The Man in the Trunk Poster

The Man in the Trunk 1942

71 min📅 1942-09-19

"He's a howl of a horror who'd rather haunt a lady's boudoir than a house!"

In this lighthearted yet eerie 1942 crime-comedy, *The Man in the Trunk*, the ghost of a wrongfully slain man returns to haunt a fashionable lady's boudoir—preferring a flirtatious tryst to a proper haunting. Directed by the versatile Malcolm St.

Director: Malcolm St. Clair

Cast

Lynne Roberts
Lynne Roberts
Peggy LaRue
George Holmes
George Holmes
Dick Burke
Raymond Walburn
Raymond Walburn
Jim Cheevers
J. Carrol Naish
J. Carrol Naish
Reginald DeWinters
Dorothy Peterson
Dorothy Peterson
Lola DeWinters
Eily Malyon
Eily Malyon
Abbie Addison
Arthur Loft
Arthur Loft
Sam Kohler
Milton Parsons
Milton Parsons
Doctor Pluma
Matt McHugh
Matt McHugh
Detective Murtha
Charles Cane
Charles Cane
Police Lieut. Braley

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Man in the Trunk (1942) about?

The film follows the ghost of a murdered man who returns to Earth to assist a young couple in solving his murder. Witty and macabre in equal measure, the story blends supernatural comedy with a classic whodunit as the spirit navigates the living world with mischievous charm.

Who directed The Man in the Trunk?

The Man in the Trunk was directed by Malcolm St. Clair, a filmmaker known for his work in both comedy and crime genres during Hollywood's golden age.

Who stars in The Man in the Trunk?

The film features Lynne Roberts, George Holmes, Raymond Walburn, J. Carrol Naish, and Dorothy Peterson in key roles.

Is The Man in the Trunk (1942) worth watching?

While unrated, this 71-minute crime-comedy offers a charming blend of humor and light supernatural intrigue. Fans of classic Hollywood whodunits or vintage ghost stories will likely find its quirky premise and ensemble cast entertaining, even if it's more playful than terrifying.

How long is The Man in the Trunk?

The Man in the Trunk (1942) runs for 71 minutes.

About The Man in the Trunk (1942) — A Hauntingly Funny Ghost Story from Classic Hollywood

In this lighthearted yet eerie 1942 crime-comedy, *The Man in the Trunk*, the ghost of a wrongfully slain man returns to haunt a fashionable lady's boudoir—preferring a flirtatious tryst to a proper haunting. Directed by the versatile Malcolm St. Clair, this vintage gem blends supernatural whimsy with the suspense of a murder mystery, as the spectral protagonist teams up with a young couple to uncover his killer. With its playful tone and a cast of scene-stealing character actors, the film balances humor and intrigue, creating an atmosphere that's both cozy and just spooky enough for classic cinema lovers.

The story unfolds with a touch of irony, as the deceased's restless spirit navigates the modern world with a mix of charm and mischief, all while guiding the couple toward justice. Lynne Roberts and George Holmes lead the human cast, supported by a delightfully eccentric ensemble including Raymond Walburn, J. Carrol Naish, and Dorothy Peterson. Whether you're a fan of old Hollywood comedies or early supernatural thrillers, *The Man in the Trunk (1942)* offers a uniquely entertaining twist on the ghostly genre.