MovieChat Forums > The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947) Discussion > Was the film's ending a disappointment t...

Was the film's ending a disappointment to 1000s of war widows in 1947?

posted 11 years ago by fosterus
4 replies | jump to latest

Having lost her husband and then set out and succeeded in making a life for herself, I can see why it was so popular, though probably emotional, to so many grieving after WW2. The poignancy is increased by Anna Muir marrying a naval officer as well, though we are reassured when we learn that both lived to have a child of their own. How many were struggling with the same turmoils, community attitudes and their own hopes and fears.

Perhaps it was brave for the author not to pretend that it will all be alright in the end, though he does hold out enough hope to encourage those who sought a new life - while still suggesting caution. We need to remember how popular spiritualism was after both world wars before we look down upon the plot device of a ghost.

This is one of many excellent postwar films that spoke to audiences seeking their own answers to the question - what now?

[–] ScopeWatcher 10 years ago

I've always felt that the prospect of reunion was probably irresistible to a great number of war widows who envisioned themselves being escorted through that door.

Most great films deserve a more appreciative audience than they get.

[–] scndform 10 years ago

I never thought about the fact that this film was released so shortly after the end of the war, but I'm sure the beautiful ending probably brought some comfort to the widows of fallen servicemen.

[–] schwapj 9 years ago

I haven't seen it in a few months but didn't Mrs. Muir more or less tell the Captain that she didn't really love her husband? She was fond of him and thought he was a good man, but he didn't catch her fancy the way the Captain did. So the ending would follow from that; and also the Captain spent about 50% more of Mrs. Muir's life with her than her husband did.

[–] paramitch 9 years ago

Just my 2 cents, but the movie makes your question irrelevant.

It isn't about providing "happy endings" for everyone (i.e., brave soldiers). It's about the unexpected revelation that a young widow and a dead sea captain are soulmates.

It's not about providing EVERYONE a happy ending (however deserved). It's about a fantasy universe in which two specific people connect.

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I keep thinking I'm a grownup, but I'm not.