I loved this masterpiece and quite frankly I, too found Mary Poppins (although I love Julie Andrews and Dick VanDyke) to be silly and sacrine-sweet. Angela Lansbury plays her character to perfection and I don't know why people think of this film as distorted. It was magical and it was lots of fun to watch. Every scene held a certain charm as you got to know the characters better. You truly see how this little thrown together family learn to bond with each other, despite their age and differences. I thought the characters were well developed, especially Charles who was at "The Age of not Believing". Mary Poppins may be more popular and cherished by others but this little gem will be the one that I will always love and cherish.
131 Reviews
On par with Mary Poppins.
TheLittleSongbird27 February 2009
Mary Poppins is definitely much better, but this is a lovely film nonetheless. Angela Lansbury is splendidly dotty as Engletine Price, and David Tomlinson has great fun as Mr. Brown. Their chemistry was just brilliant as well. The children, however just lacked the same sparkle, though Paul is very funny and cute. The songs were actually not as bad as some people say, "Beautiful Briny Sea" is the best, in fact all the songs are outstanding. The special effects were wonderful, that had plenty of magic, and the story is original enough. The highlights, though, like Mary Poppins, were the animated sequences. The underwater sequence was beautiful, but my favourite was the football match, which was absolutely hilarious. The only other criticism was that I didn't quite get the ending when I first saw it. All in all, a lovely film, that is hardly ever on. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Good Film. But Various Different Edits Taint its Enjoyment
jbartelone5 December 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Bedknobs and Broomsticks is often compared to Mary Poppins and rightfully so as both films have a similar story line. A magical nanny is sent to look after children, both have the same leading protagonist (David Tomlinson,) both feature live film and animation, with songs by the Sherman brothers, and both came out of the Walt Disney studio.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks involves an apprentice witch who wants to complete her correspondence course in beginning witchcraft, but to do this, she has to search for a magical spell called Subsitutiary Locomotion which will complete her training. The story involves Angela Lansbury, playing the witch, who flies on a magical bed with Tomlinson and her three caretakers, to an animated land attempting to retrieve the spell. In addition, the film is set in World War II, where a mixture of live Nazi's and animated creatures both try to help and hinder Lansbury, Tomlinson, and the children on their adventures. The five characters control the bed through a magical bedknob that transports them from a reality world to a fantasy world and back again.
Years ago, I had a record that had the Songs From Bedknobs and Broomsticks on it and loved it! However, when I saw the film on Turner Classic Movies and later researched it, sadly I learned that this film, which could have been a classic, suffers badly because of editing and failed restoration work.
The original release of the film played in limited areas and ran about two and a half hours. Disney decided to make its first cuts to the film several months later when it went into wide release. The wide release version is what I saw on Turner Classic Movies. While this film was trimmed by over twenty minutes, most likely to cater to the shorter attention spans of children at the time of wide release, you can easily spot the edits. The Eglantine number is shortened, only a few words of With a Flair remain, The Old Home Guard seems to start in the middle of the second verse of the song, and the wonderful perhaps best song in the film "A Step in The Right Direction" is not there. However, you can hear the instances of the instrumental on the soundtrack.
In 1979, the film was re-released again and ludicrously cut even more to about ninety five minutes. For years this is what was played on Standard Cable and Broadcast TV. Only two songs remain in this version. In 1996, Disney attempted to reconstruct the film, but were successful only in spots. About twenty minutes of footage was found and added back into the movie. However, the song "A Step in the Right Direction" was mysteriously not found and remains "Lost." The audio track for the song was recovered, and you can hear this on the Special Edition DVD, with still shots from the film showing what the scenes looked like as the song was song.
However, the discarded footage soundtrack was not recoverable, because it had been damaged or lost. Many actors were too old or had passed away and could not re-do their speaking and singing parts, so Disney had to hire extras to dub their voices over the restored footage. The dubbing is horribly bad, especially for the voice-over of one of the children, Charlie, and the voice-over for David Tomlinson, sounds nothing like him! You would think Disney could have at least found actors with voices that resembled the tones, accents, and pitches of the original dialog. It is great that several songs were recovered, but without "Step in the Right Direction," restored back to the film, which is such an uplifting and encouraging song, and the terrible dubbing, the film will be a mixed bag.
Why Disney cut "Step in the Right Direction" is criminal! I think Disney should have taken more time to look for it when they did the film restoration project for the 1996 DVD. What SHOULD have been shortened is the animated soccer match, which remains a sequence that does not help the film at all. The "With A Flair" song, as well as "Eglantine" are at their full lengths on the restored DVD, as is the Portobello Road dance sequence. However, some critics feel that the extended version of Portobello Road is too long. The restored DVD has a new song called "Nobody's Problems For Me." My vote would be a choice of versions on a double-sided DVD for future release. Side 1 would contain the widespread DVD release that Turner Classic Movies plays. Side 2 would be the extended version, but WITH the originally undubbed dialog found and remastered with "A Step in the Right Direction" added in if it is ever found! The loss of "Step in the Right Direction" and the bad dubbing in the extended version hurts what could have been a great film. Bedknobs and Broomsticks has the important plot of searching for a missing spell. Tragically ironic that Disney took out bits and pieces of this film that may never be recovered. It is sad to think what this film could have been if the limited release had been LEFT ALONE!
Bedknobs and Broomsticks involves an apprentice witch who wants to complete her correspondence course in beginning witchcraft, but to do this, she has to search for a magical spell called Subsitutiary Locomotion which will complete her training. The story involves Angela Lansbury, playing the witch, who flies on a magical bed with Tomlinson and her three caretakers, to an animated land attempting to retrieve the spell. In addition, the film is set in World War II, where a mixture of live Nazi's and animated creatures both try to help and hinder Lansbury, Tomlinson, and the children on their adventures. The five characters control the bed through a magical bedknob that transports them from a reality world to a fantasy world and back again.
Years ago, I had a record that had the Songs From Bedknobs and Broomsticks on it and loved it! However, when I saw the film on Turner Classic Movies and later researched it, sadly I learned that this film, which could have been a classic, suffers badly because of editing and failed restoration work.
The original release of the film played in limited areas and ran about two and a half hours. Disney decided to make its first cuts to the film several months later when it went into wide release. The wide release version is what I saw on Turner Classic Movies. While this film was trimmed by over twenty minutes, most likely to cater to the shorter attention spans of children at the time of wide release, you can easily spot the edits. The Eglantine number is shortened, only a few words of With a Flair remain, The Old Home Guard seems to start in the middle of the second verse of the song, and the wonderful perhaps best song in the film "A Step in The Right Direction" is not there. However, you can hear the instances of the instrumental on the soundtrack.
In 1979, the film was re-released again and ludicrously cut even more to about ninety five minutes. For years this is what was played on Standard Cable and Broadcast TV. Only two songs remain in this version. In 1996, Disney attempted to reconstruct the film, but were successful only in spots. About twenty minutes of footage was found and added back into the movie. However, the song "A Step in the Right Direction" was mysteriously not found and remains "Lost." The audio track for the song was recovered, and you can hear this on the Special Edition DVD, with still shots from the film showing what the scenes looked like as the song was song.
However, the discarded footage soundtrack was not recoverable, because it had been damaged or lost. Many actors were too old or had passed away and could not re-do their speaking and singing parts, so Disney had to hire extras to dub their voices over the restored footage. The dubbing is horribly bad, especially for the voice-over of one of the children, Charlie, and the voice-over for David Tomlinson, sounds nothing like him! You would think Disney could have at least found actors with voices that resembled the tones, accents, and pitches of the original dialog. It is great that several songs were recovered, but without "Step in the Right Direction," restored back to the film, which is such an uplifting and encouraging song, and the terrible dubbing, the film will be a mixed bag.
Why Disney cut "Step in the Right Direction" is criminal! I think Disney should have taken more time to look for it when they did the film restoration project for the 1996 DVD. What SHOULD have been shortened is the animated soccer match, which remains a sequence that does not help the film at all. The "With A Flair" song, as well as "Eglantine" are at their full lengths on the restored DVD, as is the Portobello Road dance sequence. However, some critics feel that the extended version of Portobello Road is too long. The restored DVD has a new song called "Nobody's Problems For Me." My vote would be a choice of versions on a double-sided DVD for future release. Side 1 would contain the widespread DVD release that Turner Classic Movies plays. Side 2 would be the extended version, but WITH the originally undubbed dialog found and remastered with "A Step in the Right Direction" added in if it is ever found! The loss of "Step in the Right Direction" and the bad dubbing in the extended version hurts what could have been a great film. Bedknobs and Broomsticks has the important plot of searching for a missing spell. Tragically ironic that Disney took out bits and pieces of this film that may never be recovered. It is sad to think what this film could have been if the limited release had been LEFT ALONE!
Terrific film
laffinsal6 May 2001
It is unfortunate that this film receives such little comment, as compared to "Mary Poppins", for the simple fact that most people DO compare it to "Mary Poppins" amd really, it stands alone.
The story is quite original and well done. The actors are all wonderful, and Angela Lansbury, to me, will always be Miss Price. David Tomlinson is also wonderful as Professor Browne. The children are also great, with the standout being the youngest one, Paul. He has so many funny moments in this movie.
Again, the Sherman Brothers lend their creative song-writing talents to this film with excellent results. "The Age of Not Believing" is wonderful, as is "Eglantine", "The Beautiful Briny" and the superb "Portobello Road" number. The animation scenes are also great and imaginative.
This is certainly an enjoyable film on many counts, and should be remembered just as so many of the other Disney classics. It should also be seen in the recently restored version, which runs over two hours. The story is more fluent in that version, and the songs are intact, for the most part. A great movie.
The story is quite original and well done. The actors are all wonderful, and Angela Lansbury, to me, will always be Miss Price. David Tomlinson is also wonderful as Professor Browne. The children are also great, with the standout being the youngest one, Paul. He has so many funny moments in this movie.
Again, the Sherman Brothers lend their creative song-writing talents to this film with excellent results. "The Age of Not Believing" is wonderful, as is "Eglantine", "The Beautiful Briny" and the superb "Portobello Road" number. The animation scenes are also great and imaginative.
This is certainly an enjoyable film on many counts, and should be remembered just as so many of the other Disney classics. It should also be seen in the recently restored version, which runs over two hours. The story is more fluent in that version, and the songs are intact, for the most part. A great movie.
Brings Back Memories of Grade School
evanston_dad10 April 2007
I will always have a soft spot for this Disney flick, another of their part live action/part animation entries that sought to recreate the success of "Mary Poppins" and never quite made it. When I was in grade school, every once in a while we would have a movie day, where the whole school would crowd into the cafeteria, and a movie would be projected the old-fashioned way, multiple reels and all. At the time, it seemed like a momentous occasion whenever this day arrived, and "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" is one of the movies I can remember seeing this way.
And from what I remember, it's quite charming. Angela Lansbury never put her name to anything that wasn't at least competent, and she's winning here as a witch with a magic bed (boy, that could be misconstrued, couldn't it?) who can take her and a couple of young kids on magic adventures to far-off places. Come on, what kid wouldn't want a bed like that?
Grade: A
And from what I remember, it's quite charming. Angela Lansbury never put her name to anything that wasn't at least competent, and she's winning here as a witch with a magic bed (boy, that could be misconstrued, couldn't it?) who can take her and a couple of young kids on magic adventures to far-off places. Come on, what kid wouldn't want a bed like that?
Grade: A
Bedknobs and Broomsticks
CinemaSerf29 May 2023
It's very much in the vein of "Mary Poppins" (1964) this, with a very similar style of live-action and animated sequences used to tell a slightly more menacing story. When three siblings arrive in a rural English village, evacuated from London during the Blitz of WWII, they are placed with the rather eccentric and definitely unwilling "Miss Price" (Angela Lansbury). Things start to look up for all concerned though when the kids discover that she is a trainee witch, and when they meet "Emelius" (David Tomlinson) they embark on some adventures using their magical bed as their vehicle in the search for the missing part of a substitutiary locomotion spell that might just thwart the Nazis. As with "Poppins", the music and lyrics come from the Sherman twins and "Beautiful Briny" and "Portobello Road" are probably the two best from their not so catchy soundtrack this time. Lansbury and Tomlinson work well together with the former on good form as the ostensibly prim and proper, but actually quite feisty and mischievous would-be witch. The three youngsters also perform well, especially the youngest "Paul" (Roy Snart) who just won't let anyone else near the knob that controls the bed! A smattering of familiar faces help to keep the story bobbing along nicely and the animations, tough not so frequent as I would have liked, blend in well with some fun action scenes - especially at the end - and make for an enjoyable, feel-good, family movie.
Kids might like it
preppy-39 February 2008
This place in England during 1940. Three orphans (Carrie, Charles and Paul) are sent to live with Miss Price (Angela Lansbury). She doesn't want them but reluctantly takes them in. It seems she is studying to be a witch through a correspondence course with the College of Witchcraft. (OK--I realize this is a family film but--College of Witchcraft??? Come ON!!) Before she can finish the course though the college is closed because of the war (???) and she seeks down the head Professor Browne (David Tomlinson). And her and the kids travel around on a bed with the help of a magical bedknob.
I first saw this when I was 9 and vaguely remember loving it. It sure doesn't hold up as an adult! The story is silly (even for a fantasy), the kids are terrible actors and one of them (Charles) is incredibly obnoxious. Also Roddy McDowall is third billed and only appears in two short scenes! There's also a trip to the Isle of Naboombu which is run by animated animals. I thought that might be fun but the animation is poor (for Disney) and it has a very violent and far too long soccer game between the animals. There are a few saving graces here: Lansbury and Tomlinson are just great; the songs (while forgettable) are pleasant; the long dance sequence on Portobello Road is very colorful and full of energy and the Oscar-winning special effects are still pretty impressive at the end. But the weak story line, poor animation and unlikable kids really pull this one down. I heard the extended version is even worse! I can only give this a 7.
I first saw this when I was 9 and vaguely remember loving it. It sure doesn't hold up as an adult! The story is silly (even for a fantasy), the kids are terrible actors and one of them (Charles) is incredibly obnoxious. Also Roddy McDowall is third billed and only appears in two short scenes! There's also a trip to the Isle of Naboombu which is run by animated animals. I thought that might be fun but the animation is poor (for Disney) and it has a very violent and far too long soccer game between the animals. There are a few saving graces here: Lansbury and Tomlinson are just great; the songs (while forgettable) are pleasant; the long dance sequence on Portobello Road is very colorful and full of energy and the Oscar-winning special effects are still pretty impressive at the end. But the weak story line, poor animation and unlikable kids really pull this one down. I heard the extended version is even worse! I can only give this a 7.
One of the few films so good...
Localfreak11 November 2005
This is one of the few films where I consider the film rendition to be an improvement on the original book. The story is clear, accessible, amusing and interesting and the musical numbers are without a doubt exceptional. I adored the cyclical rendition of 'The old home guard' and the charming 'Portobello Road', a great combination of early animation + real actors techniques which, though dated do not detract from the charm of the piece. The background of the Second World War worked well and was not omitted as the film got under way, which so often happens in 'evacuee' stories.
An often far too underrated film, it produces no end to enjoyment for people of all ages. The performances from the actors are exceptionally well done and the entire text is neatly tied together and well designed. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face!
An often far too underrated film, it produces no end to enjoyment for people of all ages. The performances from the actors are exceptionally well done and the entire text is neatly tied together and well designed. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face!
Some decent moments....and a lot of filler.
planktonrules26 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
"Bedknobs and Broomsticks" isn't a bad movie. However, it's certainly among the lesser animated movies Disney has made...mostly because the film seems like it's jam-packed with filler...and barely enough plot to merit 45 minutes...let alone 117 minutes.
The film is set in Britain in 1940....during WWII. Miss Price (Angela Lansbury) is a unique woman who spends her time taking correspondance classes on witchcraft. However, when some kids are thrust into her care because of the Blitz, they all have various adventures....leading to a climactic encounter with a raiding party of German soldiers.
So why am I so indifferent to the film? Much of it is focus...or the lack of it. Instead of sticking with the plot, the story goes off to Portobello Road...where all sorts of singing and dancing occurs (thus boring the kids for whom the film is intended). Then, instead of returning to the story, it goes off on an extended animated segment that is enjoyable BUT has pretty much nothing to do with the plot. Overall, a few nice moments and a good ending but otherwise forgettable songs and a plot that is beyond just meandering.
The film is set in Britain in 1940....during WWII. Miss Price (Angela Lansbury) is a unique woman who spends her time taking correspondance classes on witchcraft. However, when some kids are thrust into her care because of the Blitz, they all have various adventures....leading to a climactic encounter with a raiding party of German soldiers.
So why am I so indifferent to the film? Much of it is focus...or the lack of it. Instead of sticking with the plot, the story goes off to Portobello Road...where all sorts of singing and dancing occurs (thus boring the kids for whom the film is intended). Then, instead of returning to the story, it goes off on an extended animated segment that is enjoyable BUT has pretty much nothing to do with the plot. Overall, a few nice moments and a good ending but otherwise forgettable songs and a plot that is beyond just meandering.
Brilliant family entertainment!
BA_Harrison17 September 2006
Set during WWII, Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a fun-filled fantasy adventure for kids, starring Angela Lansbury as an apprentice witch who, with the help of three evacuee children and a 'Professor of Witchcraft', thwarts a Nazi invasion.
Brilliantly inventive, with loads of laughs, this movie will delight kids of all ages with its great characters, exciting story and catchy tunes. Lansbury is perfect as Eglantine, the not-quite-perfect witch who takes the three children on the adventure of a lifetime, and her three young co-stars (Cindy O'Callaghan, Roy Snart and Ian Weighill) are equally impressive as the Cockney rascals who aid in battling the nasty Hun.
The special effects are somewhat dated, but let's face it, kids don't care too much about these things, so long as they are entertained. And entertained, they will be. With some impressive scenes which brilliantly mix live action and animation to great effect, and more genuine movie magic than a hundred Harry Potters, it would be hard not to enjoy this wonderful slice of cinematic escapism. In fact, only a rather drawn-out musical number set in Portobello Road mars the film's perfection, but with so much else to enjoy, that can easily be forgiven.
And besides, any film featuring UK television legend Bruce Forsyth as a 'Flash' Harry style spiv is guaranteed a good rating from me.
Brilliantly inventive, with loads of laughs, this movie will delight kids of all ages with its great characters, exciting story and catchy tunes. Lansbury is perfect as Eglantine, the not-quite-perfect witch who takes the three children on the adventure of a lifetime, and her three young co-stars (Cindy O'Callaghan, Roy Snart and Ian Weighill) are equally impressive as the Cockney rascals who aid in battling the nasty Hun.
The special effects are somewhat dated, but let's face it, kids don't care too much about these things, so long as they are entertained. And entertained, they will be. With some impressive scenes which brilliantly mix live action and animation to great effect, and more genuine movie magic than a hundred Harry Potters, it would be hard not to enjoy this wonderful slice of cinematic escapism. In fact, only a rather drawn-out musical number set in Portobello Road mars the film's perfection, but with so much else to enjoy, that can easily be forgiven.
And besides, any film featuring UK television legend Bruce Forsyth as a 'Flash' Harry style spiv is guaranteed a good rating from me.
Charming Movie
view_and_review6 April 2019
When I was a kid I just loved the idea of traveling around on a flying bed. Seeing this movie again after many decades I see that Miss Price's goal was much nobler than merely changing people into rabbits and flying on a broom.
To even make as cheerful as a movie as this surrounding such a dire event is a feat in itself. England was in disarray as they prepped for invasion from Germany. The children in this movie were all orphans and happened to land in the care of Miss Price (Angela Lansbury). The fact that I was wholly unaware of all of that as a child shows how Disney can disguise almost anything.
To even make as cheerful as a movie as this surrounding such a dire event is a feat in itself. England was in disarray as they prepped for invasion from Germany. The children in this movie were all orphans and happened to land in the care of Miss Price (Angela Lansbury). The fact that I was wholly unaware of all of that as a child shows how Disney can disguise almost anything.
Magical, Whimsical, altogether special. Took me to another world.
linnanawoodstock22 August 2005
What can i say about a tale such as this? This magical tale has followed me from my early childhood,evoking warm memories in my heart.The characters take you to to so many whimsical places making you want more of each scene. For example in the market there were so many different flavors of lore. I loved the exotic dancers that accompanied the steel drums.
The story line was wonderful.I wanted so badly for Landsbury to decide to keep the precocious children and for her to also stay with Mr.Brown,and find the other half of the spell so that the men less armor could win the war.
I am still a child inside,and this movie appeals to my inner child like no other. This movie is my definite favorite of all times. I hope that all children will be able to watch this classic and be swept away,and transported into another time.
The story line was wonderful.I wanted so badly for Landsbury to decide to keep the precocious children and for her to also stay with Mr.Brown,and find the other half of the spell so that the men less armor could win the war.
I am still a child inside,and this movie appeals to my inner child like no other. This movie is my definite favorite of all times. I hope that all children will be able to watch this classic and be swept away,and transported into another time.
A Bit Of Witchcraft For Merrie Old England
bkoganbing9 February 2008
The obvious parallels between Walt Disney's charming fantasy Bedknobs and Broomsticks and C.S. Lewis Chronicles of Narnia are pretty apparent. There are more coincidences here than comparing Bedknobs and Broomsticks than with Mary Poppins even though a lot of the same creative talent went into the two Disney films.
Like The Chronicles of Narnia it involves some English children leaving London during the blitz and coming to live in the country. And those kids have to deal with a world of magic. But unlike C.S. Lewis the Rawlins kids have the magic invade their world and help defeat the people making a mess of it in the here and now. No retreating to a fantasy kingdom like the Pevensie kids.
No heavy duty philosophy here from Walt Disney except maybe it's not a good thing to mess with witches even apprentice ones like Angela Lansbury who learn their magic from a charlatan like David Tomlinson. Ms. Lansbury didn't get to be one of the most bankable of performers for nothing. She carries her own brand of magic that even the special effects boys at Disney couldn't top. And they won an Oscar for the Magic Kingdom in that department for this film.
Two performers made their farewell to films in Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Tessie O'Shea played her last role in this film, she graced many a film in the United Kingdom as one of their best loved music hall performers. And that grand character actor Reginald Owen as the retired general who leads the Old Home Guard in war and in song bids adieu to film audiences around the world.
The team of Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman who wrote the score for Mary Poppins wrote a good and serviceable one here. The Age Of Not Believing was nominated for an Oscar, but lost to the Theme from Shaft. Personally though I do like David Tomlinson's tribute to that most colorful of London streets, Portabello Road.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a fine fantasy film that still holds up well after almost 40 years. Imagine what it would be like with computer generated graphics.
Like The Chronicles of Narnia it involves some English children leaving London during the blitz and coming to live in the country. And those kids have to deal with a world of magic. But unlike C.S. Lewis the Rawlins kids have the magic invade their world and help defeat the people making a mess of it in the here and now. No retreating to a fantasy kingdom like the Pevensie kids.
No heavy duty philosophy here from Walt Disney except maybe it's not a good thing to mess with witches even apprentice ones like Angela Lansbury who learn their magic from a charlatan like David Tomlinson. Ms. Lansbury didn't get to be one of the most bankable of performers for nothing. She carries her own brand of magic that even the special effects boys at Disney couldn't top. And they won an Oscar for the Magic Kingdom in that department for this film.
Two performers made their farewell to films in Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Tessie O'Shea played her last role in this film, she graced many a film in the United Kingdom as one of their best loved music hall performers. And that grand character actor Reginald Owen as the retired general who leads the Old Home Guard in war and in song bids adieu to film audiences around the world.
The team of Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman who wrote the score for Mary Poppins wrote a good and serviceable one here. The Age Of Not Believing was nominated for an Oscar, but lost to the Theme from Shaft. Personally though I do like David Tomlinson's tribute to that most colorful of London streets, Portabello Road.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a fine fantasy film that still holds up well after almost 40 years. Imagine what it would be like with computer generated graphics.
Disappointingly fatigued Disney adventure with music...
moonspinner5516 September 2007
Although haphazardly constructed (by what I suspect to be post-production editing to shorten the film's length), Disney's "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" is nearly an enjoyable showcase for star Angela Lansbury. This adaptation of Mary Norton's book, which the studio hoped would emulate their "Mary Poppins" (with a touch of "Oliver!" tossed in), incorporates animation into the live action à la "Poppins", but the film's messy structure, beleaguered narrative, poor songs and poor child actors hinder the results. Angela is in fine form playing a good-hearted apprentice witch in World War II England who helps defend her country against the invading Germans; her inherent persnickety charm is smoothed out here, and she's relaxed in a lower-key when its called for, even making some of the sugary songs tolerable. David Tomlinson (acting befuddled, like John McGiver's grandfather) is a weak love-interest for her however, and the orphans whom Angela takes in are the most cynical bunch of tots I've seen in some time (even after witnessing Lansbury's magic, they still can't register awe--only wisecracks). Angela has a good time, and the strong third act compensates for the overall fatigue. Badly photographed by Frank Phillips, who shoves all the images right smack up against his lens. ** from ****
My Favourite Disney Film
Big Movie Fan24 June 2002
I saw this film many years ago and I thought it was pure magic. It was a lovely film full of escapism which could be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
The performances throughout the film by it's actors and actresses are magnificent. The songs are great and the special effects are lovely for it's time. The story is a beautiful one.
I love films like this and I last watched this film around 1986. As I said earlier, it is pure escapism-one of those beautiful films which whisks you away from real life problems into a lovely fantasy world. It is pure brilliance.
I would recommend this film to anyone but particularly to young children born after it was released-even today in 2002 it can be enjoyed.
The performances throughout the film by it's actors and actresses are magnificent. The songs are great and the special effects are lovely for it's time. The story is a beautiful one.
I love films like this and I last watched this film around 1986. As I said earlier, it is pure escapism-one of those beautiful films which whisks you away from real life problems into a lovely fantasy world. It is pure brilliance.
I would recommend this film to anyone but particularly to young children born after it was released-even today in 2002 it can be enjoyed.
The animation is cool
Everybody_Comes_To_Ricks22 October 2023
"Bedknobs and Broomsticks" is kind of all over the place. Without knowing the history, it seems like a low-rent cousin to "Mary Poppins;" upon reading a bit of its history, it seems that this was in production when it was not clear if "Mary Poppins" would ever get made.
The animated sequence was fun and the integration of animation and live-action is perhaps better than "Mary Poppins," and I recommend the movie on the basis of this alone.
The live-action sequences, however, are plodding. I've never been a fan of light-hearted depictions of Nazis.
The special effects hold up very well, especially considering the time in which this was made. It is interesting that this was released just 26 years after World War II.
Six stars. Recommended.
The animated sequence was fun and the integration of animation and live-action is perhaps better than "Mary Poppins," and I recommend the movie on the basis of this alone.
The live-action sequences, however, are plodding. I've never been a fan of light-hearted depictions of Nazis.
The special effects hold up very well, especially considering the time in which this was made. It is interesting that this was released just 26 years after World War II.
Six stars. Recommended.
"Treguna, Mekoides, Trecorum, Satis Dee!" Childhood or adulthood, this will forever hold greater nostalgia than Harry Potter for me.
SAMTHEBESTEST13 August 2023
Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971):
Brief Review -
"Treguna, Mekoides, Trecorum, Satis Dee!" Childhood or adulthood, this will forever hold greater nostalgia than Harry Potter for me. Revisiting childhood nostalgia is a different thing when you turn into an adult. For me, it was more different and difficult since I have been through many thousands of films within this period. Yet, Bedknobs and Broomsticks had me grinning all the time. That's a big achievement, because even the Harry Potter series failed to do so in the revisit. I'll forever be grateful to Walt Disney and Robert Stevenson's pair for giving me evergreen movies that have had an unforgettable impact on me, and I'm sure my next generation will feel the same when I forward them to them. Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a brilliant entertainer with a kid-friendly storyline and a war conflict for adults. The 70s weren't the right time for children to see a movie made about War or a movie with German soldiers attacking English people, yet this film dared to do so because it had a noble intention of educating them all through cinema. There are many Walt Disney films that have done the same job-entertainment and social awareness-and the kids who saw those movies way back in time will never forget what the movies did to them. It was a cultural planting, a cultivation process for many, and it didn't need any sensational stuff or cinematic spectacle like Star Wars or other Magnum Opus. This film is magical, and just by coincidence, it's about magic. The broom, spells, professor, witch, and three kids will always be more nostalgic than Harry Potter, while the animation effects and dance and musical numbers take it way ahead. Yet another fun ride, a memorable trip into Disney's amusement park, and another chapter in my childhood memories that I shall cherish forever. "Filigree, apogee, pedigree, perigee!" This rabbit is more famous than 'Jojo Rabbit'!
RATING - 7/10*
By - #samthebestest.
"Treguna, Mekoides, Trecorum, Satis Dee!" Childhood or adulthood, this will forever hold greater nostalgia than Harry Potter for me. Revisiting childhood nostalgia is a different thing when you turn into an adult. For me, it was more different and difficult since I have been through many thousands of films within this period. Yet, Bedknobs and Broomsticks had me grinning all the time. That's a big achievement, because even the Harry Potter series failed to do so in the revisit. I'll forever be grateful to Walt Disney and Robert Stevenson's pair for giving me evergreen movies that have had an unforgettable impact on me, and I'm sure my next generation will feel the same when I forward them to them. Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a brilliant entertainer with a kid-friendly storyline and a war conflict for adults. The 70s weren't the right time for children to see a movie made about War or a movie with German soldiers attacking English people, yet this film dared to do so because it had a noble intention of educating them all through cinema. There are many Walt Disney films that have done the same job-entertainment and social awareness-and the kids who saw those movies way back in time will never forget what the movies did to them. It was a cultural planting, a cultivation process for many, and it didn't need any sensational stuff or cinematic spectacle like Star Wars or other Magnum Opus. This film is magical, and just by coincidence, it's about magic. The broom, spells, professor, witch, and three kids will always be more nostalgic than Harry Potter, while the animation effects and dance and musical numbers take it way ahead. Yet another fun ride, a memorable trip into Disney's amusement park, and another chapter in my childhood memories that I shall cherish forever. "Filigree, apogee, pedigree, perigee!" This rabbit is more famous than 'Jojo Rabbit'!
RATING - 7/10*
By - #samthebestest.
My first movie love
ltj3612 November 2000
IN LOVING MEMORY OF DAVID TOMLINSON (1917-2000)
When I watched this movie for the first time I was 4 years old and I got fascinated by this story of witches in the 2nd World War. The scene, which impressed me the most, was the fight between the Nazi soldiers and the medieval army. It was exceptional to see this army without a body walk to fight the astonished singing their march. This movie is fantastic, from the trip to Portobello Road (which became to me the most fantastic place of London) to the journey to Naboomboo. Angela Lansbury and David Tomlinson are really a fantastic couple. She is always great, it seems the good aunt of a family and David with his always astonished face is her great co-protagonist. we'll miss him a lot.
When I watched this movie for the first time I was 4 years old and I got fascinated by this story of witches in the 2nd World War. The scene, which impressed me the most, was the fight between the Nazi soldiers and the medieval army. It was exceptional to see this army without a body walk to fight the astonished singing their march. This movie is fantastic, from the trip to Portobello Road (which became to me the most fantastic place of London) to the journey to Naboomboo. Angela Lansbury and David Tomlinson are really a fantastic couple. She is always great, it seems the good aunt of a family and David with his always astonished face is her great co-protagonist. we'll miss him a lot.
sorta like Mary Poppins ... with Nazis
SnoopyStyle2 November 2016
It's 1940 England. Rawlins siblings Charlie, Carrie, and Paul join the mass evacuation of London children to the countryside. Miss Eglantine Price (Angela Lansbury) reluctantly agrees to take in the kids temporarily. She lives in a remote farm. She's overjoyed to receive a broom and become an apprentice witch from the Emelius Browne Correspondence College of Witchcraft. She casts a spell on a bedknob for Paul to make the bed transport vast distances. The school announces its closure and Miss Price takes the kids to London to find Emelius (David Tomlinson). He's surprised that his adaptation of an old spell book actually worked for her. It's high adventure to the animated animal island of Naboombu and then a fight against the Nazis.
This is sorta like Mary Poppins but not quite as good. Angela Lansbury is good but she's no Julie Andrews. The songs are not quite as catchy. It's even got the similar animated world for the actors to play with. I can do without the Nazis in a kids movie. This is certainly not too soon but it's still questionable to have a Nazi battle, no matter how comedic, in a family film.
This is sorta like Mary Poppins but not quite as good. Angela Lansbury is good but she's no Julie Andrews. The songs are not quite as catchy. It's even got the similar animated world for the actors to play with. I can do without the Nazis in a kids movie. This is certainly not too soon but it's still questionable to have a Nazi battle, no matter how comedic, in a family film.
One of the most underrated live action Disney films
gavin-thelordofthefu-48-46029713 December 2021
When I was a kid I watched this film a few times on video and loved every moment of it. As a young adult it's still a great movie that has aged very well. My only quibbles is that the child acting isn't quite as good although not terrible and it does feel a bit derivative of Mary Poppins (the director for that movie, Robert Stevenson, also directed this). Everything else is great.
The story is very engaging and has charm (I am aware that it adapted the two books although I have yet to read them), the characters are likeable especially Miss Price and Professor Brown who they share some nice chemistry together, the cinematography is great as is the blending of live action and animation in the Beautiful Briny Sea sequence and the soccer match sequence, and the musical numbers from the Sherman Brothers are just as memorable as the other stuff they did in other Disney movies especially Beautiful Briny Sea, The Age of Not Believing, and Portobello Road.
Overall, this is a very underrated live action Disney flicks and everyone else should check it out. Oh and it's been 50 years since this came out. ;)
The story is very engaging and has charm (I am aware that it adapted the two books although I have yet to read them), the characters are likeable especially Miss Price and Professor Brown who they share some nice chemistry together, the cinematography is great as is the blending of live action and animation in the Beautiful Briny Sea sequence and the soccer match sequence, and the musical numbers from the Sherman Brothers are just as memorable as the other stuff they did in other Disney movies especially Beautiful Briny Sea, The Age of Not Believing, and Portobello Road.
Overall, this is a very underrated live action Disney flicks and everyone else should check it out. Oh and it's been 50 years since this came out. ;)
The one halfway decent Disney movie
sebrat14 April 2005
I have personally seen many Disney movies in my lifetime, though absolutely none of them match up in any way to Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Although I personally wouldn't have crossed live-action with animation, it was an improvement on trying to dress people up as animation characters. The movie pits three evacuees from world war two who are sent to stay with a silent and socially awkward woman in the country. I would have to say that the casting was brilliant. Angela Landsbury made a perfect Miss Price, while David Thomilson made a great desperate entertainer love interest. Endings always surprise me and this was no exception. It was neither happy nor sad, though I do not know if this was intentional. The dialog wasn't great, but considering it was designed to be a kid's movie, that is alright. Overall, I would give the performance nine out of ten, the dialog six out of ten, the casting nine out of ten and the costumes eight out of ten.
Such a wonderful movie!
BandSAboutMovies23 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Based on Mary Norton's The Magic Bedknob; or, How to Become a Witch in Ten Easy Lessons and Bonfires and Broomsticks, this film went into development in the 60s when it looked like Mary Poppins wouldn't get made. Due to its similarities to that movie - Julie Andrews was considered for the lead in this, but hesitated and Angela Landsbury got the role - it was put on hold.
As the Sherman brothers' contract with the Disney studios was about to end, they were brought back to work on this film, bringing back the song "The Beautiful Briny" which had been meant for Mary Poppins.
Taking place during the Blitz or World War II, Bedknobs and Broomsticks is the story of the Rawlins orphans, who are evacuated from London to the countryside and the care of Miss Eglantine Price (Landsbury). They decide to run away, but watch their temporary foster parent fly on a broomstick and decide to stick around.
She tells the chldren that she's learning witchcraft to protect the UK from the Nazis and is currently a student at the school of Professor Emelius Browne (David Tomlinson). When she discovers that the school is shutting down, she travels to find the professor and discover the final spell she needs to learn to become a witch.
It turns out that Browne is a showman more than a sorceror and that he made up all of the spells, but they all still work when Price casts them. To get the final spell, she must travel to Portobello Road to locate the rest of the book that has been cut in half. It turns out that the rest of the spell is engraved on the Star of Astaroth, a sorcerer's medallion that has been given to a pack of wild animals that were given the power to speak. The group joruneys there and enters an animated world where Browne is able to spirit away the treasure.
Yet when thety return home and the children consider that the two magic users could be their parents, it looks like things are going to become dark. And darker still when the Nazis finally attack. Will the skills that Price has learned be enough to protect them all?
The film originally ran 141 minutes. That said, the premiere at the Radio City Music Hall had to work in the theater's elaborate stage show, so 23 minutes were cut from the film. Those lost scenes include nearly all of Roddy McDowall's character and three songs, "A Step in the Right Direction," "With a Flair" and "Nobody's Problems." "Portobello Road" had seven minutes cut out before the movie as restored as part of its twenty-fifth anniversary, with Lansbury and McDowall redubbing their voices. Sadly, Tomlinson was too ill to record, so Jeff Bennett recorded his lines.
I totally enjoy that this is a more occult-based Mary Poppins. Crowley, who invented the V for Victory symbol, would be proud.
As the Sherman brothers' contract with the Disney studios was about to end, they were brought back to work on this film, bringing back the song "The Beautiful Briny" which had been meant for Mary Poppins.
Taking place during the Blitz or World War II, Bedknobs and Broomsticks is the story of the Rawlins orphans, who are evacuated from London to the countryside and the care of Miss Eglantine Price (Landsbury). They decide to run away, but watch their temporary foster parent fly on a broomstick and decide to stick around.
She tells the chldren that she's learning witchcraft to protect the UK from the Nazis and is currently a student at the school of Professor Emelius Browne (David Tomlinson). When she discovers that the school is shutting down, she travels to find the professor and discover the final spell she needs to learn to become a witch.
It turns out that Browne is a showman more than a sorceror and that he made up all of the spells, but they all still work when Price casts them. To get the final spell, she must travel to Portobello Road to locate the rest of the book that has been cut in half. It turns out that the rest of the spell is engraved on the Star of Astaroth, a sorcerer's medallion that has been given to a pack of wild animals that were given the power to speak. The group joruneys there and enters an animated world where Browne is able to spirit away the treasure.
Yet when thety return home and the children consider that the two magic users could be their parents, it looks like things are going to become dark. And darker still when the Nazis finally attack. Will the skills that Price has learned be enough to protect them all?
The film originally ran 141 minutes. That said, the premiere at the Radio City Music Hall had to work in the theater's elaborate stage show, so 23 minutes were cut from the film. Those lost scenes include nearly all of Roddy McDowall's character and three songs, "A Step in the Right Direction," "With a Flair" and "Nobody's Problems." "Portobello Road" had seven minutes cut out before the movie as restored as part of its twenty-fifth anniversary, with Lansbury and McDowall redubbing their voices. Sadly, Tomlinson was too ill to record, so Jeff Bennett recorded his lines.
I totally enjoy that this is a more occult-based Mary Poppins. Crowley, who invented the V for Victory symbol, would be proud.
Excellent Walt Disney Production
whpratt112 February 2008
Never viewed this 1971 film and was greatly entertained by this great production created by the Walt Disney Studios and great animation creations. Angela Lansbury, (Eglantine Price) played an outstanding role as a woman who had taken a course in witch craft and was an apprentice who was beginning to fly on a broomstick and had quite a few difficulties taking off. Eglantine discovered many tricks and was able to make a bed travel to different parts of the world. However, Eglantine missed her final exams to becoming an accomplished witch. Mr. Emerlius Browne, (David Tomlinson) was the person who sold Eglantine this course in witchcraft and he tries to help her in every way possible to find her solution. Eglantine has a purpose to her madness and that is to stop the Nazi's from evading England. Great family entertainment and we need more films like this today.
When's it gonna END?!?!?!!?
norm.vogel@verizon.net18 April 2006
Now, don't get me wrong -- i'm a BIG fan of musicals. The BIG PROBLEM with this film is that there's too darned much SINGING! ENUFF ALREADY! I don't think that 5 minutes goes by without someone bursting into song! UNCLE! Because of this, the film (as interesting as it IS) goes on forever!
Another complaint i have is their journey to the island with the Lion King ruler. It doesn't belong in this film, sticks out like a sore thumb, and wastes even MORE time! Its' as if the Disney special effects dept just threw this in to say, "lookee what WE can do!".
The ONLY thing that redeems this film (and the ONLY reason i gave it a "5" is the "nazi attack" at the very end of the film. (Otherwise, i probably would've given it a "3").
This films should've been cut down to about an hour and 40 mins, or so.
A "Classic"? Hardly.
Norm Vogel
Another complaint i have is their journey to the island with the Lion King ruler. It doesn't belong in this film, sticks out like a sore thumb, and wastes even MORE time! Its' as if the Disney special effects dept just threw this in to say, "lookee what WE can do!".
The ONLY thing that redeems this film (and the ONLY reason i gave it a "5" is the "nazi attack" at the very end of the film. (Otherwise, i probably would've given it a "3").
This films should've been cut down to about an hour and 40 mins, or so.
A "Classic"? Hardly.
Norm Vogel
Simply Magical
syllavus13 June 2003
Bedknobs and Broomsticks is one of many movies that has always been with me, in my heart and memory from the time that I was old enough to focus my eyes on a television screen. Although it was already an "old" movie by the time I was able to watch it, Bedknobs and Broomsticks completely enchanted me. People here who say that the movie would not hold the attention of a young child are mistaken. I must have watched this movie dozens of times between the ages of 1 and 10 and every time I watched it all the way though, intensely engrossed through every scene. There are a handful of movies that hold very fond places in my childhood memories, this is one of them. It is a wonderful movie, and even now I still find the story charming. Angela Lansbury stars as Miss Price, a widow who is studying witchcraft through a correspondence course during World War II. She grumpily agrees to let three children board at her home in the country to keep them safe from the air raids going on in London. After the three children discover that Miss Price is an apprentice witch, they are swept up into a magical adventure on a traveling bed along with Miss Price and Professor Brown, the headmaster of the College of Witchcraft. The thing I like best about this movie, is that the magic never stops as the children along with the two adults journey to London, the Island of Naboomboo, Naboomboo Lagoon and Portabello Road. The children are treated to a marvelous adventure, flying through the skies on a bed, swimming underwater in a tropical lagoon, watching a football game played by animals and finally helping out in the war when Miss Price enchants a museum full of ancient suits of armor with the magic words, "Traguna, Macoities, Tracorum Satis De." The songs in the movie may be your typical musical-stock, but I challenge anyone to not tap their toes during "Portabello Road", or to not get "Englentine" stuck in their head. They just add another element of fun and enjoyment to an already delightful movie. The movie is well worth watching, and suitable for any child. Even today's children will find delight in the cartoon/human relations and the spectacular ending sequence were empty suits of armor are brought to life to fight for the good guys. I consider this movie a timeless classic that shouldn't be passed up.
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