Bewitched and Bedazzled

Felicitations to you, reader. I'm blog-examining another favourite film from 1971. It's extremely underacknowledged, underappreciated, underestimated celluloid. The film's Bedknobs and Broomsticks, the 117 minute cut 'cause I'm personally partial to it.

David Jonas's opening titles sequence of tapestries is hypening. There is art-direction with Peter Ellenshaw's handiworks. For scenery there's sets and English/Californian location footage. The songs are gloriously composed by Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. Donald McKayle's choreography is heightening to the musical numbers. Irwin Kostal's conducting of the musicians, orchestrations and score are radiance. Frank Phillips thrived at the photography direction (kudos to Frank for not shooting Angela Lansbury in soft-focus). There are trained rabbits and a black cat. Bill Thomas designed the costumes grandly.

The animated sequence is a selling point. It has a reused song, comical slapstick and savvy voice-work by Bob Holt, Dallas McKennon, James MacDonald and a double-rolling Lennie Weinrib. It's co-storied by Ralph Wright, the voice of Eeyore. It was overseen by Ward Kimball and character designed by Milt Kahl, 2 9ths of the 9 old men, too.

I actually have favorable things to write about the effects. They plot-facilitate. The Sodium Vapor process is wonderfully executed. The animated effects are effective within the universe. A bulk of the effects were practical. Subtracting minor instances of visible wiring, there is stellar wirework.

Robert Stevenson directed the film stupendously. Robert assisted in making the film engaging. Stevenson was wondrous at directing folks in the moment. He could helm a scaleful movie. His directorial efforts crafted a grounded fantasy.

The film's acting is adept. The Portabello Road dancers are so nimble. Despite slashed screen time, Roddy McDowall acted sufficiently. Arthur E. Gould-Porter's enjoyable as a pompous captain. Reginald Owen delivered a commendable theatrical film swan song performance. Making me proud of my Welsh roots, Tessie O'Shea pops-up as the Pepperinge Eye postmistress. Bruce Forsythe had buyability as a spiv underling and Sam Jaffe's unsavory as an unscrupulous individual. John Ericson definitely had believability as a Nazi colonel. The trio of child performers had ragamuffin's precociousness.

Our principals stupefied and had divine chemistry. Angela Lansbury (pre-Mrs. Potts) is dignified and strongly-willed as Miss Eglantine Price. She's so purehearted and invested. Angela had the repertoire/expertise to headline a 70s musical film. David Tomlinson demonstrated range and was an immensely flairful leading man. He's an endearing rascal as Professor Emelius Browne. Tomlinson is exuberantly dynamic, too.

Minus incorrect sports terminology and 2 out-of-character lines, Don DaGradi (the producer) and Bill Walsh penned a sensational script. It's adventurous, humorous and the remaining dialogue has wellness The story can be perilous. History is respectfully woven into the screenplay. There's an epically executed final battle. The humiliation of Nazis has satisfaction. The film skillfully adapts/combines 2 books by Mary Norton (The Borrowers creator), 1943's The Magic Bed-knob and 1945's Bonfires and Broomsticks.

My only additional gripe with the movie is the scene-trimming's occasionally noticeable. Anyhow, the film is infectiously joyous. It shouldn't juxtaposed to a particular magnum opus. It oughta garner appreciation of its own. Bedknobs and Broomsticks appeals to a plethora of ages. Incidentally, I'm hyped for the forthcoming stage iteration. The film's in hands of capability and the show shall stagger. They shan't be dealing with the estate of a persnickety author. Break a leg to the cast and crew. Incidentally, this post is dedicated to my fantastico friend. She is an unbelievably outstanding person.