or, he could be completely sincere. It's that uncertainty that makes 'Return to Glennascaul (1951)' a perfectly chilling ghost tale, and a fine companion for a cold, lonely winter's night. We must not, of course, underestimate the emotional resonance of Welles' narrating voice, which contributes just as much atmosphere as Georg Fleischmann's hazy photography. The film was nominated for an Oscar in 1954, but lost out to 'Bear Country (1953),' one of Walt Disney's two-reeler nature documentaries. In any case, think about 'Return to Glennascaul' next time you decide to pick up two female hitch-hikers – I, for one, will be following Orson's example!
The best kind of ghost stories, I think, that those told through an intermediary – it keeps them grounded in reality, which paradoxically makes them all the more creepy. The viewer's natural inclination is to trust the narrator's word, but in this case the narrator must rely on the word of the motorist, Sean Merriman (Michael Laurence), who could be making the whole story up or, he could be completely sincere. It's that uncertainty that makes 'Return to Glennascaul (1951)' a perfectly chilling ghost tale, and a fine companion for a cold, lonely winter's night. We must not, of course, underestimate the emotional resonance of Welles' narrating voice, which contributes just as much atmosphere as Georg Fleischmann's hazy photography. The film was nominated for an Oscar in 1954, but lost out to 'Bear Country (1953),' one of Walt Disney's two-reeler nature documentaries. In any case, think about 'Return to Glennascaul' next time you decide to pick up two female hitch-hikers – I, for one, will be following Orson's example!
Old-fashioned ghost story, beautifully shot
jetan30 June 2000
This fine little film might be entirely unremembered were it not for the appearance of Orson Welles in the movie's frame and as the narrator throughout. The story is quite predictable to anyone who has ever heard a ghost story told aloud, but manages to deliver a chill anyway. Oddly, the least effective part of the script is that given over to Welles narration. The photography, however, is so good throughout as to approach perfection. The performances are all competent, though Welles can be faulted for chewing the scenery in the old Mercury Theatre manner.
Eerie little piece
Falco-825 August 1999
Interesting little short subject has Welles playing himself during a break from his tortuous shooting of "Othello". While driving thru Dublin on a stormy night, Welles offers a lift to a man with car trouble, who then recounts to him a supernatural experiance he'd had on the same stretch of road years ago.
A very measured short subject {seasoned quite well by the always welcome timbre of Welles' narration} keeps you interested thru the climax of the passenger's flashback which is genuinely chilling.
Listen quickly for Welles inside joke on the trouble with distributors...mechanical and otherwise.
A very measured short subject {seasoned quite well by the always welcome timbre of Welles' narration} keeps you interested thru the climax of the passenger's flashback which is genuinely chilling.
Listen quickly for Welles inside joke on the trouble with distributors...mechanical and otherwise.
RETURN TO GLENNASCAUL: A Story That Is Told In Dublin {Short} (Hilton Edwards, 1951) **1/2
Bunuel19769 October 2013
Travelling through Dublin by car, Orson Welles (playing himself) gives a lift to a stranded man, who recounts a similar but strange occurrence of his own. Not particularly gripping as a ghost story; however, the detail is quite nice
and Mr. Welles' genial presence entirely welcome. Even so, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences thought it enough of a novelty at the time to deem it worthy of an Oscar nomination in the "Best Two-Reel Short Subject" category in 1953 – one that was eventually won by an obscure Walt Disney 'True-Life Adventure' documentary, BEAR COUNTRY! What is interesting to modern audiences in general and Welles scholars in particular is that the short under review was literally shot when the great man was taking a break from the filming of OTHELLO (1952) – an event which is captured in its very opening scenes! In fact, it was co-produced by Micheal MacLiammoir and writer/director Edwards who, were not only portraying Iago and Brabantio in Welles' exceptional filming of Shakespeare's tragedy, but had been Welles' theatrical cohorts in the late 1930s when he was just starting out. The restored version of the short – retitled ORSON WELLES' GHOST STORY – was overseen by genre producer Richard Gordon and introduced by the ubiquitous Peter Bogdanovich.
Nice little ghost story
jellopuke20 October 2020
"You will come back"
evening116 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Orson Welles offers to give a man who is having car trouble a lift. Seems straight-forward enough. However, the man (John Dunne) turns out to be the bearer of a creepy tale, punctuated by a question that, quite unexpectedly, raises goosebumps.
Did any or all of this ever really happen, or not? In the end, can we trust our wry and shaken narrator, the renowned Mr. Welles?
There is some stunning cinematography in this brief little detour into mystery. Those women in the rain and the dark, stranded in the middle of God-knows-where, recall similarly eerie spectres in "Suspiria" and "Veronika Voss."
Worth a watch, this seems a throwback to a gentler time when horror was horror without emotionally assaulting the viewer.
Did any or all of this ever really happen, or not? In the end, can we trust our wry and shaken narrator, the renowned Mr. Welles?
There is some stunning cinematography in this brief little detour into mystery. Those women in the rain and the dark, stranded in the middle of God-knows-where, recall similarly eerie spectres in "Suspiria" and "Veronika Voss."
Worth a watch, this seems a throwback to a gentler time when horror was horror without emotionally assaulting the viewer.
A Story That Is Told In Dublin
Ron Oliver18 March 2000
Driving to Dublin late one night, Orson Welles stops to pick-up a stranded motorist. The man proceeds to tell Welles about what happened to him late one evening at that very spot in the road, when he was flagged down by two women. As his tale continues, it wraps back to enfold Welles and the viewer in its skein of mystery - inviting us all to RETURN TO GLENNASCAUL...
In 1951, during a hiatus in the production of his OTHELLO, two of the actors in the Shakespearean film asked Welles, their old friend, to appear in a short film they were producing. They were Hilton Edwards & Micheál Mac Liammóir, the founders of the famed Dublin Gate Theatre. They thought Welles would be the perfect choice to tell their little ghost tale. They were right - his magnificent voice still worked its magic as it had in radio's heyday. Others in the cast, all excellent, were Michael Laurence (also on leave from OTHELLO), Shelah Richards & Helena Hughes.
This Irish two-reeler is a superb example of what can be done in a very short amount of screen time. Beautifully crafted, not a frame of film or line of dialogue is wasted. Intriguing & entertaining, it's a shame this little gem is so obscure today.
In 1951, during a hiatus in the production of his OTHELLO, two of the actors in the Shakespearean film asked Welles, their old friend, to appear in a short film they were producing. They were Hilton Edwards & Micheál Mac Liammóir, the founders of the famed Dublin Gate Theatre. They thought Welles would be the perfect choice to tell their little ghost tale. They were right - his magnificent voice still worked its magic as it had in radio's heyday. Others in the cast, all excellent, were Michael Laurence (also on leave from OTHELLO), Shelah Richards & Helena Hughes.
This Irish two-reeler is a superb example of what can be done in a very short amount of screen time. Beautifully crafted, not a frame of film or line of dialogue is wasted. Intriguing & entertaining, it's a shame this little gem is so obscure today.
Orson Welles in twilight zone
happytrigger-64-39051722 March 2019
"Return to Glennascaul" was shot in 1953 during the shooting of "Othello". It could be an episode in "the Twilight Zone", with its low budget and its theme of appearance-disappearance. Orson Welles is the narrator and plays himself meeting the main character. No genius in this short cheapie but well shot fantastic tale. A must see for Orson Welles completists.
A superb little chiller.
1bilbo12 February 2009
This great film is now available as part of the restored version of Othelo DVD.
Glennascaul means "Glen of the shadows" or "Glen of the ghosts". The true significance will become clear as you watch.
A fine example of what can be acheaved with very little money but a great deal of talent.
Orson Wells appears in the film at the start and also narrates it. His narration is first class - few actors have ever shown a similar ability to place so much into a few inflections of the voice.
I won't say anything about the plot as I do not want to spoil anything. It is a truly great example of what can be done with not a lot of money and a short viewing time.
Best watched late at night in a dark room - first rate.
Glennascaul means "Glen of the shadows" or "Glen of the ghosts". The true significance will become clear as you watch.
A fine example of what can be acheaved with very little money but a great deal of talent.
Orson Wells appears in the film at the start and also narrates it. His narration is first class - few actors have ever shown a similar ability to place so much into a few inflections of the voice.
I won't say anything about the plot as I do not want to spoil anything. It is a truly great example of what can be done with not a lot of money and a short viewing time.
Best watched late at night in a dark room - first rate.
Fun little ghost flick
ebeckstr-125 August 2021
Entertaining ghost story which plays like an episode of The Twilight Zone or One Step Beyond. Orson Welles is at his ironic best in his dual role as narrator and protagonist in the prologue and epilogue. The only significant flaw is the harp score, presumably intended to add a fantasy tone; whereas an eerie score would have then more suitable to the mood.
An Orson Welles finger-exercise and quite a good one, as well
llltdesq15 November 2001
This short, nominated for an Academy Award, was adapted from a ghost story Welles once heard and was filmed during a financially-enforced sabbatical during the filming of Othello. It is remarkably moody and quite creepily atmospheric. It is essentially a finger-exercise for Welles, but it is a comment on Welles (and, sadly, on other directors) that his finger-exercises are more interesting and worthwhile than some director's magnum opus. Glad to see it's available. Recommended.
Spooky
preppy-32 November 1999
Interesting short narrated by Orson Welles about a ghost story "told in Dublin" (as the film says). Only about a half hour long, it's not really scary and the acting is uneven (to say the least), but it's beautifully shot. Some of the scenes in it were breathtaking and even though I knew the ending, I was interested. A most interesting little movie. Good thing it's available on video. Worth seeing on Halloween night.
Darkness...
azathothpwiggins31 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Orson Welles hits the road during a break in the filming of his latest Shakespearean epic. As he drives along, he picks up a man (Michael Laurence) having engine trouble. As they drive along, the man tells Mr. Welles a very strange, disturbing story.
RETURN TO GLENNASCAUL is a wonderfully creepy ghost story. Its short form is effective, sort of like a missing episode of THE TWILIGHT ZONE. The two specters (Shelah Richards and Helena Hughes) make their gloomy house even gloomier! Their dreamy speech patterns and far-off looks are perfect.
If supernatural tales are your forte, or if you're looking for a short film to watch for Halloween, this should satisfy...
RETURN TO GLENNASCAUL is a wonderfully creepy ghost story. Its short form is effective, sort of like a missing episode of THE TWILIGHT ZONE. The two specters (Shelah Richards and Helena Hughes) make their gloomy house even gloomier! Their dreamy speech patterns and far-off looks are perfect.
If supernatural tales are your forte, or if you're looking for a short film to watch for Halloween, this should satisfy...
Nominated for best two-reel short
planktonrules3 April 2022
Long ago, there were two categories for live-action shorts....one for one-reel films and another for two-reelers. This is because it's hard to compare a really short film with one twice its length...and back in the day, Hollywood made a ton of short films. "Return to Glennascaul" was nominate for Best Two-Reel Short...but ultimately lost to Disney's "Bear Country".
The film is narrated by Orson Welles and he plays himself as well. He recounts a strange story...a ghost story told to him by a hitchhiker's whose car broke down. Once in Welles' car, the passenger relates a story about when he, too, stopped to assist some folks with car trouble and what follows is a moody ghost story.
The film does drag a bit but as you watch it improves. The mood is spooky and well done, though I found the musical track a bit cheap and distracting...mostly consisting of a harp. Overall, while it's a film I would never rush to see, it is interesting and worth your time.
The film is narrated by Orson Welles and he plays himself as well. He recounts a strange story...a ghost story told to him by a hitchhiker's whose car broke down. Once in Welles' car, the passenger relates a story about when he, too, stopped to assist some folks with car trouble and what follows is a moody ghost story.
The film does drag a bit but as you watch it improves. The mood is spooky and well done, though I found the musical track a bit cheap and distracting...mostly consisting of a harp. Overall, while it's a film I would never rush to see, it is interesting and worth your time.
Stylish Blarney
richardchatten23 April 2019
Bookended by Orson Welles being told this gaelic supernatural shaggy dog story by a man he gives a lift.
I first saw this film on Channel 4 about thirty-five years ago and straight away knew where all this was leading, but enjoyed the excellent photography by somebody called Georg Fleischmann, while Hans Gunther Stumpf's harp strings never leave you.
I first saw this film on Channel 4 about thirty-five years ago and straight away knew where all this was leading, but enjoyed the excellent photography by somebody called Georg Fleischmann, while Hans Gunther Stumpf's harp strings never leave you.
A great spooky short film
GusF16 September 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Produced by the Dublin Gate Theatre's founders Hilton Edwards and Micheál MacLiammóir, this is a great, spooky short film set and filmed in the "haunted land of Ireland." Directed by Edwards (who is mentioned by name in the film), it features Orson Welles as himself, a role to which he was particularly suited. Taking a break from filming "Othello", he drives into the Irish countryside and picks up a hitchhiker named Sean Merriman, who tells Welles that, the previous year, he picked up two women, a mother and daughter, at the same spot. After he drove them home, Merriman entered their lovely, perfectly furnished house Glennascaul (which means "Glen of the Shadows" in Irish) for tea. Almost immediately after leaving, he realised that he left his cigarette case behind him and found that the house had suddenly been abandoned and fallen into a state of severe decay.
Welles' on screen role is little more than a cameo but he lends his beautiful voice to the proceedings as the narrator, the premise being that the actor and director is relating the story that Merriman told him to the audience. Michael Laurence - who, like Welles, Edwards and MacLiammóir, appeared in "Othello" - is very good in the role of Merriman while Shelah Richards is suitably imperious as Mrs. Campbell, the older of the two strange women. Considering that I don't typically watch Irish films or TV series (bar current affairs shows and the like), it is a little strange to see places that I know very well such as College Green in Dublin in a film.
Welles' connection to Edwards and MacLiammóir is an interesting one as they gave him his first professional acting job at the Gate in 1931 when he told them that he was a Broadway star. They didn't believe him but they were impressed by his bravado. He never forgot it and remained friends with them for the rest of their lives. Edwards and MacLiammóir, two of the most important names in the history of Irish theatre, were not only partners in the professional sense but in the personal sense as well. It was a very open secret that they were gay but no one really passed any remarks on them in spite of the fact that homosexuality was unfortunately still a criminal offence in Ireland until 1993, long after they had both died. They were actually very well liked by almost everyone.
Welles' on screen role is little more than a cameo but he lends his beautiful voice to the proceedings as the narrator, the premise being that the actor and director is relating the story that Merriman told him to the audience. Michael Laurence - who, like Welles, Edwards and MacLiammóir, appeared in "Othello" - is very good in the role of Merriman while Shelah Richards is suitably imperious as Mrs. Campbell, the older of the two strange women. Considering that I don't typically watch Irish films or TV series (bar current affairs shows and the like), it is a little strange to see places that I know very well such as College Green in Dublin in a film.
Welles' connection to Edwards and MacLiammóir is an interesting one as they gave him his first professional acting job at the Gate in 1931 when he told them that he was a Broadway star. They didn't believe him but they were impressed by his bravado. He never forgot it and remained friends with them for the rest of their lives. Edwards and MacLiammóir, two of the most important names in the history of Irish theatre, were not only partners in the professional sense but in the personal sense as well. It was a very open secret that they were gay but no one really passed any remarks on them in spite of the fact that homosexuality was unfortunately still a criminal offence in Ireland until 1993, long after they had both died. They were actually very well liked by almost everyone.
A little known gem
dtucker869 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Orson Welles was one of the most talented people to ever work in show business but one of the most unlucky because he was never able to top his success in Citizen Kane. Some people have said that it was due to his egotism and the fact he was extremely difficutl to work with. This short subject is really not very original. Everyone has heard the story of the vanishing hitchiker one of the most beloved urban legends of all time but this is an amusing way to spend 28 minutes. Welles plays himself picking up a man in the Irish countryside who relates the story of picking up two female hitchikers. I am glad I found this little gem and you have to wonder how much more Welles could have done had fate dealt him a better hand.
I've had problems with my distributor too
begob16 February 2016
A man tells the tale of another man telling his tale of the rainy night he picked up a mother and daughter in need of a lift, who turned out not to be what they seemed.
Simple ghost short that hardly tickles the palate, coming across as the prelude to something meatier. The merit is in the lighting and framing of the shots, and the good performances, especially of the mother.
The framing device within a framing device - well, neither has much of a point - except the jokey nod and a wink presence of Wells. One visual joke with a giant shadow in the playhouse. And so much smoking you wonder how the actors didn't cough their way through the screenplay.
Simple ghost short that hardly tickles the palate, coming across as the prelude to something meatier. The merit is in the lighting and framing of the shots, and the good performances, especially of the mother.
The framing device within a framing device - well, neither has much of a point - except the jokey nod and a wink presence of Wells. One visual joke with a giant shadow in the playhouse. And so much smoking you wonder how the actors didn't cough their way through the screenplay.
Decent But Nothing Overly Good
Michael_Elliott15 November 2017
Return to Glennascaul (1953)
** 1/2 (out of 4)
Orson Welles is on a break from filming OTHELLO and driving through the Dublin countryside. He picks up a man (Michael Laurence) who then tells him about a strange experience he had on the road the previous year. The man tells Welles about a couple women he picked up and the strange aftermath.
RETURN TO GLENNASCAUL isn't the most successful two-reeler ever made but somehow it ended up getting an Oscar-nomination. That's rather strange considering the film really isn't all that great plus the fact that Welles himself was often overlooked. The film is basically a ghost story but there's just nothing overly original about the story and the twist is certainly seen a mile ahead of when it actually happens. There's a little bit of an atmosphere but the short is really lacking any creepiness. The film is certainly watchable since it lasts under thirty-minutes but there's no question that it really isn't anything special. The most interesting thing about it is Welles and how there are a few jokes aimed at some of his various issues with the OTHELLO production.
** 1/2 (out of 4)
Orson Welles is on a break from filming OTHELLO and driving through the Dublin countryside. He picks up a man (Michael Laurence) who then tells him about a strange experience he had on the road the previous year. The man tells Welles about a couple women he picked up and the strange aftermath.
RETURN TO GLENNASCAUL isn't the most successful two-reeler ever made but somehow it ended up getting an Oscar-nomination. That's rather strange considering the film really isn't all that great plus the fact that Welles himself was often overlooked. The film is basically a ghost story but there's just nothing overly original about the story and the twist is certainly seen a mile ahead of when it actually happens. There's a little bit of an atmosphere but the short is really lacking any creepiness. The film is certainly watchable since it lasts under thirty-minutes but there's no question that it really isn't anything special. The most interesting thing about it is Welles and how there are a few jokes aimed at some of his various issues with the OTHELLO production.
Interesting
drjgardner30 June 2021
I try to see everything Welles did and most of the time it's a disappointment. Still I continue. This one is interesting because it seems to be a way Welles made a little side cash to keep going. It's pretty basic but has some charm. If you're a Welles fans as I am you'll want to see it.
Of historical value mostly
gridoon202424 June 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I watched "Return To Glennascaul" as a bonus feature on the "Best Of British Collection" DVD of "Three Cases Of Murder". Both the plot synopsis on the cover and Peter Bogdanovich's brief introduction give away the "secret" of this being a tale about ghosts, and if you know that, there is not much more to discover. We never learn why Michael Laurence's character can see, hear and touch the two ghostly women, and the ghosts themselves seem very friendly and just in need of some company, so I wouldn't really classify this as a "horror" story, either. I'm glad it has been preserved for its historical and curiosity value (mainly due to Orson Welles' involvement), but it's all rather pointless. ** out of 4.
A unique and forgotten piece
RonellSowes27 December 2020
An interesting piece that is has been quite forgotten,though it was nominated for an Academy Award,except by the most passionate Orson Welles fans. The production quality is a bit subpar but it's a tight little story with a humorous ending. As I mentioned before,this is nearly exclusively known by Welles fans(who acts,narrates and makes it what it is)but that doesn't mean others can't find it entertaining as well. Though there must be something seriously wrong with you if you're not an Orson Welles fan.
Strictly routine
Varlaam3 February 2001
This is the most elementary sort of traditional ghost story, not even enlivened to any great extent by the use of Irish locations. If the great M.R. James had ever come up with a tale this thin -- doesn't James in fact have a story called "A Thin Ghost"? -- he wouldn't have bothered to have it published.
Orson Welles appears in the limp endpieces as a favour to a brace of old friends, this film's producers. His presence and the one movie industry in-joke would have earned this will-o'-the-wisp its Oscar nomination. This is yet more proof, if any more were needed, that the Academy Awards have never been any guarantee of merit.
Orson Welles appears in the limp endpieces as a favour to a brace of old friends, this film's producers. His presence and the one movie industry in-joke would have earned this will-o'-the-wisp its Oscar nomination. This is yet more proof, if any more were needed, that the Academy Awards have never been any guarantee of merit.
Strictly pedestrian
LightningBalt25 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The only thing that makes this pedestrian variation of the vanishing hitchhiker trope of any import is the presence of Orson Welles. Though it is beautifully filmed and the acting is competent, the story is extremely predictable.
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