Sylvia and the Ghost 1946

Baron Eduard sells Alain portrait to the art dealer

Baron Eduard agrees to sell a large portrait of Alain de Francigny to raise money for the family fortune. The sale is meant to relieve financial pressure on the château, but it removes the painting that hides a secret passage. The decision ties the family’s present troubles to a past romance and a ghostly legend linked to Alain.

The portrait conceals a secret passage used by Alain's lover

Sylvie's grandmother, who was Alain's lover, visited him through a hidden passage concealed by the portrait. Their romance becomes a whispered history inside the château walls. The portrait thus becomes more than a likeness; it is a doorway to the past.

Alain is killed in a duel

Alain de Francigny dies in a duel with Sylvie's grandmother's first husband. The tragedy cements the ghostly lore that haunts the family. The duel’s memory lingers over the château and the portrait that contains its secrets.

The portrait houses Alain's dog and the family dog Pyramus

In the portrait, Alain's faithful spaniel remains at his side, a silent witness to the tragedy. Pyramus the family dog barks relentlessly at the image, as if the portrait keeps alive the memory of his master. The image breathes life into the tale every time it is seen.

Sylvie's 16th birthday approaches; she believes in Alain's ghost

Sylvie has long believed in Alain's ghost, though she has never actually seen him. She regards the legend as a comforting presence as she nears her sixteenth birthday. The looming celebration amplifies her longing and keeps the ghostly idea alive in the château.

The painting is moved to delay Sylvie's distress

To ease her distress over the sale, the painting is crated and taken down the hidden stair in secret. At the bottom of the stairs, Alain's ghost emerges, followed by his little spaniel, and they begin to roam the castle. They observe the family, especially Sylvie, watching from the shadows.

Frederick shows sympathy for Sylvie

Frederick, the art dealer’s son, feels pity for Sylvie and wonders why his father did not offer a loan instead. His sympathy contrasts with his father’s cold business mindset, revealing a human dimension behind the deal. The moment plants the seeds for later actions in the tale.

The Baron plans a ghostly ruse

To keep Sylvie’s spirits up, the Baron hires an actor to appear as Alain’s ghost. The staged specter is designed to comfort and enchant, blurring lines between illusion and reality. It sets the stage for the later ball and the true ghostly revelation.

Ramure breaks in and the painting disappears

During the night, the thief Ramure sneaks in to steal the painting but is disappointed to find it gone. Alain’s ghost and his dog, sleeping in the empty frame, are awakened by Ramure’s flashlight. The theft spirals into a new conspiracy rooted in the family’s past.

Cameo theft leads to confrontation and arrest

Ramure escapes with the cameo, but Frederick intervenes; a quarrel erupts and rouses the household guards. The commotion awakens Pyramus and Hector, and the arrival of the real actor Anicet coincides with police at the door seeking Ramure. The Baron orders a grounds search to recover the stolen art.

The ball night and the illusion goes live

The Baron suggests the trio—Ramure, the actor, and others—join the illusion for the night of the ball. The guests dress in sheets with pointed hoods as the ghostly program unfolds, and the stage is set for Alain’s appearance among the party guests. Sylvie is drawn to a man in the ghostly guise, not knowing who he really is.