book review on canterville ghost

Book Review – The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde

Do you like Oscar Wilde? How about a good ghost story? If you answered to both questions, then you'll love the Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde. It's not a scary ghost story, it's actually quite funny. And a delightful tale.

Below, you'll find my thoughts on The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde.

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Initial Thoughts on The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde

The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde is a short story . Like many works of literature, the story first appeared in a magazine, The Court and Society Review in February 1887. The Canterville Ghost is a story of contrast – American vs. British Society.

When the story starts, the American minister, Mr Hiram B. Otis has purchased Canterville Chase, an English country house. Otis is warned by Lord Canterville that the house is haunted, but he doesn’t believe in ghosts.

This is not a typical ghost story. I found it quite funny, laughing a lot while reading the book.

Have you read?

Oscar Wilde Personal Library – The Shaping of a Mind The Model Millionaire by Oscar Wilde The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde – Book Review

What is The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde About?

The Otis family consists of husband and wife, their eldest son, Washington, daughter Virginia and twin sons. Shortly after the Otis family arrives at their new country estate, they notice a spot on the floor in the library. Their housekeeper informs them that Lady Eleanore de Canterville was murdered at that exact spot by her husband, Sir Simon de Canterville, who survived her by nine years. His body was never discovered, however, his spirit haunts the place.

Washington applies some strong stain remover – Pinkerton’s Champion Stain Remover and Paragon Detergent – to the blood stain, which disappears temporarily and reappears the next day. As soon as they remove the stain it reappears the following day – bright red, dull red, purple and even bright emerald green.

After the blood stain reappears the first time, the Otis family concludes that there must be a ghost. Mrs Otis is a modern day woman and declares that she is going to join the Psychical Society. Washington decides to write to Messrs Myers and Podmore,

“on the subject of the Permanence of Sanguineous Stains when connected with crime.”

To get the most from this SummaReview of The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde, after you have read it, answer the following questions:

• Is this a book I’d like to read for myself? Why? Why not?
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• What are five takeaways from the SummaReview ?

The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde is told through the eyes of the very theatrical ghost, Sir Simon, who appears in many different costumes and personas – Red Reuben, Strangled Babe, Dumb Daniel, Suicide’s Skeleton, Martin the Maniac, Masked Mystery, Reckless Rupert, Headless Earl and so on. The first night, Sir Simon decides to haunt the Americans, Mr Otis greets him with a container of Rising Sun Lubricator for him to oil his manacled chains so he doesn’t make so much noise and disturb the family’s sleep. The twin boys also throw a pillow at him.

The ghost quickly retreats to his hiding place and is feeling quite insulted. Never in his three hundred years of haunting people at Canterville Chase has he ever received that kind of reception. The tables have been turned on the ghost, and instead of terrifying the residents, they instead “terrify” him. The twins use their pea shooters and discharge pellets at Sir Simon. One night after he attempts to frighten the family with one of his terrible laughs, Mrs. Otis lets him know that he sounds quite terrible and offers him a bottle of Doctor Dobell’s tincture.

Sir Simon suffers great indignities at the hand of the American family, who are not afraid of him. He enters the twins’ room to scare them and a large jug of water falls on him, which just about does him in. He has a grand plot to exact revenge against Washington whom he bears a special grudge for removing the blood stain with Pinkerton’s Paragon Detergent. But once again, the joke is on Sir Simon, when he encounters, what he perceives as another.

The ghost has never seen another ghost and is quite terrified , and flees to his room. When he regains his composure and courage, Sir Simon seeks out the ghost to form some sort of alliance. He discovers to his chagrin, that the ghost wasn’t a real ghost. In another instance, Washington and the twins force him into the great iron oven, which luckily wasn’t lit at the time, forcing Sir Simon to escape through chimneys

Sir Simon’s nerves begin to unravel because nothing is working and he is becoming quite weak. He even decides not to bother with replacing the stain on the floor in the library. He doesn’t think very highly of the Otis family

“They were evidently people on a low, material plane of existence, and quite incapable of appreciating the symbolic value of sensuous phenomena. The question of phantasmic apparitions, and the development of astral bodies, was of course quite a different matter, and not really under his control…”

Based on my analytics, readers seem to like stories written by Oscar Wilde. I came across the article, On Art and Prison: The 5 Best Books on Oscar Wilde .

Two of the books mentioned in the article that I found intriguing are The Secret Life of Oscar Wilde by Neil McKenna, and The Real Trial of Oscar Wilde by Merlin Holland.

The ghost resigns to the fact that he will not be able to frighten the “rude” American family. The twins lay in wait for Sir Simon on several occasions laying traps for him but he never appears. The family concludes that the ghost has left Canterville Chase. All during this time, Virginia was the only one in the family that did not play a trick on, or even approach the ghost. Why?

One day while out riding, Virginia tears her riding habit quite badly and decides to enter Canterville Chase through a back door. She is surprised to discover the Canterville Ghost sitting by a window. His disposition is that of someone suffering from depression and she feels sorry for him.

An interesting dialogue takes place between them and during that time, he admits that he killed his wife and why, and virginia tells him that it is wrong to kill. she is also upset because he stole her paint to replace the blood stain and hence the mystery of the different colours of “blood” is solved..

Virginia tries to convince Sir Simon to go to America because they would appreciate a ghost there, but he doesn’t want to go to America. Sir Simon is weary because he hasn’t slept in over three hundred years. He wants to rest , but is terrified of the Garden of Death. Through Virginia, he believes that he will receive forgiveness and allowed to rest. He believes that through the purity of a child, Hell cannot prevail.

She takes him through the portal, and doesn’t tell her parents, so when they cannot find her they panic. But no one even thinks about Sir Simon, because they believed he had left. Virginia appears the next day after her family had searched for her everywhere and couldn’t find her. She relates what happens and shows them the gift of jewels she received from Sir Simon. Mr Otis tries to return the jewels to Lord Canterville, who refuses them and is convinced that should he take them, Sir Simon would return.

The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde ends when Virginia is married a few years later, and you get the sense that something profound took place with her encounter with Sir Simon that she has never revealed.

I found this story quite funny and I laughed a lot. But when you stop to think, this is a story of contrasts. Think about it, an American family emigrates to England and buys a very English country home. Though they are warned that the house is haunted, they initially do not believe.

However, when they realize that the house is indeed haunted, they do not respond in a “British” way by being scared, they turn things around on the ghost baffling him. You see the ghost going through a range of emotions until he is a broken man. It’s a story of role reversals, instead of the ghost terrorizing the residents of Canterville Chase, they terrorize him instead.

Should I Buy The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde?

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Oscar Wilde Book List

Further Reading/Viewing

Oscar Wilde: A Controversial Writer Oscar Wilde – The Canterville Ghost

Cannot view video? Click here . Uploaded by  SpidersHouseAudio  on May 26, 2009

The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Canterville Ghost, by Oscar Wilde

For those who want a print book to read:  The Canterville Ghost: By Oscar Wilde

Canterville Ghost

You can also view the film here .

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Booklover Book Reviews

THE CANTERVILLE GHOST by Oscar Wilde, Book Review

Review Summary: In The Canterville Ghost , with modern prose and themes, and characters like caricatures, Oscar Wilde lampoons traditional ghost stories.

The Canterville Ghost Short Synopsis:

A terrifying ghost is haunting the ancient mansion of Canterville Chase, complete with creaking floorboards, clanking chains and gruesome disguises – but the new occupants, the Otis family, seem strangely undisturbed by his presence. Deftly contrasting the conventional gothic ghost story with the pragmatism of the modern world, Wilde creates a gently comic fable of the conflict between old and new.

Rupert Degas’s hilarious reading brings the absurdity and theatricality of the story to life.

(Unabridged Audiobook Length: 1 hr and 17 mins,  W F Howes )

Genre: Audio, Classics, Humour, Historical, Literature, Mystery

Disclosure: If you click a link in this post we may earn a small commission to help offset our running costs.

BOOK REVIEW

With so many wonderful new books being released I’ve not found time to read many of the classics. Only quite recently have I discovered the brilliance of Oscar Wilde’s satirical works. I found the audiobook versions of The Importance of Being Earnest and Lady Windermere’s Fan  an absolute delight – the perfect thing to brighten my mood during the daily commute. Next on my list was his short story  The Canterville Ghost .

I’m not drawn to ghost stories, so I was relieved to find The Canterville Ghost  is atypical of the genre.

Firstly, a large portion of the hilarious narrative is from the viewpoint of the ghost of Sir Simon de Canterville who is immensely frustrated by the Otis family’s arrival at his long-time home ‘Canterville Chase’. Secondly, while the setting is definitely gothic this story actually lampoons traditional features of ghost stories; the appearance of bloodstains, the creaking floorboards and the sound of rattling chains. It is a satire or parody of gothic fiction.

Themes and characters

The underlying theme of this novel is actually the clash of stereotypical American consumerism and traditional British historical sensibilities but taken to the extreme.

“The next morning, when the Otis family met at breakfast, they discussed the ghost at some length. The United States Minister was naturally a little annoyed to find that his present had not been accepted. “I have no wish,” he said, “to do the ghost any personal injury, and I must say that, considering the length of time he has been in the house, I don’t think it is at all polite to throw pillows at him”—a very just remark, at which, I am sorry to say, the twins burst into shouts of laughter. “Upon the other hand,” he continued, “if he really declines to use the Rising Sun Lubricator, we shall have to take his chains from him. It would be quite impossible to sleep, with such a noise going on outside the bedrooms.”

The key characters, Sir Simon de Canterville (ghost), British aristocrats Lord and Lady Canterville (previous owners of the property), new wealthy American owners Mr and Mrs Otis (a minister and NY socialite, respectively), their artistic teenage daughter Virginia Otis and her younger twin brothers, read more like caricatures. The twin boy characters are not even named, simply referred to by their nickname ‘The Stars and Stripes’. Virginia is the most likeable member of the Otis family, being sympathetic towards the curmudgeonly Sir Simon de Canterville (even when he steals her paints), rather than fearful.

Note: If you are wanting a detailed analysis and summary of The Canterville Ghost characters, themes, plot and even chapter by chapter, CourseHero is an excellent resource.

What I am continually impressed by is how modern and fresh Oscar Wilde’s prose still sounds. It would be easy to forget it was penned in the late 1800s.

Rupert Degas’ narration of The Canterville Ghost  audiobook is first class.

The deadpan and quizzical tone of his delivery enhances the intended sarcasm of The Canterville Ghost text ( listen to a sample ).

While I strongly recommend enjoying this tale in the audiobook medium (it’s only a short listen at 1 hr 17 mins), this novel has been translated to the big screen several times. For example, check out this movie trailer of The Canterville Ghost (1996) starring Patrick Stewart and Neve Campbell.

How’s that for a retro blast from the past? But in all seriousness, thankfully the  TV movie of The Canterville Ghost (1997) starring Ian Richardson and Celia Imrie appears to be much more faithful to the story’s characters and period setting.

According to IMDb, there is yet another remake of this classic currently in pre-production, an animated movie  featuring the voices of Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry (the ghost) and Miranda Hart. I’ll definitely be checking that out.

The Canterville Ghost is another highly entertaining piece of classic literature from a writer born well before his time. It is one well worth finding the time to read.

BOOK RATING:  The Story 4.5 / 5; The Writing 4.5 / 5

Get your copy of The Canterville Ghost  from:

Amazon Booktopia OR listen to the audiobook FREE with Audible’s Trial (check eligibility)

RELATED READS: We have subsequently also enjoyed listening to another of Oscar Wilde’s plays, An Ideal Husband in audio. Plus Author Laura Lee shared with us the fascinating story of how she came to write Oscar’s Ghost , the first book to focus on the battle for this author‘s legacy.

About the Author, Oscar Wilde

Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde (16 October 1854 – 30 November 1900) was an Irish writer and poet . After writing in different forms throughout the 1880s, he became one of London’s most popular playwrights in the early 1890s. Today he is remembered for his epigrams, his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray , his plays, and the circumstances of his imprisonment and early death .

Booklover Fact: More than 36,500 people have rated this title on Goodreads.

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A booklover with diverse reading interests, who has been reviewing books and sharing her views and opinions on this website and others since 2009.

She Reads Novels

"she had read novels while other people perused the sunday papers" – mary elizabeth braddon, review: the canterville ghost by oscar wilde.

The Canterville Ghost is a ghost story with a difference. It takes place in an English country house, Canterville Chase, which for centuries has been said to be haunted. When a rich American called Mr Otis moves into the house with his wife and children, Lord Canterville feels he should warn them about Sir Simon, the resident ghost. However, the Otis family aren’t afraid of ghosts and no matter how hard Sir Simon tries, they simply refuse to be frightened!

For anyone reading this review and thinking this book is not for you because you’re scared of ghost stories, I can promise you that it’s really not scary at all – I would describe it as more of a comedy and a clever satire. Wilde juxtaposes an atmospheric gothic setting, the typical British ‘haunted house’, with a practical American family who have an amusing way of reacting to the appearance of Sir Simon.

Right in front of him he saw, in the wan moonlight, an old man of terrible aspect. His eyes were as red burning coals; long grey hair fell over his shoulders in matted coils; his garments, which were of antique cut, were soiled and ragged, and from his wrists and ankles hung heavy manacles and rusty gyves. “My dear sir,” said Mr. Otis, “I really must insist on your oiling those chains, and have brought you for that purpose a small bottle of the Tammany Rising Sun Lubricator.”

Wilde is clearly having fun creating British and American stereotypes and using them to explore cultural differences, though he does it in a witty and inoffensive way. Another thing I liked is that some of the story is told from the ghost’s perspective, so that our sympathy is with him rather than the Otis family.

Although the ending is a bit too sweet and sentimental, I really enjoyed this unusual little book! It’s funny, imaginative, and so easy to read it’s suitable for younger readers as well as adults.

(As a side note, I read this book on Saturday 16th October, which happened to be Oscar Wilde’s 156th birthday. I had no idea of this until after I’d finished the book, turned on my laptop and saw that Google were honouring the occasion with a Google Doodle. Very appropriate!)

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49 thoughts on “ review: the canterville ghost by oscar wilde ”.

Saw a lovely version of this with Patrick Stewart as the ghost. Wonderful story.

I’ve never seen that one but I do remember watching a cartoon version once!

i was founding this and got here so thnx very muc and i will read this for sure

I think this is just the book for me. I would definitely give this a try. What a great coincidence to read it on Wilde’s b’day.

Yes, that was a nice surprise! I hope you enjoy the book if you decide to read it.

I need to read more Wilde. I have a whole collection here with me…

I’ve only read this one and The Picture of Dorian Gray but I hope to read more of his work eventually.

I love Oscar Wilde! And ghosts! I must read this!

It sounds perfect for you, then! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂

well i liked it as a part time reading book . it’s fun reading ghost stories at free time

I like story with the ghost.This story is little scary but comic

I liked the story a lot. It has a scary name but it is not that haunting

Hmmm……i’ll try it !

this story is very intresting nd thisis not scary story like his name.

interesting story, but i feel sympathetic for the ghost.

It’s a wnderful book by wilde.It’s wrth reading.Everyone shuld try it.

i really liked it but it was given as a home work to us and after reading this novel i came to know about the fact that we should not afraid of ghost .Have some pity on them and always remember that how they feel…………………….

firstly i think it just like a simple novel but i think that why should don’t i give this a chance then i came to 9 about this wonder ful, heart hacker novel . i read it again & again…& enjoy a lotttt thanks OSCAR WILDE TO give it to us ….

this book rock as well as sucks

once my frnd recommended me to read this novel by hearing the name i thought that it would be scary but when i read the story, i found it to be interesting and not at all scary infact it is a comical type novel at the same time in the ending I was full of sympathy for the poor old ghost Sr.Simon the best characters of the novel are Sr. Simon and Virginia Otis

I think this is an interesting story with some super natural features.It is also a funny story as in this story GHOST is afraid of people in the chase.

i like this book very much

really intresting 1

wicked! ghost & twins”

Very nyc book.. It contains humour, romance bt very much less horror… A must read book for all..:)

this novel is very funny and imaginative…. i really enjoyed reading this book ……….. and i like the twins characters………

I LIKE THE BOOK..

REALLY VERY INTRESTING NOVEL…

useles book……d most boring book i hv evr read in my whole life…it sucks

this is not useles book . reply me.

its scary with fun

very interesting book

i think the story is tooo gud

I will read this book and I think this book having lots of fun. I like this novel.

i’ll also read this book. it is very very good story. this novel having lots of fun. and tooo gud THANK YOU!

I like this novel it is having so many funs.

i read it first time& i lik it

I like this novel

I like this novel its verry funny and like this santence love is big life aur death samthing

lovely novel

its such a lovly novel

its a lovly novel”””

ilike it most becoz its a very intresting novel

i enjoyed reading dis buk

toooooo…… good

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The Canterville Ghost

Oscar wilde, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Oscar Wilde's The Canterville Ghost . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

The Canterville Ghost: Introduction

The canterville ghost: plot summary, the canterville ghost: detailed summary & analysis, the canterville ghost: themes, the canterville ghost: quotes, the canterville ghost: characters, the canterville ghost: symbols, the canterville ghost: literary devices, the canterville ghost: theme wheel, brief biography of oscar wilde.

Historical Context of The Canterville Ghost

Other books related to the canterville ghost.

• Full Title: The Canterville Ghost
• When Written: 1887
• Where Written: London, England
• When Published: 1887
• Literary Period: Late Victorian
• Genre: Novella, comedy, satire, gothic
• Setting: Canterville Chase, England
• Climax: Sir Simon, the story’s titular ghost, finds eternal rest and divine forgiveness with the help of Virginia Otis, an innocent and fearless young woman.
• Antagonist: Sir Simon de Canterville
• Point of View: Third person omniscient

Extra Credit for The Canterville Ghost

Inauspicious Beginnings. Although today’s readers are most likely to encounter The Canterville Ghost as a standalone book, the novella was first published via installments in The Court and Society Review , a short-lived literary magazine. Wilde published another short story and a handful of essays in the magazine as well. Interestingly, all of his contributions came in the year 1887, and all were centered around the dual themes of Americans and marriage.

Highly adaptable. Like Sir Simon himself, The Canterville Ghost has had an exciting afterlife: it’s been adapted to a wide variety of media, including films, radio dramas, animated television specials, and even an opera. Most recently, an animated film with voice work by actors Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry is in the works.

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The Canterville Ghost – Book Review

The Canterville Ghost is a gothic fiction written by Oscar Wilde. It was published in 1887. It is more of a short story than a novel.

The story is about an American family who move to a castle haunted by the ghost of a dead nobleman who killed his wife. Then, he was starved to death by his wife’s brothers. The story tells the experience of the family with the ghost.

I read this book in my school days as a part of my syllabus. At first I thought that the book was boring because of the language and words that were used but when I read it further, because I had no choice, I realized it to be interesting. It was funny, illogical and not so horror story. It was a complete new genre and a completely different style of writing that attracted me into reading this book not only for marks but for me. I really enjoyed reading this book and I would suggest everyone to read it.

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The Canterville Ghost – Horror Mixed With Humor!

• ⏳ [read_meter]

Some books stay with you much longer than others. And The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde is certainly one of them for me. I had first read it as part of my CBSE syllabus. Back in school, I used to wonder how it would be to read something of this sort without the pressure of scoring well. And when I did, it turned out to be nothing short of an extremely delightful experience.

The Canterville Ghost (Review)

The title might make you think that it is a ghost story that will induce a shiver down your spine. Well, sorry to break your bubble, but you are up for a major surprise. It is anything but scary!

The introduction by Kaushal Goyal describes The Canterville Ghost as a study in contrasts. Read on to find out what that means. The short story has every possible trope of traditional gothic literature; be it clanking chains, cracking floorboards, or changing weather. What more, the very first page has a passing mention of two skeleton hands. But Wilde uses these devices as a means of participating in and parodying the gothic tradition itself. General notions and stereotypes are what he aims to lampoon at each juncture.

Recommended Reading For You! 📖 📚

Wilde excels in the economy of words, using fewer words to say more. But the winning factor is how fresh these words read/sound even today, though the story was first published, as part of The Court and Society Review magazine, in the late 1800s. His wild blending of macabre with comedy is as imaginative as it can get. For most parts, the irony is what lends the story its comic timing. The juxtaposition of misfit elements and situations begins the moment Wilde places a typical American family in an old British country house, Canterville Chase.

Everything is so categorically reversed from the onset itself that you know you have signed up for a rollercoaster ride. Unlike in most ghost stories, Sir Simon (a three-hundred-year-old ghost) is the narrator here. The story is told from his point of view, and it is his emotions that we get to see. Hilarity arises when Sir Simor’s innumerable attempts at scaring off the new inhabitants (the Otis family) go in vain. Oddly enough, it is him who ends up ill and terrified of the “wild shrieks of laughter from the twins.”

Washington’s (the elder son) way of mentioning the Pinkerton’s Champion Stain Remover and Paragon Detergent sounds like a ludicrous advertisement. But it is one of the many jibes at the Americans’ “practical way of dealing with the problem.” How Sir Simon speaks of the mundaneness of ghost life is just as funny as it is a firm reminder of the British aristocracy’s seemingly bizarre routines. He seamlessly creates a plethora of blink-and-you-will-miss-it moments throughout. With multiple interesting incidents unfolding one after the other, he keeps you on edge. Like most ghost stories, you are always wondering what would happen next. Almost every page of this seven-chapter-long short story has a one-liner that is likely to have you in splits. But my favorite one has to be Sir Simon’s description of Lady Eleanor de Canterville’s (his wife) murder as a family matter, which concerned no one else.

There is a tonal shift towards the end. Silliness makes room for some seriousness. The ending, if I may say so, is somewhat open. By making Virginia (the Otis’ fifteen-year-old daughter) hold on to her secret, Wilde makes us ponder more over the basic message of the story, “what Life is, and what Death signifies, and why Love is stronger than both.” Ultimately, Virginia’s marriage to the Duke of Cheshire comes across as a blend of the two cultures. And this symbolism brings the playful sparring of the Old and New World to a full circle. The ending was too sentimental for my taste, I admit. But it still left me yearning for more. I wish Wilde had given us some more scoops of this delish drama.

So, here is the deal. This entertaining and engaging piece is highly recommended for children and adults alike. It can serve as a great mood lifter during gloomy lockdown days. Even at a slow pace, you can finish it in a couple of hours. And for those of you who could not and would not get enough of it (like me!), you can find several stage and screen adaptations of the short story. Honestly, you really have to be living under a rock to not be familiar with Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde. But if you are, do check out his other remarkable works like The Importance of Being Earnest, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and The Happy Prince. You can get the book here! 📖

The Canterville Ghost

URL: https://bookwritten.com/the-canterville-ghost-by-oscar-wilde-review/1692/

Author: Oscar Wilde

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Oscar Wilde online

The canterville ghost.

by Oscar Wilde

When Mr. Hiram B. Otis, the American Minister, bought Canterville Chase, every one told him he was doing a very foolish thing, as there was no doubt at all that the place was haunted. Indeed, Lord Canterville himself, who was a man of the most punctilious honour, had felt it his duty to mention the fact to Mr. Otis when they came to discuss terms.

‘We have not cared to live in the place ourselves,’ said Lord Canterville, ‘since my grandaunt, the Dowager Duchess of Bolton, was frightened into a fit, from which she never really recovered, by two skeleton hands being placed on her shoulders as she was dressing for dinner, and I feel bound to tell you, Mr. Otis, that the ghost has been seen by several living members of my family, as well as by the rector of the parish, the Rev. Augustus Dampier, who is a Fellow of King’s College, Cambridge. After the unfortunate accident to the Duchess, none of our younger servants would stay with us, and Lady Canterville often got very little sleep at night, in consequence of the mysterious noises that came from the corridor and the library.’

‘My Lord,’ answered the Minister, ‘I will take the furniture and the ghost at a valuation. I come from a modern country, where we have everything that money can buy; and with all our spry young fellows painting the Old World red, and carrying off your best actresses and prima-donnas, I reckon that if there were such a thing as a ghost in Europe, we’d have it at home in a very short time in one of our public museums, or on the road as a show.’

‘I fear that the ghost exists,’ said Lord Canterville, smiling, ‘though it may have resisted the overtures of your enterprising impresarios. It has been well known for three centuries, since 1584 in fact, and always makes its appearance before the death of any member of our family.’

‘Well, so does the family doctor for that matter, Lord Canterville. But there is no such thing, sir, as a ghost, and I guess the laws of Nature are not going to be suspended for the British aristocracy.’

‘You are certainly very natural in America,’ answered Lord Canterville, who did not quite understand Mr. Otis’s last observation, ‘and if you don’t mind a ghost in the house, it is all right. Only you must remember I warned you.’

The Canterville Ghost Book Review

• by Content Gap Books
• April 24, 2024

Welcome to our book review of The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde ! In this review, we will delve into the captivating world of this classic tale, where humor meets the supernatural . Wilde’s unique blend of wit and eerie elements will keep you entertained from start to finish. So, let’s explore the pages of The Canterville Ghost and discover why it has become a timeless favorite.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

• Humorous and Supernatural: Wilde masterfully combines humor and the supernatural in this satirical ghost story.
• Unique Twist: Unlike traditional ghost stories, The Canterville Ghost features characters that feel like caricatures, offering a fresh take on the genre.
• Setting and Characters: The story unfolds in the ancient mansion of Canterville Chase, where the Otis family encounters a ghostly presence. The characters , both living and supernatural , add depth to the narrative.
• Clash of Cultures: The clash between American consumerism and British historical sensibilities is explored, adding an intriguing layer to the story.
• Prose and Narration: Wilde’s modern prose and Rupert Degas’ narration in the audiobook create an enjoyable and immersive reading experience.

Synopsis of The Canterville Ghost

The Canterville Ghost is set in the ancient mansion of Canterville Chase. It tells the story of the Otis family , who move into the mansion and encounter a ghostly presence. Despite the ghost’s best efforts to scare them, the Otis family remains unafraid and even entertained by his haunting attempts.

The story seamlessly blends elements of gothic fiction with satire , offering a lighthearted and comedic twist on the traditional ghost story genre. Through its clever narrative, The Canterville Ghost pokes fun at the typical tropes found in ghost tales, such as bloodstains, creaking floorboards, and rattling chains.

In this gothic satire , the Otis family represents modernity, pragmatism, and a sense of humor in the face of the supernatural. Their fearless attitude toward the ghost challenges the established norms of haunted mansions and explores the clash between the ancient and the contemporary.

The combination of the ancient mansion , the Otis family’s nonchalant response to the ghost, and the satirical take on traditional ghost story conventions creates a unique and enjoyable reading experience.

By blending elements of gothic fiction, humor, and satire , The Canterville Ghost offers a refreshing and entertaining twist on the ghost story genre.

Themes and Characters in The Canterville Ghost

The underlying theme of The Canterville Ghost revolves around the clash between stereotypical American consumerism and traditional British historical sensibilities . The story explores the stark contrast between the Otis family’s modern, pragmatic outlook and the ghost’s unwavering adherence to old traditions.

The characters in the book play critical roles in highlighting these themes . The ghost, Sir Simon de Canterville, epitomizes British historical sensibilities , bound by the expectations and traditions of the past. On the other hand, the American owners of Canterville Chase, Mr. and Mrs. Otis, represent the rising values of American consumerism , marked by practicality and a lack of belief in the supernatural. Their daughter Virginia serves as a bridge between these two worlds, showcasing compassion and understanding towards the ghost.

Each character’s perspective offers a unique lens through which the clash between American consumerism and British historical sensibilities is explored. The interactions and conflicts between them provide both entertainment and insights into the deeper themes of the story.

The juxtaposition of themes and characters in The Canterville Ghost not only makes for an engaging read but also prompts reflection on the evolving societal values of the time. Oscar Wilde masterfully weaves together humor, satire, and the supernatural to create a timeless tale that continues to captivate readers. The relevance of these themes in today’s world only serves to solidify the enduring appeal of this classic literary work.

Oscar Wilde’s Prose and Rupert Degas’ Narration

In The Canterville Ghost , Oscar Wilde showcases his exceptional talent for prose through his modern and fresh writing style. Despite the novel being written in the late 1800s, Wilde’s witty and sharp prose captivates readers with its subtle humor and clever observations.

When it comes to experiencing The Canterville Ghost in a different format, the audiobook version narrated by Rupert Degas takes the storytelling to new heights. Degas’ exceptional narration enhances the humor and sarcasm inherent in Wilde’s text, making it a truly delightful experience for listeners.

“Wilde’s prose is a delight to the ears, and Degas’ delivery brings new life to the story. His deadpan and quizzical tone perfectly captures the essence of the characters, adding depth and nuance to their interactions,” says a dedicated fan.

Through the combination of Wilde’s brilliant prose and Degas’ expert narration , the audiobook version of The Canterville Ghost becomes an engaging and entertaining experience. Listeners are able to fully immerse themselves in the captivating story, appreciating the intricate details and the clever wit showcased by Wilde.

Enhancing the Reading Experience

Rupert Degas’ narration not only adds life to the characters but also offers a unique perspective on the story. His ability to bring out the humor and sarcasm in Wilde’s prose makes the audiobook a stand-out rendition of the classic tale.

Listeners can enjoy the story while being transported to the world of the Canterville Chase mansion, feeling the spine-tingling moments and the lighter comedic touches in equal measure.

The combination of Wilde’s exceptional storytelling and Degas’ masterful narration creates an audiobook experience that shouldn’t be missed. Whether you’re a fan of Wilde’s prose or looking for a new way to enjoy The Canterville Ghost , this audiobook is sure to delight.

Quoting Oscar Wilde

“I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying.” — Oscar Wilde

Wilde’s unique style and wit continue to be celebrated long after his passing. His ability to create compelling and entertaining stories, combined with Degas’ skillful narration, ensures that The Canterville Ghost remains an enduring classic.

Adaptations of The Canterville Ghost

The Canterville Ghost has thrilled audiences through various adaptations on the big screen. One notable adaptation is the 1996 movie starring Patrick Stewart and Neve Campbell. This cinematic version remains faithful to the characters and the story’s period setting, capturing the essence of The Canterville Ghost’s charm and humor.

Currently in pre-production, another exciting adaptation is an animated movie that breathes new life into the beloved tale. The animated version features the voices of Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, and Miranda Hart, adding their unique talents to the mix. Through this visual medium, the animated movie brings the wit, whimsy, and supernatural elements of The Canterville Ghost to a whole new generation of audiences.

Experience the Magic

These adaptations allow viewers to immerse themselves in the world of The Canterville Ghost in different formats. Whether it’s the live-action movie with its captivating performances or the animated movie’s imaginative visual storytelling, each adaptation offers its own unique take on the beloved story.

“The Canterville Ghost comes to life on the big screen, captivating audiences with its humor, charm, and supernatural tale.” – Movie Review Magazine

Stay tuned for the release of the animated movie’s trailer, where you can catch a glimpse of the magical world of The Canterville Ghost in action. Watch as the characters, both living and ghostly, breathe new life into Oscar Wilde’s timeless classic.

About the Author, Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde, a renowned Irish writer and poet , established himself as a prominent figure in London during the late 19th century. Known for his exceptional wit, sharp epigrams, and ingenious satirical works, Wilde left an enduring mark on literature. His notable contributions include the novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” which explores the dark depths of human nature, as well as his captivating plays that continue to grace stages worldwide.

However, Wilde’s life was not without its challenges. He endured a period of imprisonment due to his personal relationships, which led to public scandal and a tarnished reputation. Despite these hardships, Wilde’s creativity and intellect remained unparalleled.

Tragically, Wilde’s life was cut short, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to his legacy. His untimely death left an indelible void in the world of literature and art, robbing the world of a brilliant mind far too soon.

Nevertheless, Oscar Wilde’s influence in the realm of literature continues to be celebrated and studied. His works capture the essence of human nature, pushing boundaries, challenging societal norms, and provoking thought in readers to this day. Wilde’s ability to weave words into profound and thought-provoking tales has solidified his position as a literary icon whose impact will forever endure.

The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde is a true gem of classic literature . This enchanting tale combines elements of humor, satire, and the supernatural, making it a captivating and enjoyable read for audiences of all ages.

One of the most remarkable aspects of The Canterville Ghost is Wilde’s modern prose. Despite being written over a century ago, the story’s language and wit remain fresh and engaging, reminding us of Wilde’s timeless talent as a writer .

Readers have praised The Canterville Ghost for its unique twist on the ghost story genre, as well as its ability to seamlessly blend humor and supernatural elements. This classic work continues to receive glowing reviews and holds a special place in the hearts of literature lovers.

For those seeking a delightful journey into the world of classic literature , The Canterville Ghost is a must-read. Oscar Wilde’s imaginative storytelling and clever observations will leave you enchanted and eager to explore more of his incredible works.

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Book Review: 'The Canterville Ghost' by Oscar Wilde - Enjoy the Ride Between the Two Realms

Picture Credit: Alma Books

Most relatable stuff ? When we binge over horror series and movies,feel scared and watch one episode of funny or animated stuff before going to bed so that we don’t hallucinate ghosts made up from random clothes on the chairs, beneath the bed,on the ceiling and behind the curtains. 

This is really rib-tickling but what else can a poor soul do to neutralise the terrifying impact of the movie because this genre is really spine chilling.

What if I suggest a horror story that will make your ribs tickle subtly and leaves you amazed? ‘The Canterville Ghost’ is such a rollicking story that you really need to read before you think of horror stories as dreadful.

Introduction

Book’s Name - The Canterville Ghost

Author’s Name - Oscar Wilde

Genre - Gothic Fiction (Writing style characterized with balanced blend of horror,fear,sorrow and romantic elements.)

Language - English 

Synopsis - Spoiler Alert!

Picture Credit: Film Comment

Despite Lord Canterville's warnings that the house is haunted, Hiram B. Otis and his family move into Canterville Chase, an English country house. Mr. Otis says he'll take the furniture and the ghost for a reasonable price. Mr. and Mrs. Otis, their eldest son Washington, their daughter Virginia, and the Otis twins make up the Otis family.

No one in the Otis family believes in ghosts at first, but soon after they move in, they can't deny the existence of Sir Simon de Canterville. Mrs. Otis simply says, "She does not care at all about bloodstains in the living room," when she sees a mysterious bloodstain on the floor.

The stain can be cleaned with Pinkerton's Champion Stain Remover and Paragon Detergent, according to Washington Otis, the eldest sibling.

When the ghost emerges for the first time, Mr. Otis jumps from his bed and offers the ghost Tammany Rising Sun Lubricator to grease his chains. The ghost hurls the bottle into the hallway, enraged. The ghost flees after the Otis twins throw pillows on him.

Bloodstains occur on the floor near the fireplace and are cleaned every time they appear, in different shades, according to the Otis family. The family continues to live in terror, despite the ghost's best efforts and most grotesque disguises, leaving Sir Simon feeling increasingly powerless and embarrassed.

Virginia, the lovely and wise fifteen-year-old daughter, stands out from the rest of the family to Sir Simon. He says that he hasn't slept in 300 years and that he is desperate to do so.

Lady Eleanor de Canterville's sad story is told to her by the ghost. Virginia pays attention to him and discovers a valuable lesson as well as the real meaning of a riddle.

She weeps for him and prays for him, and she walks through the wainscoting with Sir Simon to the Garden of Death, where she bids the ghost farewell.

About the Author

Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde was an Irish poet and playwright who lived from 16 October 1854 to 30 November 1900. After writing in various forms in the 1880s, he rose to prominence as one of London's most prominent playwrights in the early 1890s. His epigrams and plays are his most well-known works.

Wilde attended Trinity College, Dublin, and Magdalen College, Oxford, for his studies. Wilde became interested in the aesthetic movement while at Oxford. He moved to London after graduation to pursue a literary career.

His work was varied. His first book of poetry was published in 1881, but he also wrote fairy tales, contributed to publications including the 'Pall Mall Gazette,' and published a novel called 'The Image of Dorian Gray' (1891).

His greatest talent was writing plays, and he was responsible for some highly successful comedies, including 'Lady Windermere's Fan' (1892), 'An Ideal Husband (1895),' and 'The Importance of Being Earnest (1895).

About the Book

Oscar Wilde's "The Canterville Ghost" is a lighthearted short story. It was Wilde's first story to be published, appearing in two parts in The Court and Society Review on February 23 and March 2, 1887.

The plot revolves around an American family who relocate to a castle possessed by the ghost of a dead English nobleman who murdered his wife and was then walled in by his wife's brothers and starved to death. It's been adapted for stage and screen several times.

One of the most famous adaptations of the story was the 1996 family movie directed by Sydney Macartney under the same title.

Themes Involved

Cultural differences, reality of death, ultimacy of sin and redemption are some of the major themes that are highlighted in ‘The Canterville Ghost’.  

The cultural differences between America and England has been broadly and subtly presented by Oscar Wilde. The contrast between both the cultures have been aptly used to bring the element of humor in the story where Lord Canterville speaks of English worldview and Mr. Otis represents the American culture.

Death has been depicted as the most fearful act but desirable at the same time. The way Sir Simon died and killed his wife was dreadful but now he seeks the real death i.e. to attain pantheistic salvation . He is paying for the sins he committed from the past 300 years showing that sins are never left unpaid.

When Virginia prays and cries for the ghost, it leads to him to gain redemption. She thinks that now finally the ‘God has forgiven him’ when the almond tree blossoms.

Famous Quotes

“Death must be so beautiful. To lie in the soft brown earth, with the grasses waving above one's head, and listen to silence. To have no yesterday, and no tomorrow. To forget time, to forgive life, to be at peace.”

“He made me see what Life is, and what Death signifies, and why Love is stronger than both.”

The Bottom line

‘The Canterville Ghost’ is a light-hearted and interesting read. It makes you laugh, introspect, and compel you to think of the parallel dimension while keeping your eyeballs engaged in itself. 

This is really a great pick for the ones who admire humorous and superstitious thrilling experiences because this is really going to thrill you right from the beginning to the end.

My ratings for the book - 4 on 5

You can buy a copy from Amazon right away- The Canterville Ghost

Written By - Palak Chauhan

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The Canterville Ghost Kindle Edition

• Print length 15 pages
• Language English
• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• Publisher E-BOOKARAMA
• Publication date December 6, 2023
• File size 799 KB
• Page Flip Enabled
• Word Wise Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting Enabled
• See all details

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About the author, product details.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07L486315
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ E-BOOKARAMA (December 6, 2023)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 6, 2023
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 799 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 15 pages
• #222 in 30-Minute Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Short Reads
• #1,026 in 30-Minute Literature & Fiction Short Reads
• #1,570 in Teen & Young Adult Humorous Fiction

About the author

Oscar wilde.

Oscar Fingall O'Flahertie Wills Wilde was born in Dublin in 1854. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin and Magdalen College, Oxford where, a disciple of Pater, he founded an aesthetic cult. In 1884 he married Constance Lloyd, and his two sons were born in 1885 and 1886.

His novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891), and social comedies Lady Windermere's Fan (1892), A Woman of No Importance (1893), An Ideal Husband (1895), and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895), established his reputation. In 1895, following his libel action against the Marquess of Queesberry, Wilde was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for homosexual conduct, as a result of which he wrote The Ballad of Reading Gaol (1898), and his confessional letter De Profundis (1905). On his release from prison in 1897 he lived in obscurity in Europe, and died in Paris in 1900.

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The canterville ghost, common sense media reviewers.

Spooky animated Oscar Wilde story has death-related themes.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Kids can use the movie as a springboard to discuss

How friendships and teamwork can help overcome pro

Sir Simon De Canterville is a ghost who has haunte

Culture clash between a family from the U.S. and V

Gothic ghostly activity as a ghost tries to scare

Attraction between two young characters leads to a

A character taunts another saying they "peed their

What looks like red wine is drunk at a dinner part

Parents need to know that The Canterville Ghost is an animated adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic ghost story. Set in Victorian England, the movie's culture-clash set-up centers on an American family moving into a house that's been haunted by the ghost of Sir Simon de Canterville (voiced by Stephen Fry) for…

Educational Value

Kids can use the movie as a springboard to discuss superstition versus science, as the main Victorian-era family takes a scientific approach to their problems. Older kids may also be encouraged to seek out the original story by Oscar Wilde that the film is based on.

Positive Messages

How friendships and teamwork can help overcome problems. Courage is shown in the face of danger.

Positive Role Models

Sir Simon De Canterville is a ghost who has haunted his house for 300 years and scared away all newcomers. He feels frustrated when the new family aren't scared and feels guilty about his wife's accidental death. After losing control and causing harm to another person, he apologizes and asks for forgiveness. The Otis family arrive from the United States and aren't scared of Sir Simon. Hiram Otis behaves rationally toward Sir Simon and approaches him with curiosity. Teen girl Virginia doesn't like her new home and bets Sir Simon that he can't scare away the family in the hope that he'll manage it. She is adventurous and bold, and eventually helps Sir Simon reunite with his wife. Twin siblings Kent and Louis are often rude and enjoy playing pranks.

Diverse Representations

Culture clash between a family from the U.S. and Victorian-era British people. Aristocratic Brits are shown as grotesque and mentally ill. All main characters are White, while the voice cast has people of color. An old-fashioned ghost is shocked to see a young woman wearing trousers.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

Gothic ghostly activity as a ghost tries to scare people away from their house. Objects appear to come to life and paintings change to look at characters. A ghost wears a scary skeleton face with worms in their mouth. They take off their head to scare people and two kids play soccer with it. Death is discussed often, as well as an accusation of murder. A character dies while visiting the afterlife but is revived. Worrying scene when a ghost loses control and burns a building, causing someone to be trapped inside under a chandelier. Characters sword fight and one battles a big dragon skull monster with tentacles. Young children play fight with medieval weapons. Character throws books at children's heads and at a ghost. A weed snares a character's leg underwater. Characters die when swords pierce their hearts.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Attraction between two young characters leads to a relationship forming. A dead character longs to be reunited with their wife in the afterlife.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

A character taunts another saying they "peed their pants." One use of "idiot."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

What looks like red wine is drunk at a dinner party.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Canterville Ghost is an animated adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic ghost story. Set in Victorian England, the movie's culture-clash set-up centers on an American family moving into a house that's been haunted by the ghost of Sir Simon de Canterville (voiced by Stephen Fry ) for the past 300 years. He tries to scare them away, but they're more curious than terrified. The movie has scary moments; nothing gets too intense, but there is quite a bit of discussion around death. The Grim Reaper ( Hugh Laurie ) holds a sand timer to represent life and says that it goes by quickly, with the moral being to make the most of it. A character is accused of murdering his wife, and a young couple strikes up a chaste relationship. Violence includes sword fights and danger/peril when a character is trapped under a chandelier in a burning building. Another character dies during a scene in which she's helping someone but ( spoiler alert ) is revived. The film has positive messages about friendship and teamwork. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

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Community Reviews

• Parents say (1)
• Kids say (1)

Based on 1 parent review

An amateurish take on a classic literary piece

What's the story.

In THE CANTERVILLE GHOST, grumpy ghost Sir Simon de Canterville (voiced by Stephen Fry ) has scared away everyone from his house for the past 300 years. But he meets his match when the Otis family move in and refuse to be afraid.

Is It Any Good?

This functional retelling of the Oscar Wilde ghost story provides enough entertainment for younger viewers venturing into the world of spooky movies. The Canterville Ghost is lighthearted but suitably gothic, and comic relief is provided by a cocky pair of prankster brothers. Fry gives a spirited performance as the grumpy ghost, Sir Simon De Canterville, and is reunited with his former comedy partner Hugh Laurie , although his role as the Grim Reaper is fleeting. Indeed the concept of death haunts the movie, which may be troubling for the youngest of viewers, although it strongly presents the idea of an afterlife. Elsewhere Miranda Hart 's wacky ghosthunter, The Ghost Catcher, grates. But with strong messages of friendship, teamwork and courage, The Canterville Ghost is a solid adaptation that covers some tough subjects.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about the scary moments in The Canterville Ghost . Which scenes did you find most frightening? Did you feel scared after the movie had finished? How much scary stuff can kids handle?

What examples of curiosity , teamwork , and courage can you give from the film? Why are these such important character strengths to have? Can you think of any examples when you've shown these traits?

What were some of the differences between Sir Simon de Canterville and the Otis family?

What do you think the movie was trying to say about loss and grief? Have you ever lost someone close to you? How did you feel?

Movie Details

• In theaters : October 20, 2023
• On DVD or streaming : December 5, 2023
• Cast : Stephen Fry , Emily Carey , Hugh Laurie
• Directors : Kim Burdon , Robert Chandler
• Inclusion Information : Female actors
• Studio : Blue Fox Entertainment
• Genre : Family and Kids
• Topics : Book Characters , Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
• Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Teamwork
• Run time : 89 minutes
• MPAA rating : NR
• Last updated : March 9, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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The Canterville Ghost Review: A Banner Animated Adaptation of Oscar Wilde's Classic Story

Sir Simon's (Stephen Fry) ghost fails to scare an American family from his English estate, but gains an invaluable friend (Virginia Otis).

Oscar Wilde's classic short story gets a banner animated adaptation with an all-star voice cast of venerated British actors. The Canterville Ghost will have children and adults delighted from the first frame. I was literally laughing out loud within minutes. A few tweaks to the story adds depth, heart, and a thrilling climax that resonates. The film wows the eyes with beautiful backgrounds and settings. There are also a sprinkle of slightly scary moments to give the youngest tykes a welcome fright. The tale of a 300-year-old apparition comically failing to scare an American family out of his treasured home has never been better.

The Otis family arrives from Boston to a late 1880s English countryside estate with vastly different expectations. Hiram (David Harewood) and his wife, Lucretia (Meera Syal), are ecstatic to have gotten such a deal on the elegant property. They couldn't have cared less about rumors of a ghost or the fact that previous owners had been driven mad. The upstart Yankees plan to show the stuffy Brits the marvels of modern technology. Their hellion twin sons, Louis (Jakey Schiff) and Kent (Bennett Miller), can't wait to start trouble. But teenage daughter Virginia (Emily Carey) still stews from the move. What's she going to do in the middle of nowhere?

Sir Simon de Canterville (Stephen Fry) lurks behind the walls ready to terrify. He was cursed to roam Canterville Chase for eternity and made quick work of those who dared to enter his abode. Sir Simon's trademark wails, screams, and near translucent appearance doesn't get the expected response to say the least. He flees nearly traumatized from his first taste of Louis and Kent's antics. Sir Simon's efforts with their parents are equally frustrating. He's scolded and admonished before being shooed away with medicinal tonics.

Stephen Fry as Sir Simon

Virginia is the only Otis genuinely intrigued by Sir Simon. She finds a book about the history of Canterville Chase and the tragic circumstances that doomed him. He's also fascinated by the upstart girl who wears "pantaloons," can expertly fence, and rides horses like a cavalry soldier. They become unlikely friends until a hated neighbor enters the equation.

Virginia heroically saves the Duke of Cheshire (Freddie Highmore) from plunging off a cliff. The shy and sweet nobleman becomes enamored with the young American beauty. This thrills Virginia's parents who crave to be a part of snobby British society. But the nascent romance infuriates Sir Simon who hates the Cheshire family for what they did to him. He redoubles his efforts to evict the interlopers.

Fry and Laurie Reunite in Trailer for The Canterville Ghost Horror Comedy

The Canterville Ghost accentuates an already clever narrative with smart additions. Virginia's demeanor, dialogue, and actions show her refusal for complacency. She craves a world of excitement and adventure, not debutante balls. But every tough nut cracks sooner or later under the right circumstances. The Duke of Cheshire isn't just a handsome face with a title. He proves to be kind and courageous, and embraces Virginia's rebellious streak. Their romance becomes integral in a tense third act.

New story elements also include a hilarious riff on Ghostbusters . The Reverend Chasuble (Toby Jones) has a specter-chasing wife (Miranda Hart) obsessed with capturing Sir Simon. She straps on a proton pack wannabe that would give Egon Spengler (RIP Harold Ramis) a raised eyebrow. Her gadgets are just a tip of the iceberg. Hiram fancies himself an inventor with plans to electrify Canterville Chase. The theme of modern life overtaking dated customs and thinking is present throughout.

A Sweet Romance

Stephen Fry reunites with his sketch show partner Hugh Laurie as the most formidable of adversaries. He portrays Death as a gardener who clips our stems when the mortal coil ceases. Virginia's investigation of a mysterious proverb to free Sir Simon brings our gallant heroine to Death's doorstep. Let's just say those fencing lessons were worth every penny. There's surprising angst to an ending that's easily the darkest part of the film. The Canterville Ghost isn't all giggles when lives and destiny are at stake.

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Directors Kim Burton ( Fireman Sam ) and Robert Chandler ( The Amazing Maurice, The Deep ) pay incredible attention to small details. The film's backgrounds are amazing. Everything from the rural landscape to the Canterville Chase interiors are noticeably distinct. They also change animation styles when giving important background information to frame Sir Simon's dilemma. His exposition is told in brilliant 2D cut-outs like a puppet show. This varies how you see the film, so the following scenes seem even bolder. The Canterville Ghost gives behemoth competitors like Pixar a run for the creative money. It's visually breathtaking. It's obvious that significant artistry was involved in the production.

The Canterville Ghost is a production of Align, Melmoth Films, Space Age Films, and Sprout Pictures. It will be released theatrically on October 20th from Blue Fox Entertainment and Shout! Studios .