There are not many comedy-horror films that are as equally good in comedy and horror, either succeeding better in one or the other or being unsuccessful in both (though there are exceptions no doubt). 'The Ghost Breakers' is one such film, in excelling in both comedy and horror, and one of the finest examples there is.
It was remade thirteen years later as 1953's 'Scared Stiff' with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. That film was enjoyable enough on its own terms but it is not in the same league as this, there is no doubt as to which is the better film. As far as Bob Hope films go, 'The Ghost Breakers' is also one of his best ('The Cat and the Canary' is another example of Hope at his best). It is a perfect marriage of romance, humour and scares, delivering to never less than very good standards on all three.
Visually, 'The Ghost Breakers' looks great and one of Hope's better looking films. The photography wonderfully enhances the eeriness of the haunted house and the exotic locale. The music is a good mix of haunting and jaunty.
Here in 'The Ghost Breakers' the story moves along at a lightning fast pace without being rushed. The very end is a little abrupt but the climax is still such a knockout that one is past caring about that. There is nothing to complain about with the writing either, the romantic elements are sweet and loving, the humour is genuinely funny and often hilarious and the scares are spooky and suspenseful. Hope has some terrific one-liners that he delivers better than most.
Just as good is the adroit direction, while one couldn't ask for better performances. Didn't have a problem with Willie Best, who to me was hilarious, yes he's a stereotype but there are far more offensive ones out there before 'The Ghost Breakers' and since. Hope is a joy and Paulette Goddard is charming and sensual. Richard Carlson excels magnificently against type and Anthony Quinn likewise in more than one role.
Overall, truly wonderful comedy-horror, a fine example of Bob Hope at his best. 10/10 Bethany Cox
It was remade thirteen years later as 1953's 'Scared Stiff' with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. That film was enjoyable enough on its own terms but it is not in the same league as this, there is no doubt as to which is the better film. As far as Bob Hope films go, 'The Ghost Breakers' is also one of his best ('The Cat and the Canary' is another example of Hope at his best). It is a perfect marriage of romance, humour and scares, delivering to never less than very good standards on all three.
Visually, 'The Ghost Breakers' looks great and one of Hope's better looking films. The photography wonderfully enhances the eeriness of the haunted house and the exotic locale. The music is a good mix of haunting and jaunty.
Here in 'The Ghost Breakers' the story moves along at a lightning fast pace without being rushed. The very end is a little abrupt but the climax is still such a knockout that one is past caring about that. There is nothing to complain about with the writing either, the romantic elements are sweet and loving, the humour is genuinely funny and often hilarious and the scares are spooky and suspenseful. Hope has some terrific one-liners that he delivers better than most.
Just as good is the adroit direction, while one couldn't ask for better performances. Didn't have a problem with Willie Best, who to me was hilarious, yes he's a stereotype but there are far more offensive ones out there before 'The Ghost Breakers' and since. Hope is a joy and Paulette Goddard is charming and sensual. Richard Carlson excels magnificently against type and Anthony Quinn likewise in more than one role.
Overall, truly wonderful comedy-horror, a fine example of Bob Hope at his best. 10/10 Bethany Cox