The Spirit Is Willing (1967)

Simply A Masterpiece

Don't listen to the negative reviews

It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

I saw this on late night TV as a teenager, and remember certain cast members. That was the only way I was able to find this film in the database. I cross referenced Mary Wickes with the butterfly collector on a Gilligan's Island episode. His name escaped me then, but it is John McGiver. Recently I bought a copy of the original book, and it was well written. The basic plot is the same, but Castle's comedic treatment did take away from the scarier aspects of the story. Incidentally Nathaniel Benchley, the author of the book was the father of Jaws author Peter Benchley. Humorist Robert Benchley was Nathaniel's own father. I keep requesting this to play on Turner Classic Movies to play it, but I doubt it is classic enough. Maybe if they do a b-series of William Castle gimmick films it will fit the format. Paramount handles distribution of it. Maybe it will come out on DVD some day...***Update*** I bought the eastern European import DVD from a Florida company, and watched it today. It is as amusing as I remember -- very much in the "spirit" of the madcap sixties decade in which it was made. As is often the case, it pales in comparison to the original media. But that argument is so old its cliché. I'd like to see the book made into a true horror movie, but that's for a different forum than this. If this movie ever is released on DVD in the USA, I expect it to go straight to the $5.50 discount bin. But I do bet it gets snatched up by people like us. Us being the people that look up this movie on IMDb.

I saw this movie when I was about 14 and couldn't remember the name of it till I found this site. It was a hilarious movie and I'd love to get the movie if it's available. The music from the movie has stuck in my head all of these years. A very catchy tune. I loved the way the ghosts would fight among themselves and the boy got the blame for all the damages that they were inflicting on the house. I was able to relate to what the teenage boy was feeling each time he got the blame. He was able to see the ghosts and could do nothing to stop it and no one would believe him. It is billed as Comedy/Horror, but I remember it being a good family comedy that I wouldn't hesitate to take my kids to see.

I saw this movie as a young girl, and would love to see it again. I really believe people would like this movie.At a young age i remember it as being humorous,who would not, three ghosts keeping a troubled teen boy in trouble with his parents, he gets blamed for all their pranks.from flour battles, to sinking his uncles boat I wish it would be released on DVD. I,d love to see if i'd like it as much as i remember. My husband and I saw it on our first date,and it has stayed with me all these years. Its the only movie that has done that. I looked for it over the years, but could never find it.I was disappointed that it had not been released.To anyone who reads this i believe is a must see.

"The Spirit is Willing" for me is one of those nostalgic movies from the 60's..It used to turn up on tv every once in a while but now it's been way too many years since I have seen it.. I cannot fathom why it has not been released on video yet...What about a William Castle Marathon, AMC or TCM?????