There’s no better way to celebrate Halloween than reading a ghost story. Or how about watching a movie with the same title?
“Ghost Story” was released in December of 1981. Based on the 1979 novel of the same name by Peter Straub, the movie was directed by John Irvin. It stars a host of iconic names, perhaps none larger than multi-faceted entertainer Fred Astaire in what would be his final film.
The story is set in picturesque New England, with filming shot on location in Woodstock, Vermont, and nearby Saratoga Springs, New York. Big names of yesteryear like Melvyn Douglas, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and John Houseman co-star, but rightfully take second stage to Astaire.
The Chowder Society
A group of elderly friends have an informal club where they gather to recant horror stories. The four men are aristocrat types in their related fields and demeanor. Ricky Hawthorne (Fred Astaire) is a successful businessman. Sears James (John Houseman) is an attorney. John Jaffrey (Melvyn Douglas) is a doctor, and Edward Charles Wanderley (Douglas Fairbanks Jr) is the town mayor.
The men were involved in a murder and coverup 50 years before that still plagues their memories. When Edward’s son dies mysteriously, the dark secrets of the past start to turn up. Edward’s other son (Craig Wasson) arrives and begins to reveal the truth behind the Chowder Society.
Epic Cast
I’ve heard of all the names before, but Fred Astaire is the obvious standout. As a student of Hollywood History, it’s amazing to watch a titan like Astaire on screen. The dancer, actor, singer, musician, choreographer, and presenter had a career that spanned 76 years, with his first performance in 1905 as a six-year-old. His talent earned him a BAFTA Award, three Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, a Grammy Award, and an Honorary Academy Award. Fred Astaire was 82 here, and even as an octogenarian, his charisma and presence on screen command attention.
While “Ghost Story” was the final film for Astaire, it was the first for character actor Michael O’Neill, who I recognized as Jack Bauer’s initial boss in 24. Alice Krige also co-stars. I couldn’t help but think I recognized the beautiful actress and a quick check of her filmography made me laugh when I saw she plays the Queen in the “A Christmas Prince” trilogy.
Scary Enough for Halloween?
“Ghost Story” has some incredibly spooky and shockingly graphic moments and deaths. A very early scene made me jump and reflect on my boy Martin Balsam’s iconic death two decades before in “Psycho” (you’ll understand if you watch).
The movie runs close to two hours, and the few truly terrifying moments are drowned out by the overall length and slowly paced narrative. Some really scary jumps but overall, its dull. And oh good God the music. The score was composed by Philippe Sarde and may be the worst I have ever heard. The tone doesn’t reflect the scares happening on screen or the serious mood of the picture itself. It’s as if the composer didn’t understand its supposed to be horror.
In Conclusion
“Ghost Story” isn’t a film I will revisit or even praise. While it was great to see a name like Fred Astaire on screen, the movie doesn’t hold up to the talent of its cast or the novel with which it is based. Two Months of Terror comes to an end – Happy Halloween!
