The Canterville Ghost

The Canterville Ghost

Year: 1985

Runtime: 56 mins

Language: English

Director: William F. Claxton

FamilyTV MovieFantasy

Sir Simon Canterville’s ghost haunts his castle, hoping a brave descendant will lift the family curse by a daring deed. When an American family moves in, they find his antics amusing rather than frightening. The youngest daughter realizes she may be the one to free him—if she dares.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Canterville Ghost (1985)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Canterville Ghost (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 20th century (1980s)

The story unfolds in a modern era where an ancient castle meets contemporary life. The plot blends traditional hauntings with present-day concerns, such as property development and inheritance. The tension grows as the family contends with the past while facing 1980s attitudes toward skepticism and progress.

Location

Canterville Castle, England

Canterville Castle sits in a quiet English village, its stone walls and winding corridors heavy with history. The estate provides a classic haunted-house atmosphere that anchors both mystery and family drama. The surrounding village and its old-world setting frame the ghostly presence as a lived reality rather than mere superstition.

🏰 Castle 🗺️ English countryside

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:17

Main Characters – The Canterville Ghost (1985)

Meet the key characters of The Canterville Ghost (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sir Simon De Canterville

The ghost of a disgraced nobleman who haunts Canterville Castle. He longs for rest and has grown tired after more than 300 years of wandering, seeking a chance to be freed from his curse.

👻 Ghost 🕰️ Tragic noble 🪶 Restless spirit

Lucy

Harry's wife and Jennifer's stepmother, Lucy is open to forming a bond with the ghost and skeptical about the supernatural at first. She brings warmth to the household and becomes a bridge between the child and the supernatural mystery.

💫 Family matriarch 🧊 Frosty atmosphere 🤝 Skeptical to accepting

Jennifer

Harry's daughter from a previous marriage, curious and brave, she seeks out Sir Simon in the attic. She forms an unlikely friendship with the ghost and ultimately plays a pivotal role in his release.

🧒 Youthful curiosity 🤝 Unlikely ally 🗝️ Courage

Harry Canterville

The castle's proprietor who intends to stay for three months before selling it to a developer. He is initially skeptical of the ghost but becomes more open to the supernatural as events unfold.

🧭 Inheritance 🕵️ Skeptical 🏗️ Property developer

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:17

Major Themes – The Canterville Ghost (1985)

Explore the central themes of The Canterville Ghost (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👻 Haunting

A ghost's presence drives the plot and reveals unresolved guilt. Sir Simon's fatigue and curse create a sense of urgency that forces the living to confront history. The haunting serves as a catalyst for empathy between generations.

👪 Family Dynamics

The castle becomes a stage for tension and bonding between Harry, Lucy, and Jennifer. Jennifer's fear gives way to trust as she connects with the ghost and challenges her stepparent's skepticism. The story explores acceptance within a blended family and the power of understanding.

🕊️ Redemption

Redemption hinges on a humane choice rather than punishment. Jennifer's decision to persuade the Angel of Death to release Sir Simon reframes the tragedy of the past. The ending suggests forgiveness can break even centuries-old curses.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:17

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Unlock the Full Story of The Canterville Ghost

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The Canterville Ghost Summary

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The Canterville Ghost Summary

The Canterville Ghost Timeline

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The Canterville Ghost Timeline

More About The Canterville Ghost

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More About The Canterville Ghost

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