James Thurber’s The Night the Ghost Got In Poster

James Thurber’s The Night the Ghost Got In 1976

17 min📅 1976-01-01

When a young boy's imagination turns a harmless nighttime bump into the sound of a ghost, chaos erupts in this quirky black-and-white short from 1976.

Director: Robert Stitzel

Cast

Mike Patton
James Thurber
Viola Hinchman
Mother
Peter Brocco
Peter Brocco
Grandfather
Gino Baffa
Herman
Frank Conn
Frank Conn
Reporter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is James Thurber's The Night the Ghost Got In (1976) about?

This 1976 short film follows a young boy who mistakes normal household noises for a ghostly intruder, sparking a chain reaction of comedic chaos within his family. Based on James Thurber's story, it transforms a simple misunderstanding into a quirky, lighthearted horror-comedy perfect for family viewing.

Who directed James Thurber's The Night the Ghost Got In?

Robert Stitzel directed this 1976 short film, steering it toward a playful mix of comedy and mild horror.

Who stars in James Thurber's The Night the Ghost Got In?

The film features Mike Patton, Viola Hinchman, Peter Brocco, Gino Baffa, and Frank Conn in key roles.

Is James Thurber's The Night the Ghost Got In (1976) worth watching?

With its unique blend of family-friendly horror and comedy, this short film offers a nostalgic and entertaining escape. Though it's unrated, its 17-minute runtime and relatable premise make it a fun pick for fans of light spooky stories and classic Thurber humor.

How long is James Thurber's The Night the Ghost Got In?

The film runs for 17 minutes.

James Thurber's The Night the Ghost Got In (1976): A Spooky Family Comedy Short — Full Info

When a young boy's imagination turns a harmless nighttime bump into the sound of a ghost, chaos erupts in this quirky black-and-white short from 1976. Based on the classic James Thurber tale, Robert Stitzel's direction blends light-hearted comedy with eerie family-friendly horror, capturing the essence of Thurber's knack for blending the mundane with the mysterious. The film brims with playful tension, where every shadow feels like a specter and every family member becomes a suspect in the mystery of the phantom footstep. As the boy's wild theories spiral into a comedic household frenzy, the story celebrates the hilarious consequences of youthful fear.

James Thurber's The Night the Ghost Got In (1976) isn't just a ghost story—it's a nostalgic snapshot of how misunderstandings can transform an ordinary night into a surreal adventure. The cast, led by Mike Patton and Viola Hinchman, delivers performances that balance broad humor with just enough spooky charm to keep younger viewers delighted and adults chuckling at the over-the-top reactions. With its short runtime and timeless theme of childhood fright, this cult classic remains a charming time capsule of family dynamics and the power of a good scare.