Hold That Ghost

Hold That Ghost

Year: 1941

Runtime: 86 mins

Language: English

Director: Arthur Lubin

HorrorComedyCrude humor and satireSong and danceSpooky scary comedy

The all‑American comedy team returns as two hapless service‑station attendants discover they are the sole heirs in a gangster’s will. Eager to collect the fortune, their journey is derailed when they become trapped in a haunted house, forced to endure a night of spooky mishaps and slap‑stick antics alongside several other bewildered strangers.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Hold That Ghost (1941)

Trace every key event in Hold That Ghost (1941) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Chez Glamour gig and firing

Chuck Murray and Ferdie Jones briefly work as waiters at the chic nightclub Chez Glamour, where Ted Lewis and The Andrews Sisters perform. Their attempt at taking a shortcut to better jobs ends in them being fired after causing a scene. Ferdie holds onto a dream of someday owning his own nightclub.

Before the main events Chez Glamour
2

Moose Mattson's gas stop and fatal chase

Moose Mattson stops for gas and cleaning at a station, triggering a police chase. During the pursuit, Mattson is killed in a gunfight. His unconventional will states that whoever was with him at death inherits his estate, bequeathing the Forrester's Club to Chuck and Ferdie, along with a cryptic clue about money kept in his head.

During the chase Gas station / road
3

Bequest and the money hunt begins

Mattson's attorney introduces the boys to Charlie Smith, a Moose gang member who aims to grab the inheritance. Smith hatches a plan and arranges for a wildcat bus to drop them off at the Forrester's Club. An unscrupulous bus driver abandons them along with three unrelated passengers in a heavy rainstorm.

After the bequest On the way to The Forrester's Club
4

Arrival at the Forrester's Club and basement mystery

The night at the tavern unfolds with Smith missing while searching the basement, and his body turning up multiple times. The water in the tavern tastes foul, hinting something is seriously wrong. Ferdie discovers his bedroom has been rigged to function as a hidden casino with gambling equipment.

Early night The Forrester's Club
5

Hauntings and vanishing investigators

The girls are frightened by what seems to be a ghostly presence while two detectives arrive to investigate but vanish soon after starting. Candles appear to move on their own, deepening the sense of danger. The tavern seems to be alive with inexplicable activity during the night.

Night The Forrester's Club
6

Treasure revealed in the moose head

Ferdie accidentally uncovers Moose's treasure hidden inside the stuffed moose head above the fireplace. The discovery confirms rumors of money, yet danger remains as gang members react to the loot. The mood shifts from mystery to potential wealth.

Later in the night Moose head above the fireplace
7

Gangster confrontation and loot chase

A disgruntled Moose gang member arrives and demands the money at gunpoint. The boys fight back, knocking him out, but more gang members surge into the tavern. Chuck and the doctor fend off some attackers while Ferdie, carrying the loot, is chased through the tavern.

Midnight to late night The Forrester's Club
8

Sirens and a decisive scare

Ferdie imitates the sound of a police siren to scare off all the remaining gangsters. The trick works, and the intruders retreat from the tavern. The moment marks a turning point as the immediate danger passes.

Shortly after the chase The Forrester's Club
9

Therapeutic water and a new business

The doctor explains that the tavern's unsavory water has valuable therapeutic properties. Seizing the opportunity, Ferdie and Chuck transform the tavern into a posh health resort. They hire Ted Lewis and The Andrews Sisters to headline, and the maitre d' who once fired them from Chez Glamour returns as a temp waiter.

After the confrontation The Forrester's Club
10

A new venture rises from the ashes

The tavern is reborn as a health resort with famous entertainers performing for guests. The boys move from inheritances to entrepreneurship, using the cryptic 'money in his head' clue as a safeguard for their new venture. The story ends with the club thriving as a glamorous, unconventional business.

Conclusion The Forrester's Club

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 12:32

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Hold That Ghost Summary

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Hold That Ghost Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Hold That Ghost

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Hold That Ghost

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