Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)

VHS CASE/ SIDE

Length of film: 117 Minutes (Restored Edition : 139 Minutes)

Rated: PG

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family

Director: Robert Stevenson, Ward Kimball

Starring: Angela Lansbury, David Tomlinson, Roddy McDowall, Sam Jaffe, John Ericson, Bruce Forsyth

IMDB Rank:7.0 /10

Part 1 Time:  N/A Minutes (Restored Edition: 76 Minutes)

Part 2 Time:  N/A Minutes (Restored Edition: 63 Minutes)

***Originally released in a roadshow format having an intermission. All subsequent releases have excluded the intermission.

Where does the first part end? The Bookman (Sam Jaffe) reveals that the Star of Astaroth is located on a remote island called Nabombu where magic animals with anthropomorphism live. The group then uses the bed to travel to Nabombu.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Enough of this nonsense. Get the book,” the Bookman states to Swinburne (Bruce Forsyth).

First line of dialogue on the second part: The group travels to Naboombu and lands in a lagoon. “Beastly climate. I never did fancy the sea,” states Emelius (David Tomlinson) to the group.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, with a location on the Star of Astaroth, the group travels to Naboombu escaping the Bookman and Swinburne. What dangers will the group encounter on the island?

Which part is better? The film encompasses a mishmash of story ideas based upon the books The Magic Bedknob (1943) and Bonfires and Broomsticks (1947). The film is notable for its live-action/animated sequence, which takes place on the island of Naboombu. Part two is superior to the first half due to the entertaining live-action/animated sequence as well as the climatic clash with the Nazi commando platoon where Miss Price (Angela Lansbury) is able to display her magical abilities.

Academy Awards: 1972- Best Art Direction- Set Decoration (Nominated), Best Costume Design (Nominated), Best Music- Original Song (Nominated), Best Music- Scoring Adaptation and Original Song Score (Nominated), Best Effects- Special Visual Effects (Winner)

Other Awards: 1972 BAFTA- Best Leading Comedy or Musical Actress (Nominated- Angela Lansbury)