This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 76. You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey there, friends! 🌟
Buckle up, because we’re taking a time-traveling trip to the whimsical world of “Bedknobs and Broomsticks,” a 1971 Disney gem that’s equal parts kooky, charming, and surprisingly poignant. Think “Mary Poppins” on a sugar rush, with a dash of wartime grit and a sprinkle of stop-motion animation that’ll have you grinning like a Cheshire Cat.
Picture this: an aspiring witch, Eglantine Price, played by the ever-so-elegant Angela Lansbury, accidentally takes in three orphaned kiddos during WWII. Lansbury’s character is all about using witchcraft to aid in the war effort – talk about multitasking! The kids, of course, are a handful, but they stumble upon her secret and the real fun begins.
Speaking of Nazis, yeah, the film takes a detour into wartime England, which might seem jarring at first. But here’s the thing: it works. The war adds a layer of urgency and stakes, reminding us that even amidst fantastical shenanigans, real-world dangers lurk. Plus, it gives us the most badass scene ever: animated suits of armor pummeling Nazis with lances and swords. Talk about your revisionist history, baby!
So, Eglantine puts a spell on a brass bedknob, which, when attached to their bed, can transport them anywhere. I mean, who needs Uber when you’ve got a flying bed, right? The bed takes them on a quest to find a spell that can bring inanimate objects to life. Cue the amazing blend of live-action and animation that Disney’s known for! They meet Professor Emelius Browne (played by David Tomlinson), who’s a bit of a lovable fraud, but he’s got charm to spare.
The animation sequences are just bananas – like, they play soccer with animals on a mythical island. Can you imagine? 🐯⚽️ And then there’s that epic scene where they animate a whole army of medieval armor to fight off Nazis. It’s like history class meets a Halloween party.
Though the special effects might seem a bit dated now, they were groundbreaking for its time. The animation in “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” is a delightful mix of live-action and stop-motion, and it still has this timeless appeal. And let’s not forget the titular bed itself, soaring through the clouds with the grace of a slightly tipsy hippopotamus. It’s goofy, it’s charming, and it’s pure movie magic.
The songs, oh, the songs! They’re catchy as heck. You’ll catch yourself humming “The Age of Not Believing” or “Portobello Road” days after watching. It’s like the songs cast their own spell on you. 🎶✨
And let’s not forget the humor! It’s subtle but so effective. Like, there’s this one scene where Eglantine tries to ride a broomstick for the first time, and let’s just say it doesn’t go as planned.
But beneath all the fun and fantasy, there’s a heartwarming message about family, bravery, and believing in the impossible. It’s like a warm, fuzzy blanket on a chilly night.
What I absolutely adore about this movie is how it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s like a playful nudge in the ribs, reminding you to let loose and embrace the silliness. The blend of real-life drama with whimsical fantasy elements is just genius. You’re sitting there, one moment worried about the war, and the next, you’re cheering on a group of animated animals playing soccer. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, and I’m here for it!
As for the actors, they really brought their A-game. Angela Lansbury’s portrayal of Eglantine Price is nothing short of magical (pun intended!). She’s got this grace and poise, but also a mischievous sparkle in her eye. And David Tomlinson, as Professor Emelius Browne, is just hilariously charming. His comedic timing is spot on, and he plays the bumbling professor role to perfection. The kids, played by Cindy O’Callaghan, Roy Snart, and Ian Weighill, are just adorable and so believable in their roles. Their wide-eyed wonder and mischief add so much to the film’s charm.
Okay, so maybe the plot gets a little convoluted at times, and the songs aren’t quite Sherman Brothers classics. But who cares? “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” is a whirlwind of imagination, heart, and humor that’ll leave you humming off-key and grinning like a loon. It’s a reminder that even when the world feels dark and chaotic, a little bit of magic (and a whole lot of sass) can make all the difference. So grab your broomsticks, put on your thinking caps, and get ready for a flight of fancy you won’t soon forget. Just don’t blame me if you start levitating your teacups afterwards.
Until tomorrow, stay whimsical! ✨
Roger