Der Geist und Mrs. Muir

Based upon the popular novel and 1947 film of the same name, "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" ran for 50 episodes over two seasons (1968-70) as a romantic supernatural sitcom. The series stars young widowed writer Carolyn Muir (Hope Lange) who has rented Gull Cottage on the seashore near the fictional fishing village of Schooner Bay, Maine with her two children Jonathan (Harlen Carraher) and Candace (Kellie Flanagan), their maid Martha Grant (Reta Shaw), and the family Wire Fox Terrier dog Scruffy. Their comically kooky landlord Claymore Gregg (Charles Nelson Reilly) failed to mention that the house is haunted by his 19th century ancestor Captain Daniel Gregg (Edward Mulhare). The poltergeist is very selective in who he will appear to, but soon develops a fondness for Mrs. Muir, a chemistry that became the strength of the show. Lange won the Emmy Award for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in both seasons.

Reflecting upon the series, "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" was a romantic comedy in sitcom form. As such, it focused on being more lighthearted and romantic than laugh-out-loud comedic. More than any other word I find the show "charming". The performances of Hope Lange and Edward Mulhare were excellent. There was not one time while watching Mrs. Muir that I thought of her as being portrayed by an actress, and certainly one of the reasons she won an Emmy Award for her role both seasons. The oft-agitated ghost of Captain Gregg was played very well by Edward Mulhare in creating what I feel is the ghost you'd feel most comfortable being in your home. He might would irk you a time or two, but you'd never feel afraid.

It's hard to carry it off as a sitcom when the leads aren't the source of comedy. The writers didn't give much to the children, with Harlen Carraher's Jonathan being the center of a few episodes and Kellie Flanagan's Candace once. Reta Shaw's Martha was in a similar position. The lion's share of supporting performances went to Charles Nelson Reilly's Claymore. I feel Charles Nelson Reilly was a more capable comedian than nervously bumbling his way through an episode and thankfully the writers gave him more to work with on occasion. "Chowderhead" probably had the most comical premise, while "The Firehouse Five Plus Ghost" and "Tourist, Go Home" featured a number of slapstick gags. If you go into the series expecting merely light comedy and to be transported to a charming seaside village with well-executed, realistic characters then you'll enjoy "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir".

Originally done as a 1947 movie with Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison, The Ghost And Mrs. Muir came along at a time when fantasy on American TV was accepted. "I Dream of Jeannie", "Bewitched", and such, were hits, and it seemed that most audiences liked the escapist fare, especially at a time when most of what you saw on television at the time was protest, war, and death.

Hope Lange and Edward Mulhare were capable leads, and the story lines would deal with the age old question of, "how do we keep the neighbors from finding out we have a ghost!"

This was also one of the few show that, like "Taxi", and "JAG" many years later, would jump from one network to another. Sadly "Ghost", and "Taxi" died right after the move, where "JAG" survived and (as of July 2002) still had life left in it.

I just recently discovered that this great late 60's sitcom was released on DVD. I began collecting them & at present have almost all of them. The Pilot Episode is both touching & hilarious & the episodes that follow are just as funny. Hope Lange & Edward Mulhare shined in their respective roles & Reta Shaw was perfectly cast as Martha, the housekeeper. The kids roles were very well cast as was Scruffy the family dog. Charles Nelson Reilly was fantastic as the befuddled, nervous nephew of Captain Gregg. The sets were bright & you really got a feel for Gull Cottage & Schooner Bay. All in all a very worthwhile series. Look for it & see if you don't agree. Miss Lange deserved the 2 emmys she received. Good Show Mrs. Muir.

I would really like to see this 1968 TV series of the Ghost and Mrs Muir released on DVD. Was an excellent television show, and a wonderful take from the 1947 movie. I actually liked it far better than the original movie. The TV series had a bit more substance. All the characters were brilliant; including captain Gregg. Set in a most idyllic scenic place, with a beautiful seaside cottage as well, Gorgeous scenery and story lines made this series a fun, light-hearted feel-good show to watch and enjoy. would like to see the series again. So, how about it? will those that hold the rights to the series please release onto DVD.

I was only a kid when this show aired, but I loved it! It was romantic and funny at the same time, and Hope Lange and Edward Mulhare had real electricity between them. "Bewitched" and "I Dream of Jeannie" were so much alike, yet this show had the opposite idea: It was the man who had the supernatural powers, not the woman! But it also followed the same idea of having a beautiful blonde as the lead female. Although it was similar to the above mentioned shows, it was still different enough to be unique and definitely much more romantic!! And it had something extra: Charles Nelson Reily, a hilarious comedic actor. I was crushed when this charming show was canceled, but I recently found it on video after 33 years and it is just as wonderful as when it was first aired! I hope one of the networks runs this show for everyone to see. Nothing on TV today can compare to it. A first-rate romantic, funny sitcom!