Three Live Ghosts (1929): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1929, Three Live Ghosts is a comedy film directed by Thornton Freeland, running about 87 minutes. “A Fugitive Yank- A Lovable Cockney and a Kidnapping Kleptomaniac” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. An investigator is asking Mrs. Gubbins about a William Foster, who was a friend of her stepson Jimmy. Both are listed as killed in action during the Great War. It is Armistice Day, 1918, and the war is over. Who should be strolling down the street but Jimmy Gubbins, Bill 'Jones' and another man who has lost his memory. They are ghosts as the official records list them as dead and not as escaped P.O.W's. Jimmy's mother is not happy to see that Jimmy is still living as she has been spending the death benefits, but she is happy to see Bill as there is a large reward for him. No one knows much about the third one, called 'Spoofy', except that he can steal anything at anytime and that gets everyone is trouble.

Who’s in it. Three Live Ghosts stars Beryl Mercer as Mrs. Gubbins, Joan Bennett as Rose Gordon, Robert Montgomery as William Foster and Hilda Vaughn as Peggy Woofers, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Three Live Ghosts page.

If you liked it. Fans of Three Live Ghosts tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.