High Spirits (1988): Halloween movies to get you in the spirit

Halloween can make you horny for ghosts. 

That’s probably the easiest takeaway from “High Spirits,” the bizarre rom-com from 1988 that bombed at the box office and with critics. The director, Neil Jordan, has even ghosted this movie, claiming his version was never released.

“High Spirits” (PG-13) never gets its rightful place on any Halloween movie lists.

Except mine!

I’m adding it to my list because of childhood nostalgia. And for the deeper meaning, which is: Halloween can bring you back to life.

Watching as a pre-teen, I was intrigued by the visual effects: The Irish castle and its elaborate arched doors and four-poster beds; the ghastly make-up of the ancestors who emerge from their crypts; and the spookiest scene …. The one with the faceless ghost nuns! 

But re-watching as a 40-something, I zero in on the very adult themes: The threat of foreclosure (which gets the entire plot rolling); A LOT of coping with liquid spirits; multiple foiled suicide attempts; and alllllll the “skelping,” which is the movie’s term for ghost sex.

This is a movie about the dangers and delights of relationships, which is explained more in a pivotal scene with the underappreciated matriarch, Mrs. Plunkett, only known as “Mother!,” which Peter O’Toole frequently screams.

Mother! is the closest thing to a wise witch in this movie.

Steve Guttenberg is Jack, the underwhelming American who is confused by his attraction to 200-year-old Mary Plunkett, the ghost played by Daryl Hannah.

“True love can move mountains,” Mother tells Jack, while she’s drunk and dressed in Victorian pajamas (my new retirement goal). 

“But it can’t bring the dead back to life,” he counters.

“Oh, yes it can,” Mother says, getting a little frisky. “On All Hallows’ Eve … [which just so happens to be the following day] … when the spirit moves … and the flesh is willing … the juices flow … the skelping is mighty.”

“But it’s dangerous,” Mother warns. “You mustn’t go too far.”

Then Jack is invited to read more about this skelping wisdom, as the ancient “Book of High Spirits” floats to him across the room.

I love the emphasis on book knowledge … but I also love how two very unhappy couples (one ghost, one human) can find more passionate lives on Halloween.

(Isn’t this why most Halloween costumes are so … sexy?)

The castle is also brought back to life for the Plunketts (no foreclosure!) … and the other supporting characters seem to find their own versions of happiness as well.

A truly Happy Halloween!

Want more movies to help get you in the spirit? My witchy Halloween countdown continues with:

• Halloweentown (1998)
• “She-Devil” (1989)