High Spirits (1988)
Neil Jordan's supernatural romp where a crumbling Irish castle, desperate fake hauntings, and very real ghosts collide in gloriously chaotic fashion.
High Spirits - Movie Information
- Original Title: High Spirits
- Release Year: 1988
- Directed by: Neil Jordan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Fantasy, Comedy, Horror
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 39m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 18, 1988 (Ireland - G), November 18, 1988 (United States - PG-13), December 9, 1988 (United Kingdom - 15), April 6, 1989 (Germany - 12), January 18, 1989 (France)
- Alternative Titles: O Fantasma Libertino (BR), High Spirits - Die Geister sind willig (DE), Altos espíritus (AR)
- Production Companies: Palace Pictures, Vision PDG, Spelling Films International
- Production Countries: Ireland, United Kingdom, United States of America
High Spirits - Plot
When a hotelier attempts to fill the chronic vacancies at his castle by launching an advertising campaign that falsely portrays the property as haunted, two actual ghosts show up and end up falling for two guests.
High Spirits - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the supernatural chaos unfold at Castle Plunkett:
He's an American. She's a ghost. Vacation romances are always a hassle.
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High Spirits - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Neil Jordan
Main Cast
- Peter O'Toole
- Daryl Hannah
- Steve Guttenberg
- Beverly D'Angelo
- Jennifer Tilly
- Liam Neeson
- Peter Gallagher
- Martin Ferrero
- Donal McCann
- Liz Smith
Writers
- Neil Jordan
Producers
- Stephen Woolley
- David Saunders
High Spirits - FAQs
What is High Spirits about?
High Spirits follows Peter Plunkett, a cash-strapped Irish castle owner who stages fake hauntings to attract tourists. Things spiral delightfully out of control when two genuine ghosts materialise and find themselves romantically drawn to a pair of American guests, blending supernatural comedy with unexpected heart.
Who are the main actors in High Spirits?
The film boasts a wonderfully eclectic cast. Peter O'Toole leads as the frazzled castle owner, with Daryl Hannah and Liam Neeson as the ghostly couple and Steve Guttenberg as the American tourist who falls for Hannah's spirit. Beverly D'Angelo and Jennifer Tilly round out the ensemble beautifully.
Where can you stream or watch High Spirits?
You can watch High Spirits on several platforms. It's available to stream for free with ads on The Roku Channel, YouTube Free, and Tubi TV. If you prefer to own or rent it, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home all have it available.
Did Liam Neeson play a ghost in High Spirits?
Yes! Long before he became an action icon, Liam Neeson plays Martin Brogan, a brooding ghost haunting the castle alongside his wife Mary, played by Daryl Hannah. His performance adds a surprising emotional weight to the film's comedic chaos, and his chemistry with Hannah is genuinely touching.
Who directed High Spirits?
Neil Jordan directed High Spirits. The Irish filmmaker, best known for The Crying Game and Interview with the Vampire, brought a distinctly Celtic sensibility to this supernatural comedy, blending gothic atmosphere with broad humour in a way that feels uniquely his own.
What is the age rating for High Spirits?
High Spirits carries a PG-13 rating in the United States, making it suitable for most audiences. It received a 15 certificate in the United Kingdom and a G rating in Ireland. The film's supernatural comedy is generally light-hearted, though it does contain some adult humour and mild horror elements.
Was High Spirits a box office success?
High Spirits had a modest theatrical run, earning around $8.5 million against a production budget of approximately $15 million. While it didn't set the box office alight on release, the film has since found a warm and loyal cult following, appreciated for its quirky charm and its impressive ensemble cast.
What genre is High Spirits?
High Spirits blends Fantasy, Comedy, and Horror into a thoroughly entertaining mix. It leans most heavily into supernatural comedy, using its Irish castle setting to playful effect. Think ghostly romance, slapstick chaos, and a dash of gothic atmosphere — all wrapped up in a lighthearted, feel-good package.
More About High Spirits
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