Tyler Brooks
Bell, Book and Candle is a 1958 American supernatural romantic comedy film, starring Kim Novak, James Stewart, Jack Lemmon and Ernie Kovacs. The film is an adaptation of the 1950 Broadway play of the same name by John Van Druten and was directed by Richard Quine. The film is set in Manhattan during Christmas and revolves around Gillian Holroyd (Novak), a witch and owner of a rare ethnological art store in Greenwich Village, New York City, who takes an interest in her new neighbour, publisher Shep Henderson (Stewart). The film has a run time of 1 hour 46 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 25 December 1958 |
| Genre | Comedy, Fantasy, Romance |
| Director | Richard Quine |
| Screenplay | Daniel Taradash |
| Story | John Van Druten |
| Lead Cast | James Stewart, Kim Novak |
| Supporting Cast | Jack Lemmon, Ernie Kovacs, Hermione Gingold, Elsa Lanchester, Janice Rule |
| Rating | 6.8 |
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The movie's runtime
The movie "Bell, Book and Candle" has a runtime of 106 minutes. It was released on Christmas Day in 1958 and is a supernatural romantic comedy starring James Stewart, Kim Novak, Jack Lemmon, and Ernie Kovacs. The film is an adaptation of a 1950 Broadway play of the same name by John Van Druten.
Novak portrays Gillian Holroyd, a witch and the owner of a rare ethnological art store in Greenwich Village, New York City. Bored with her routine life, she takes an interest in her new neighbour, publisher Shep Henderson (played by Stewart), and casts a spell on him. The film explores the romantic complications that arise as a result of Gillian's spell, as well as the magical and comedic elements that come with the inclusion of witchcraft.
The film is known for its stylish 1950s setting, eye-popping Technicolor transfer, stunning cinematography by James Wong Howe, and dazzling costume design by Jean Louis. It has been described as a "delightful spoof on witchcraft" and a "quirky little movie" that differs from other "sophisticated comedies" of the late 1950s due to the unique pairing of Stewart and Novak.
"Bell, Book and Candle" has received praise for its comedic and magical elements, with particular mention given to the chemistry between Lemmon and Kovacs, as well as the performances of its lead actors. The film's score by George Duning, production values, and storyline have also been commended. It is considered a rare movie that is hard to find but well worth watching if you come across it.
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The plot
"Bell, Book and Candle" is a 1958 American supernatural romantic comedy film. It is an adaptation of a 1950 Broadway play of the same name by John Van Druten. The film was directed by Richard Quine and written by Daniel Taradash. It stars James Stewart, Kim Novak, Jack Lemmon, and Ernie Kovacs.
The film follows Gillian Holroyd (Novak), a witch and the owner of a rare ethnological art store in Greenwich Village, New York City. Bored with her routine life, Gillian takes an interest in her new neighbour, publisher Shep Henderson (Stewart). On Christmas Eve, Shep arrives home to find Gillian's aunt, Queenie (Elsa Lanchester), inside his apartment. Offended at being ushered out, Queenie—also a witch—casts a hex on Shep's telephone, forcing him to visit Gillian to use her phone. They discuss a best-selling book, "Magic in Mexico", and its author, Sidney Redlitch, whom Shep wants to meet. Queenie invites them both to the Zodiac Club, where she reveals that Shep is engaged to Merle Kittridge (Janice Rule), an old college nemesis of Gillian's.
Gillian uses her magic to pursue Shep anyway, and he soon breaks up with Merle. Redlitch arrives at Shep's office, compelled by Gillian's magic to meet him, and explains that he is researching witches in New York City for his next book. Shep introduces him to the Holroyds, and Gillian's brother Nicky (Lemmon), a warlock, reveals his powers to Redlitch. Nicky offers him access to the witch community in exchange for half the book's profits.
Gillian is torn between her love for Shep and the knowledge that witches lose their magic when they fall in love. Nonetheless, she accepts Shep's marriage proposal. Gillian and Nicky quarrel about his exposing their world to Redlitch and her plans to renounce magic and marry Shep. Using her powers, Gillian makes Shep lose interest in publishing Nicky and Redlitch's book. She confesses that she is a witch and that their relationship is the result of her spell. Heartbroken, Shep leaves Gillian and seeks out Bianca De Pass (a powerful witch), who brews a potion for him to drink, breaking Gillian's spell.
Shep confronts Gillian and cruelly presents her with a broom. Gillian threatens to curse Merle, but her cat Pyewacket runs away, and Shep is unable to convince Merle that he was bewitched. Queenie finds Pyewacket, but the cat rejects Gillian, who is now able to cry—proof that she has fallen in love and is no longer a witch. Weeks later, Shep realises that Gillian truly loves him when he sees her crying, and they reconcile with a passionate kiss.
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Cast and characters
The 1958 American supernatural romantic comedy film "Bell, Book and Candle" boasts a stellar cast, including some of the most renowned actors of the time. The movie was directed by Richard Quine and starred James Stewart, Kim Novak, Jack Lemmon, and Ernie Kovacs in lead and supporting roles.
James Stewart, the iconic actor known for his versatile performances, portrayed the role of 'Shepherd Henderson' or 'Shep', the new neighbour and publisher who falls under Gillian's spell. Stewart's aura of decency and groundedness brought a unique dynamic to the film, creating strange sparks when paired with Kim Novak.
Kim Novak, a rising star herself, played the female lead as 'Gillian Holroyd', a witch and the owner of a rare ethnological art store in Greenwich Village, New York City. Novak's breathless performance and otherworldly charm added a magical touch to the character. Gillian, bored with her routine life, takes an interest in her new neighbour Shep, leading to a romantic complication as witches cannot fall in love.
Jack Lemmon, a talented actor, portrayed 'Nicky Holroyd', Gillian's brother, a bongo drum-playing warlock. Lemmon's performance added humour and charm to the film, and his chemistry with Ernie Kovacs, who played the writer 'Sidney Radlitch' or 'Redlitch', was well-received.
Ernie Kovacs, a versatile actor, took on the role of the writer character Sidney Radlitch, bringing his comedic talents to the film. The supporting cast also included renowned actors such as Elsa Lanchester, Hermione Gingold, Janice Rule, and Bek Nelson, each contributing to the film's delightful and quirky tone.
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Critical reception
The 1958 film Bell, Book and Candle has received generally positive reviews from critics. The movie, starring Kim Novak, James Stewart, Jack Lemmon, and Ernie Kovacs, is a romantic comedy with a fantasy twist. It is based on the 1950 Broadway play of the same name by John Van Druten.
Many reviews highlight the strong performances of the lead actors, particularly praising Novak's beauty and elegance, and Stewart's comedic timing and aura of decency. One review notes that Stewart was an "excellent comedy actor" and that he and Novak had "strange sparks" flying between them. Another review mentions that "Stewart was himself, highly lacquered, as the publisher whom she hooks". Lemmon and Kovacs's performances are also commended for their comic chemistry, with one review calling it an "overlooked gem".
The film's direction, cinematography, set design, costume design, and score have also been praised. One review mentions the "eye-popping Technicolor transfer" and "stunning cinematography", while another commends the "dreamy" and "romantic" film score. The film's quirky subject matter and stylish 1950s setting have been noted as standing out from other films of that era.
However, some reviews have been more critical of Novak's performance, with one stating that she was "rather breathless the entire movie", and another noting that "Stewart, playing the foil, deserves better material".
Overall, Bell, Book and Candle is considered a delightful and enchanting comedy with strong performances, unique subject matter, and impressive technical elements.
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Where to watch
The 1958 film Bell, Book and Candle, starring Kim Novak, James Stewart, Jack Lemmon, and Ernie Kovacs, is available for purchase or rental on several online platforms.
You can buy the movie on Amazon Video, Fandango At Home, Apple TV, and the Microsoft Store. You also have the option to rent it on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, and the Microsoft Store.
If you're looking for physical media, you can purchase the DVD from Amazon.com.
Additionally, Bell, Book and Candle is available for streaming on Prime Video with a subscription.
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Frequently asked questions
The movie Bell, Book and Candle is 1 hour 46 minutes long.
Bell, Book and Candle is a romantic comedy about a witch, Gillian Holroyd (Kim Novak), who falls in love with her new neighbour, Shep Henderson (James Stewart). Gillian casts a spell on Shep, who is engaged to her old college rival, but in the process, she ends up falling for him herself.
You can buy or rent Bell, Book and Candle on Amazon Video, Fandango At Home, Apple TV, and the Microsoft Store.
