Three Live Ghosts 1929
"A Fugitive Yank- A Lovable Cockney and a Kidnapping Kleptomaniac"
In this clever silent-era comedy from director Thornton Freeland, Three Live Ghosts (1929) spins a wartime yarn into a playful tale of mistaken identity and second chances.
Director: Thornton Freeland
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Three Live Ghosts (1929) about?
The film follows Jimmy Gubbins and his friend Bill 'Jones', both declared dead after World War I, as they return home on Armistice Day to find their lives upended. With their identities erased from official records, they must evade detection while navigating a world that's already moved on. The story blends wartime drama with domestic comedy, exploring themes of survival and second chances.
Who directed Three Live Ghosts?
Thornton Freeland directed Three Live Ghosts, bringing a sharp comedic sensibility to this early silent-era film.
Who stars in Three Live Ghosts?
The film features Beryl Mercer as Jimmy's mother, Joan Bennett in a key role, along with Robert Montgomery, Hilda Vaughn, and Harry Stubbs in pivotal performances.
Is Three Live Ghosts (1929) worth watching?
As a silent comedy from the late 1920s, Three Live Ghosts offers a unique blend of wartime drama and lighthearted farce. Its clever plot and strong performances make it a standout for fans of early cinema, even if it's not as widely known as some contemporaries. For those curious about pre-code Hollywood or silent-era storytelling, it's definitely worth a watch.
How long is Three Live Ghosts?
Three Live Ghosts has a runtime of 87 minutes.
About Three Live Ghosts (1929) — A wartime comedy of mistaken identities and fresh starts
In this clever silent-era comedy from director Thornton Freeland, Three Live Ghosts (1929) spins a wartime yarn into a playful tale of mistaken identity and second chances. Set on Armistice Day 1918, just as the Great War ends, the story follows Jimmy Gubbins and his pal Bill 'Jones', both presumed dead after being listed as killed in action. Their return home—though not exactly triumphant—unfolds as a mix of farce and heartfelt reunion, complicated by Jimmy's mother who's already collecting life insurance and planning a fresh start. With their identities officially erased, the trio must navigate a world that's moved on without them while dodging the awkward truths of survival.
Thornton Freeland's direction balances lighthearted humor with poignant moments, especially as the ghostly trio grapples with memory loss and the emotional fallout of war. The film shines through its ensemble cast, particularly Beryl Mercer as Jimmy's conflicted mother and Joan Bennett in a standout role that showcases her range in early cinema. A clever blend of wartime drama and domestic comedy, Three Live Ghosts (1929) offers a unique twist on the era's popular themes, wrapped in the charm of silent storytelling.