Former Palisadian Leslie Mann in ‘Blithe Spirit’

By LILY TINOCO | Reporter

Adapted from Noël Coward’s 1941 play of the same name, director Edward Hall’s “Blithe Spirit” chronicles the mishaps of a novelist as his late, ex-wife Elvira, played by former Palisadian Leslie Mann, haunts his new life.

News of the British comedic film was first released in May 2019 when it was announced Dan Stevens, Isla Fisher and Judi Dench were joining the cast of the film. Mann joined the cast in June 2019, along with Emilia Fox, Dave Johns and James Fleet.

The film follows the life of Charles Condomine (Stevens), who invites Madame Cecily Arcati (Dench), a spiritualist medium to his home for a séance and inspiration for his new book—but in turn, has his home, life and new bride tormented by his late first wife’s ghost (Mann).

In an interview with HeyUGuys, Mann said she was initially drawn to the project by the prospects of working with Dench herself.

“She’s someone that I admire so much … and I wanted to have the opportunity to work with her,” Mann said. “I was so nervous to meet her and … being around her, she just made everyone feel comfortable and she’s so funny and just easy to be with … it was like a dream come true.”

In a separate interview with HeyUGuys, Stevens agreed with Mann, sharing there isn’t a project he wouldn’t do if Dench was involved.

“Blithe Spirit,” which is rated PG-13 for suggestive references and drug material, has a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes.

The film premiered on October 8, 2020, at Mill Valley Film Festival and was screened later that same month at San Diego International Film Festival. The film’s release has been continuously delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with an original release date in the United Kingdom in May 2020.

IFC Film acquired the film’s North American rights in June 2020, and “Blithe Spirit” is slated for release in the United States on February 19.