mark.waltz With a bouncy score in the background (similar to the more famous "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken"), we learn the secret of this New England set of ghosts all killed and destined to spend eternity together in 1898. The ghastly looking Cass Daley, desperate for a husband, marries a sea captain desperate to inherit her estate and a bigger ship, and on their wedding night discovers him being a rascal. Butcher knives fly and before you know it, three are dead, their ghostly images doomed to roam the earth until Daley (believe it or not!) looses her virginity! These ghosts aren't like the sea captain from "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir"; the earthlings who come into their presence can actually feel them, not only metaphysically but flesh-wise as well. Almost 70 years after the Maine coastline murder, the ailing Sid Caesar and his wife Vera Miles show up with their embittered teenaged son (Barry Gordon) for a "rest" and when Gordon encounters each of them, pots are thrown through windows, the living room is made a mess and Miles' meddling uncle (John McGiver) is pushed down a flight of stairs, all of the blame put on the innocent teen. The adults don't believe the legend until they meet the look-alike of one of them (Jill Townsend) who explains the story, and from there, Gordon is determined to end the curse, find the ghostly Daley a mate and convince his parents he was innocent of all the mischief they blamed him for. A superb supporting cast includes such fun faces as Jesse White, Mary Wickes and Jay C. Flippen. Wickes proves how perfect she could have been as Tugboat Annie as the rather tough but legend-spouting caretaker who eerily reveals her situation when encountered by the ghosts. She totally reminded me of the famous "Large Marge" sequence from "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" as her story gets more and more dramatic. John Astin of "The Addams Family" plays a visitor who has his share of gay insinuations with Gordon and Astin each believing the other may be living an alternative life-style. The inclusion of this is subtle and not offensive, and amusing through each of them making light-hearted cracks at the other's expense.While not a classic in the comedy horror genre of films like "Arsenic and Old Lace" and the "Topper" series, this is a very amusing film and one of William Castle's better later efforts. Everybody seems to be having a great time, the sets and location photography are ideal, and that musical score by Vic Mizzy (who had earlier wrote the score to "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" as well as several 60's cult classics) will stay in your head long after the movie is over.

Mamawgayle 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.

HumanoidOfFlesh "The Spirit Is Willing" is very funny.This is a late 60's William Castle ghost comedy which has Sid Caesar in a cast.Of course the film isn't as good as earlier Castle's horror films like "House on Haunted Hill","Macabre" or "Thirteen Ghosts",but the level of humour is really high,so everyone who enjoy good horror/comedies won't be disappointed.7 out of 10-still if you want something truly creepy check out "Macabre" or "Homicidal" first!

Jozepo I would love to see this movie again, I saw it once as a kid, and have always wanted to see it again. I wonder how much my perception has changed since then. I fear that I might think it's horrible now, compared to my fond childhood memory of it. Why do I think so highly of this film? I don't even know. That may be a question in itself. All I know is, the film couldn't have been so bad that they wouldn't put it out on video or DVD, hell they've put everything else out. If anybody knows how I can see this film again please notify me. . It was very nice to read the other comments from other people who liked this film as well. Now, suddenly I don't feel so alone in the universe.-Joe