Earthbound (1940 film)

Earthbound is a 1940 American fantasy film directed by Irving Pichel. The screenplay was written by William Hurlbut, based on a story by Dalton Trumbo. The film stars Warner Baxter, Lynn Bari, and Carole Landis.

The plot revolves around a wealthy but unfaithful lawyer, Nick Desborough (Baxter), who is murdered by his wife's lover. Denied entry to the afterlife due to his sins but also prevented from fully dying because his killer has not been brought to justice, Nick becomes a restless spirit, "earthbound" to the mortal realm. He observes his wife Julie (Bari) and the man who murdered him, Michael Carew (Basil Rathbone), as they attempt to get away with the crime. He eventually finds a way to communicate with his loyal secretary, Judy Reynolds (Landis), and works through her to expose the killer.

The film is notable for its use of special effects to depict Nick's ghostly presence. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Earthbound is a supernatural crime drama with elements of both film noir and fantasy.