The Ghost of Peter Sellers (2018): Cast, Ratings & Plot
The Ghost of Peter Sellers is a 2018 documentary starring Peter Medak, Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan. It runs 1 hour 33 minutes. Its Echo Score is 82/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 33m (93 min)
- Genre
- Documentary
- Original language
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English - Studio
- Vegas Media
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Ghost of Peter Sellers About?
The premise of The Ghost of Peter Sellers without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A documentary about Peter Medak’s unreleased film ‘Ghost in the Noonday Sun’, starring Peter Sellers and filmed in Cyprus in 1973.
The Ghost of Peter Sellers Cast
Peter Medak leads the cast, with Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan.
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Peter Medak as themselves -
Peter Sellers as themselves -
Spike Milligan as themselves -
Robert Wagner as themselves
Also Starring in The Ghost of Peter Sellers
· 28 more- Clive Revill Themselves
- Anthony Franciosa Themselves
- James Villiers Themselves
- Murray Melvin Themselves
- Joseph McGrath Themselves
- Piers Haggard Themselves
- Joe Dunne Themselves
- Susan Wood Themselves
- Victoria Sellers Themselves
- John Goldstone Themselves
- Ruth Myers Themselves
- John Heyman Themselves
- Lorenzo Berni Themselves
- Maggie Abbott Themselves
- Norma Farnes Themselves
- Rene Borisewitz Themselves
Show all 32 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Robin Dalton Themselves
- Simon van der Borgh Themselves
- Tony Christodoulou Themselves
- Kostas Dimitriou Themselves
- Sandy Lieberson Themselves
- Costas Evagorou Themselves
- Rita Franciosa Themselves
- Antony Rufus-Isaacs Themselves
- David Korda Themselves
- Dan Rissner Themselves
- Dennis Frazer Themselves
- Dr. Tony Greenburgh Themselves
The Ghost of Peter Sellers Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 82/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in sensory experience (70).
The Ghost of Peter Sellers Echo Score Breakdown
Overall, the documentary offers a compelling glimpse into a troubled production, combining candid interview material with a clear narrative focus. Critics highlight the film’s honesty and Medak’s reflective storytelling, while audience comments note its emotional depth and educational value. Minor objections concern the omission of release details and an extended runtime that some view as excessive. The balance of praise and the few criticisms results in a solid, engaging work that rewards both casual viewers and film‑history enthusiasts.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 80
In terms of direction and overall craft, the documentary is praised for its methodical assembly of archival footage and interview segments. Reviewers describe the editing as clear and the production design as effective in recreating the 1970s setting. No significant criticism of visual style is noted, resulting in a solid technical execution.
- Character & Emotion 85
When evaluating character depth, the film centers on Peter Medak’s personal reflections, delivering a nuanced portrait of his relationship with Peter Sellers. Critics note the emotional resonance of Medak’s candid admissions and the interplay between creator and subject. This focus creates a compelling emotional core that sustains viewer engagement throughout.
- Story & Flow 75
Regarding story and pacing, reviewers appreciate the linear progression that clarifies the failed production’s chronology. The documentary’s originality lies in its therapist‑like framing, offering insight into creative collapse. However, some audience feedback mentions an overly lengthy runtime, which weakens overall momentum despite the engaging premise.
- Sensory Experience 70
The sensory experience is conveyed through a restrained visual palette and measured sound design that support the documentary’s reflective tone. Critics highlight the film’s ability to evoke the era’s atmosphere without heavy stylistic embellishment. While the soundtrack receives little specific mention, the overall sensory cohesion reinforces the narrative’s introspective quality.
- Rewatch Factor 85
The rewatch factor is strong for audiences interested in filmmaking processes and Peter Sellers’ legacy. Reviewers describe the documentary as an informative case study that remains relevant for future creators, offering lessons on ambition and failure. Its layered personal narrative encourages repeat viewings to uncover additional nuances.
The Ghost of Peter Sellers Plot Summary
What happens in The Ghost of Peter Sellers from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 1-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In September 1973, Peter Sellers was cast in a 17th-century pirate comedy produced by Columbia Pictures and filmed in Cyprus. However, the production quickly devolved into a chaotic game of cat and mouse between Sellers and the director, Peter Medak, along with the rest of the cast, crew, and studio executives.
At the time, Sellers was struggling through a personal and professional crisis following a failed relationship with Liza Minnelli and a string of critical failures. This instability led to a volatile atmosphere on set, characterized by sabotage, mutiny, and grueling shooting schedules in freezing temperatures. Adding to the madness were the frantic on-set rewrites provided by Spike Milligan. While the film was eventually finished, Columbia Pictures chose never to release it in theaters.
Full summary
The whole story of The Ghost of Peter Sellers, scene by scene
The Ghost of Peter Sellers Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Ghost of Peter Sellers.
How Well Do You Know The Ghost of Peter Sellers?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What kind of film was the ill-fated original production that Peter Sellers signed on to in September 1973?
The Ghost of Peter Sellers Also Known As
Also known as “Призрак Питера Селлерса”.
- Also known as
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- Призрак Питера Селлерса
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The Ghost of Peter Sellers FAQ: Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, cast and post-credit scenes of The Ghost of Peter Sellers, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Ghost of Peter Sellers?
The Ghost of Peter Sellers runs 1 hour 33 minutes (93 minutes).
When was The Ghost of Peter Sellers released?
The Ghost of Peter Sellers was released on August 30, 2018.
Who is in the cast of The Ghost of Peter Sellers?
The Ghost of Peter Sellers stars Peter Medak, Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan, among 32 credited actors.
Does The Ghost of Peter Sellers have a post-credit scene?
No. The Ghost of Peter Sellers has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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