The Canterville Ghost

The Canterville Ghost

Year: 1986

Runtime: 98 mins

Language: English

Director: Paul Bogart

AdventureFamilyTV Movie

When an American couple inherits a centuries‑old English manor, they discover it is haunted by the ghost of a disgraced ancestor condemned to linger because of his cowardice. He hopes to break the curse by forcing the husband to perform a brave, heroic deed, liberating the spirit.

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Timeline & Setting – The Canterville Ghost (1986)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Canterville Ghost (1986). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s

The story unfolds in the late 20th century English countryside as a modern family inherits the castle. Rational skepticism clashes with centuries-old haunting, exposing fear, money, and family loyalties. The plot weaves together the present and the past, with the ghost’s curse influencing the estate’s fate and potential redevelopment.

Location

Canterville Castle, a small village in England

Canterville Castle sits in a quiet English village, a centuries-old estate wrapped in ivy and legend. The grand manor blends Gothic grandeur with rural charm, surrounded by hedges, a graveyard, and long-standing secrets. The impending sale to a property developer frames the location as a battleground between heritage and modernization, while the modern world collides with ancient superstition.

🏰 Gothic 🗺️ English village 🕯️ Haunted history

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:05

Main Characters – The Canterville Ghost (1986)

Meet the key characters of The Canterville Ghost (1986), 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 (John Gielgud)

The ghost of a disgraced ancestor bound to the estate, Sir Simon is tired, centuries old, and wary of intruders. He initially uses fear as a routine haunting, but gradually befriends Jenny, drawn to her courage. His backstory reveals a curse tied to his wife and daughter, making release possible only through understanding and forgiveness.

👻 Ghost 🕰️ Ancient 💬 Witty

Harry Canterville (Ted Wass)

A modern, pragmatic father who returns from Cleveland to claim Canterville Castle. He intends to stay the three months and then sell the estate to a developer, prioritizing money and practicality over superstition. His skepticism frays as the ghostly antics become undeniable, revealing the pull between tradition and profit.

💼 Pragmatic 🧭 Skeptical 👨‍👦 Family

Lucy Canterville (Andrea Marcovicci)

Harry's warm and modern wife who tries to befriend Jennifer while navigating the castle's gloom. She experiences uncanny phenomena that test her skepticism and patience. Her efforts to connect with Jenny and the estate show resilience and empathy in the face of a haunted home.

💖 Caring 🧭 Curious 🧊 Cold phenomena

Jennifer "Jenny" Canterville (Alyssa Milano)

Harry's daughter from a previous marriage; she ventures to the attic at night to seek the ghost. Jenny forms a bond with Sir Simon, challenging him and guiding the family toward understanding. Her courage and empathy help bridge the gap between the living and the dead, ultimately influencing the ghost's fate.

🧒 Curious 💪 Brave 🧭 Compassionate

Paul Blaine (Spencer Chandler)

Jenny's classmate who starts the ghost rumor and is initially quick to fear the haunting. He later accompanies Jenny and Harry to the graveyard, where he learns there is more to the story than rumors. Paul's role helps uncover the castle's backstory and the true nature of Sir Simon's curse.

🗣️ Gossip 🧭 Curious 🧩 Clues

Lady Eleanor (Celia Breckon)

Sir Simon's wife, whose death and alleged curse are central to the backstory. Her actions and the consequences of their daughter's death fuel the spite and tragedy that bind Sir Simon to the estate. She remains a key figure in the legends that haunt Canterville Castle.

👰 Wife 💔 Tragedy 🕯️ Curse

Mrs. Umney (Lila Kaye)

The castle's housekeeper, a cautious observer who embodies traditional superstition. She warns that the haunting is real and keeps a wary eye on the family's encounter with the supernatural. Her presence anchors the estate's daily life amid the uncanny events.

🧹 Housekeeper 🏰 Steward 🗝️ Secrets

Hummle Umney (Harold Innocent)

The voice of Mr. Umney, providing a spectral presence that communicates and comments on the events. His character underscores the boundary between the living and the supernatural, adding a layer of otherworldly mediation to the haunt.

🗣️ Voice 🕰️ Old 👂 Listener

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:05

Major Themes – The Canterville Ghost (1986)

Explore the central themes of The Canterville Ghost (1986), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👻 Haunting

The ghost of Sir Simon embodies the tension between belief and skepticism. His centuries-old presence forces the family to confront fear, curiosity, and the consequences of past actions. Through Jenny, he discovers humanity and the possibility of release from his curse.

💔 Family Dynamics

Jennifer’s search for her late mother and her distrust of Lucy drive the blended family toward understanding. Lucy’s warmth is tested by fear and tradition, while her attempts to bridge the gap reveal resilience. The haunting acts as a catalyst for trust, belonging, and reconciliation.

🏰 Inheritance and Change

The castle's sale to a developer highlights the clash between wealth and heritage. The ghost story complicates the estate’s fate, showing how history can resist easy profits. By confronting the past, the family learns to value the site’s legacy beyond money.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:05

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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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