Chloe Adams
Bell, Book and Candle is an American supernatural romantic comedy film released in 1958. It was directed by Richard Quine and based on the 1950 Broadway play of the same name by John Van Druten. The film stars Kim Novak as a witch who casts a spell on her neighbour, played by James Stewart. It was also adapted into a 30-minute pilot episode for a television sitcom fantasy series in 1976, but the show was not picked up.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1958 |
| Director | Richard Quine |
| Screenplay | Daniel Taradash |
| Based on the play by | John Van Druten |
| Starring | James Stewart, Kim Novak, Jack Lemmon, Ernie Kovacs, Hermione Gingold, Elsa Lanchester, Janice Rule |
| Genre | Supernatural romantic comedy |
| Plot | A witch who casts a spell on her neighbour |
| Remake | A television sitcom fantasy series starring Yvette Mimieux and Michael Murphy aired on NBC on September 8, 1976 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The film's release year
The film Bell, Book and Candle was released in 1958. It is an American supernatural romantic comedy directed by Richard Quine, based on the 1950 Broadway play of the same name by John Van Druten. The film stars James Stewart, Kim Novak, Jack Lemmon, and Ernie Kovacs.
Novak portrays a witch, Gillian Holroyd, who is also the owner of a rare ethnological art store in Greenwich Village, New York City. She casts a spell on her neighbour, played by Stewart. The film is considered Stewart's final role as a romantic lead.
In 1976, Bell, Book and Candle was pitched as a television sitcom fantasy series. A 30-minute pilot episode aired on NBC on September 8, 1976, but the show was not picked up.
In the late 2000s, The Walt Disney Company planned a remake of the film, with Alicia Keys set to play Gillian Holroyd. However, the remake was never made and Keys dropped out of the role.
Easy Candle Repair: Stop the Cave-In
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The play's first performance
The play Bell, Book and Candle was first produced in New York by Irene Mayer Selznick on November 14, 1950. It starred Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer and was directed by its author, John Van Druten. The play ran for almost a year on Broadway and only closed because Van Druten could not find a satisfactory substitute cast.
The 1958 film adaptation of the play was directed by Richard Quine and starred Kim Novak, James Stewart, Jack Lemmon, and Ernie Kovacs. In the film, Novak portrays Gillian Holroyd, a witch and the owner of a rare ethnological art store in Greenwich Village, New York City. She takes an interest in her new neighbour, publisher Shep Henderson (Stewart), and casts a spell on him, despite his engagement to her old college rival, Merle (Janice Rule).
The film was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Art Direction/Set Design and Best Costume Design in 1959. It is considered Stewart's final role as a romantic lead.
In 1976, Bell, Book and Candle was pitched as a television sitcom fantasy series. A 30-minute pilot episode, starring Yvette Mimieux and Michael Murphy, aired on NBC but the show was not picked up.
Shipping Wholesale Candles: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The TV pilot episode
In 1976, Bell, Book and Candle was pitched as a television sitcom fantasy series. A 30-minute pilot episode aired on NBC on September 8, 1976. The pilot starred Yvette Mimieux and Michael Murphy and was directed by Hy Averback and written by Richard DeRoy. The show was not picked up.
The pilot episode's supporting cast included Doris Roberts as Aunt Enid, John Pleshette as Nicky Holroyd, Bridget Hanley as Lois, Susan Sullivan as Rosemary, Edward Andrews as Bishop Fairbarn, and Dori Whitaker as Melissa. Bruce Lansbury was the executive producer.
The TV pilot was based on the 1958 film of the same name, which was directed by Richard Quine and starred Kim Novak as Gillian Holroyd, a witch and owner of an art store in Greenwich Village, New York City. The film also starred James Stewart as Shep Henderson, a publisher who becomes the object of Gillian's affections. Gillian casts a love spell on Shep, despite his engagement to his old college rival, Merle (played by Janice Rule).
The film was based on the 1950 Broadway play of the same name by John Van Druten. It was acknowledged as part of the inspiration for the television series Bewitched.
Easy Ways to Remove Stubborn Candle Wax Remnants
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The film's director
Richard Quine directed the 1958 film Bell, Book and Candle, a supernatural romantic comedy. The film premiered in Los Angeles on November 11, 1958, and was later released in New York on December 25, 1958. It is an adaptation of John Van Druten's 1950 Broadway play of the same name.
Quine's direction captures the imagination with cool witch hexes, cute cat shots, and sweet romantic gestures. The film is considered James Stewart's final role as a romantic lead. Quine's Bell, Book and Candle is also notable for its cinematography, set design, and use of colour.
Quine's involvement in the film was not without controversy. James Stewart, who played the male lead, was unhappy with Quine's appointment as director. Kim Novak, the film's female lead, convinced Stewart to accept Quine. Rumours were circulating that Novak and Quine were having a secret affair. Gossip columnist Hedda Hopper printed the allegations two days before filming began.
Quine was born in 1920 and began his career as an actor. He appeared in over 40 films before serving in the US Navy during World War II. After the war, he resumed his acting career and began working as a director. He directed over 20 films and television shows before his death in 1989.
Candle Businesses: A Lucrative Niche Market
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The film's cast
The film Bell, Book and Candle was released in 1958 and features a star-studded cast. The lead roles were played by Kim Novak as Gillian Holroyd and James Stewart as Shep or Shepherd Henderson. Novak's character is a witch who owns an ethnological art store in Greenwich Village, New York City, and casts a spell on her neighbour, played by Stewart.
The film also features Jack Lemmon as Nicky Holroyd, Gillian's bongo-playing warlock brother, and Ernie Kovacs as Sidney Redlitch, a writer who is fascinated by witches. The supporting cast includes Elsa Lanchester as Queenie, Hermione Gingold as Mrs De Pass, and Janice Rule as Merle Kittridge, Shep's fiancée.
In 1957, the producers launched a search for Siamese cats to play Pyewacket, with as many as 12 cats needed for the film. The primary cat used for close-up shots was owned by animal trainer Frank Inn and was given to Novak after filming.
In 1976, a television sitcom fantasy series based on the film was pitched, starring Yvette Mimieux and Michael Murphy. The show was not picked up. In 2006, a remake of the film was planned by The Walt Disney Company, with Alicia Keys set to play Gillian Holroyd. However, the remake was never made and Keys dropped out of the role.
Ear Candling: Effective Water Removal Method?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Bell, Book and Candle was released in 1958.
The film was directed by Richard Quine.
The original play was written by John Van Druten and first produced in 1950.
The movie stars Kim Novak, James Stewart, Jack Lemmon, and Ernie Kovacs.
