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Cover of The Ghost Breaker: A Melodramatic Farce in Four Acts

The Ghost Breaker: A Melodramatic Farce in Four Acts

Written by Charles Goddard,Paul Dickey

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American drama

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About this book

"The Ghost Breaker: A Melodramatic Farce in Four Acts" by Paul Dickey and Charles Goddard is a theatrical play written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a gripping yet humorous narrative about feuds, mistaken identities, and supernatural elements, pivotal to the events. The main character, Warren Jarvis, finds himself entangled in a life-or-death situation involving a Princess named Maria Theresa, leading to a series of comedic and dramatic escapades as he navigates through a haunted castle in search of treasure while avoiding the law. The opening of the play sets the stage in a hotel room where Warren Jarvis, having narrowly escaped a violent confrontation, accidentally intrudes into the presence of Princess Maria Theresa. As they interact, it's revealed that Jarvis is on the run from both the law and his family's longstanding feud, particularly after hearing gunshots that indicate more trouble. Princess Maria offers him aid in exchange for his help with a dangerous mission tied to her haunted family castle. The suspense builds as they devise a plan for Jarvis to escape and carry out his task, highlighting both the urgency of their predicament and the comedic misunderstandings inherent in their situation.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Ghost Breaker: A Melodramatic Farce in Four Acts, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • humorous
  • mysterious
  • suspenseful

Paul Dickey and Charles Goddard's "The Ghost Breaker" is a captivating early 20th-century theatrical play that masterfully blends elements of melodrama, farce, and supernatural intrigue. The narrative follows Warren Jarvis, a man on the run from the law and a bitter family feud, who unexpectedly finds himself aiding Princess Maria Theresa. Their alliance forms around a dangerous mission to uncover treasure within Maria's reputedly haunted ancestral castle, all while evading capture and navigating a labyrinth of mistaken identities and comedic misunderstandings. The play's four acts unfold a thrilling adventure filled with suspense, humor, and a quest that challenges perceptions of reality and duty.

“"A ghost, you say? My dear Princess, the only spirits I've ever feared wore badges!"”

Key themes

Appearance vs. Reality
This theme is central to the play, particularly through the 'haunted' castle. What appears to be supernatural phenomena are ultimately revealed to be human deceptions, challenging both the characters' and the audience's perceptions. It explores how easily people can be manipulated by fear and belief in the inexplicable.
Heroism and Duty
The play explores different facets of heroism. Warren Jarvis, despite being a fugitive, embodies a sense of duty to aid Princess Maria, showcasing that heroism isn't confined to those with unblemished records. It's about self-sacrifice, courage in the face of danger, and upholding a moral code.
Family Legacy and Feuds
Both Warren Jarvis and Princess Maria Theresa are deeply affected by their family histories. Jarvis is on the run due to a long-standing family feud, while Maria's castle and treasure are part of her family's legacy, threatened by external forces. The play explores how past grievances and inherited responsibilities shape present actions.

Worth discussing

How does 'The Ghost Breaker' successfully blend melodrama and farce? What are the key elements of each genre present in the play?

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