The Canterville Ghost (1944)

In the 17th century, a father (Reginald Owen) has his son (Charles Laughton) walled up alive because of an act of cowardice. The father places a curse that his son's spirit will never rest until a kinsman performs an act of bravery to redeem him. Based on the short story by Oscar Wilde and directed by Jules Dassin (NEVER ON SUNDAY). This charming bit of fantasy combines several elements including horror, comedy, action and drama. I recall seeing the movie when I was very young, perhaps too young as the image of Laughton pleading to his father as he was entombed alive terrified me and gave me fears of being buried alive. Laughton is just wonderful here as the role gives him a chance to play broad comedy yet still bring a sense of tragedy to his ghost yearning for peace but condemned to wander for eternity. That uncanny child actress Margaret O'Brien holds her own in her scenes with Laughton, no small feat. With Robert Young as Laughton's only hope for redemption, Una O'Connor, William Gargan, Rags Ragland and Elisabeth Risdon.