The Rattling Chain Ghost is a spirit featured in The Story and Song from the Haunted Mansion but curiously not the attraction itself.
Description[]
The Story and Song from the Haunted Mansion[]
In The Story and Song from the Haunted Mansion, the ghost appears right after the Endless Hallway scene where it terrorizes the mortal protagonists Mike and Karen.
The ghost makes screaming sounds and rattled chain noises while running directly at the mortals. The two get out of the way by hiding in a nearby corridor and then see the "Ghost-like figure" pass by them.
The Ghost Host goes on to comment on how the spirit is a resident enjoying itself by terrorizing the mortals.
Identification[]
Marc Davis artwork of a chained up ghost having tea in the graveyard with a bride
Concept Art[]
Marc Davis artwork exists depicting a chained up ghost with a shroud-shaped body similar to a cartoon ghost. It is possible that this is of the rattling chained ghost considering the combination of "Ghost-like figure" and chains.
The concept art is however considered to be an early stage of design for the Prisoner seen in the final attraction.
The Haunted Mansion (ride)[]
A version of the ghost's effect can be observed in the attraction following the Endless Hallway while approaching the Conservatory scene. This being after the Ghost Host makes his, "Shhh. Listen" dialogue and some creepy ambience plays.
Trivia[]
- The Rattling Chain Ghost is not the only spirit who appeared in The Story and Song from the Haunted Mansion but not the ride itself for guest observation. More famously, the Hatbox Ghost did this as well until 2015 when the character was re-installed.
- The ghost was very likely inspired by the character of Jacob Marley from Charles Dickens' The Christmas Carol. Marley having been a cruel and evil man who was punished in death with the chains of suffering which he had forged in life.
- Jacob Marley was once proposed by Ken Anderson to be one of the Haunted Mansion's famous ghosts.