The latest incarnation of "Blithe Spirit" contains more slapstick than the 1945 Rex Harrison version, and the plot is often driven more by vengeance than avidity; nevertheless, the art deco mansion Joldwynds in Surrey, the white cliffs of Dover (still in Dover), and Judy Dench (what a Dame!) are worth the experience. Ghosts haven't been this hormonal since "High Spirits."
I particularly missed the striking, dramatic entry of the ghostly wives employed in the first film - with the greenish cast given by lighting and make up rather chilling.
However, It's still worth a look.
(Streaming via Vudu was an experiment we shall not repeat - it took nearly the full two days of rental access to get their network to wake up, with several interruptions in the course of the viewing (which is why I still pick up DVDs) with their useless "comment line" as the only avenue of contact with problems.)
Later thoughts:
I find myself admiring the theatrical work of Noel Coward more often than enjoying it. This film version had a fragmented handful of the original lines, from what I recollect of the Harrison film ("guttersnipe" came to mind), and at just over 90 minutes, it zipped along - the exteriors were beautiful, and what a bathtub!
By the end of the current release, however, none of the three principal characters were embrace-worthy, leaving Dame Judy to glow all the brighter and essentially carry the show. All in all, the updated experience was more like a murderous version of "Topper," minus the charm of Cary Grant and Constance Bennett.
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