I haven’t really run across a movie in this particular category before, which I’ll ad lib as dry farce. Castle In The Air (1952) concerns a Scottish Earl of Locharne who has been attempting to keep the family castle going by renting out its rooms as a bed and breakfast, even as the joint appears to be falling apart around him. Among his employees and family is the butler and handyman who refuses to accept a layoff notice, and also plays, or pretends to play, the bagpipe; the Earl’s manager, Miss Trent, who he calls ‘boss’; and the family poltergeist who provides a bit of entertainment for the guests, both day-only and overnight.
There are several guests, but two standout. The representative of the local coal board, Mr. Phillips, has come visiting to decide if the castle should be requisitioned for use by the local coal-miners, a precipitous event which the Earl dislikes intensely. Consequently, Mr. Phillips has been put up in the worst room in the castle. On the other hand, Miss Nicholson, Scottish through and through, has convinced herself that this Earl of Locharne is the true heir to the Scottish throne, and has thrown herself into proving this through her genealogy passion, not to mention quite the deep Scottish accent.
Into this mess strides long-legged Mrs. Dunne of Denver, CO. She claims to be a Locharne; even better, her portion of a restaurant chain that she won from her ex-husband sets her up in enough funds to buy the castle, if she wants it – and she thinks it charming.
It turns into a balancing act, convincing Mr. Phillips that the castle is a wreck, while showing Mrs. Dunne that it’s not entirely a loss. Meanwhile, Miss Nicholson is attempting to start a revolution to install the Earl into his rightful throne. And, ‘boss’ Trent alternates between yearning for the Earl (who’s not nearly as charming as she claims, at least to me) and being outraged at the hijinks she imagines him indulging in.
It has its moments, but the print we viewed was somewhat flawed, which was disappointing. I thought the lead, played by David Tomlinson, could have been more effective. Yet, the overall whimsy of this movie, completely lacking in any profound thought or emotion, was actually attractive, making for a restful night after a day of futile fencing at the local tournament. The cold of January in Minnesota is best left outside, and watching Castle In The Air was peculiarly restful.
