The Ghost Breaker A Melodramatic Farce in Four Acts

The Ghost Breaker by Charles Goddard crackles with haunted-house hijinks and stageable suspense, a melodramatic farce that helped define early 20th-century American theater. Fast-paced and theatrical, this four-act play blends slapstick, romance, and spooky spectacle as bravado and bluff collide with clever stagecraft. Set against the popular melodrama and vaudeville traditions, the story pits schemers, rescuers, and a daring heroine against contrived hauntings and comic deception. Goddard’s razor-sharp dialogue and plot turns keep the momentum brisk while spotlighting the era’s love of visible stage tricks—complete with plots for stage managers, carpenters, and electricians that reveal how elaborate effects once thrilled live audiences. Themes of courage, mistaken identity, and theatricality underpin the humor without sacrificing heart. A classic piece of literature and theater history, The Ghost Breaker is a must-listen for lovers of plays, vintage melodrama, and haunted-house comedy. Ideal for audiobook listeners who enjoy spirited performances, historical stagecraft, or witty, fast-moving dramas, this play offers both entertainment and a lively glimpse into the mechanics of old-fashioned stage magic.