Noel Coward wrote this play whilst holidaying in Wales with Joyce Carey. Originally produced in 1941 at London's Piccadilly Theatre this screenplay follows closely the original dialogue and both Margaret Rutherford and Kay Hammond reprise their West-End roles. N.B. Rex Harrison never played Charles Condomine on stage and was criticised severely by Noel Coward for not having the required comic timing and being too 'straight'. However, the feeling of the original play comes over well, although the main change happens at the end where Charles also dies to join his wives. Margaret Rutherford is the real star here putting in a performance which was completely overlooked at the 'Oscars' which in those days American actors were normally the nominees. The role of Madame Arcati made her a star and 'Blithe Spirit' is now engraved on her tombstone. A fitting tribute to one of Britain's greatest comediennes.
Review of Blithe Spirit
