“You must make your own life amongst the living and, whether you meet fair winds or foul, find your own way to harbor in the end.”
Honest, true words for anyone to live by. It is a special, powerful quote that gives everyone permission to enjoy their journeys, and whether you make good or poor choices, it is our responsibility to find our way home when it is time. This is how it is meant to be. Don’t waste precious moments grieving for what or who has been lost. Each of us is only guaranteed so many years. It would be a waste if we only thought about the “should or could haves.” Some lose years stacking up regrets, even the ones out of our control. For some, living within a dream helps get them through the bumps and mishaps. For me, it would have to be a pretty, wild, larger-than-life romantic fantasy that includes Captain Daniel Greg, played by the debonair Rex Harrison. And I would want to secretly portray Lucy Muir and look like the stunning Gene Tierney. Then and only then could I let go for a moment, get lost within the sea, and THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR.
THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR is based on a novel written by Josephine Campbell. Her father was a sea captain, which is where I am sure, she received her inspiration. The word “Muir” means “sea” in Scots Gaelic. Many seafarers felt like they were married to the sea. Interesting choice of naming your leading lady, to be sure.
The film premiered in 1947 and was nominated for Oscar in cinematography. The crushing, bountiful waves throughout the film felt like another major character. The shoreline was spectacular and used to divide the passage of time. One of the most haunting scenes was watching the stake along the pier get pummeled year after year with the daughter’s name, Anna, carved into the wood. The story spans a lifetime.
Mrs. Muir was at first a demure woman from the turn of the century. She did everything expected of her and still ended up penniless when her husband died. This is where the story begins. She finds, by chance, a seaside cottage that she is drawn to and can afford. The cottage is cheap because it is said to be haunted by the former owner, who was an officer at sea. Captain Greg was a salty character who said what he thought in whatever manner he chose. He didn’t want anyone living in his beloved home until he met Mrs. Muir. She didn’t scare so easily and thus, began a friendship, a love story for all time.
The chemistry between Gene and Rex was what all couples dream of having. A deep, binding respect for one another and a physical attraction that travels through all realms. Audiences could feel every ounce of mutual love and passion when they stared into each other’s eyes, laughed, talked, and argued. It was a fantasy made for lovers who dream of the “perfect” relationship. Not once in the entire film did they touch until the very end. Oh, hand over the Kleenex box to dab at my tears of joy and lusty thoughts.
They say patience is a virtue, and Captain Greg expressed that and more. He waited for Mrs. Muir to live her life, make her mistakes, and grow old. What a beautiful story that never gets tiresome, no matter how many times I have watched it unfold. The film is whimsical. It does not lean to the melodrama side, rather, it is humorous and dramatic. It feels effortless. THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR is a charming fantasy classic that has stood the test of time for 75 years. It will lull viewers into believing anything is possible when it comes to true love. Watch it with someone you care about.
THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR is available to stream on TCM.
