“Bedknobs and Broomsticks” is a live-action/animated musical fantasy film released in 1971, produced by Walt Disney Productions. The movie was directed by Robert Stevenson and stars Angela Lansbury, David Tomlinson, and Roddy McDowall in the lead roles.
The story is set in England during World War II and follows Eglantine Price (played by Angela Lansbury), a spinster who is studying to become a witch. She is given a set of magical bedknobs by the mysterious Professor Emelius Browne (played by David Tomlinson). The bedknobs have the power to make a bed fly when they are twisted.
When three London children, Charlie (played by Ian Weighill), Carrie (played by Cindy O’Callaghan), and Paul (played by Roy Snart), are sent to live in the countryside with Eglantine for safety during the war, they discover her secret. Eglantine decides to use her magic to help the war effort and protect the children from the dangers of the Blitz.
Together, Eglantine and the children embark on a magical adventure using her broomstick and bedknobs to travel to various locations. They encounter an animated island of anthropomorphic animals, a thrilling soccer match, and a battle against invading German forces.
The film is known for its blend of live-action and animated sequences, featuring a mix of traditional animation and special effects, which was groundbreaking at the time of its release.
“Bedknobs and Broomsticks” received critical acclaim and was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning the Oscar for Best Visual Effects. The movie was praised for its imaginative storytelling, charming characters, and memorable musical numbers.
The film’s musical score, composed by the Sherman Brothers, features several delightful songs, including “The Age of Not Believing” and “Portobello Road,” which have become beloved classics in the Disney canon.
“Bedknobs and Broomsticks” is a timeless family classic that combines fantasy, adventure, and heartwarming moments. It remains a favorite among Disney fans, enchanting audiences with its whimsical and magical tale of courage, friendship, and the power of believing in oneself.
Fun Facts
- Bedknobs and Broomsticks was the last Disney movie released before Roy Disney’s death.
- Bedknobs and Broomsticks was originally 2.5 hours long when it premiered.
Additional Details
Cast
- Angela Lansbury: Miss Eglantine Price
- David Tomlinson: Mr. Emelius Browne
- Ian Weighill: Charles “Charlie” Rawlins
- Cindy O’Callaghan: Carrie Rawlins
- Roy Snart: Paul Rawlins
- Roddy McDowall: Mr. Rowan Jelk
- Sam Jaffe: the Bookman
- Bruce Forsyth: Swinburne
- Tessie O’Shea: Mrs. Jessica “Jessie” Hobday
- John Ericson: Colonel Heller
- Reginald Owen: Major General Sir Brian Teagler
- Arthur Gould-Porter: Captain Ainsley Greer
- Hank Worden: Old Home Guard Soldier
- Cyril Delevanti: Elderly farmer
- Alan Hewitt: a Soldier
- Lennie Weinrib: King Leonidas and the Secretary bird
- Dallas McKennon: Fisherman Bear
- Bob Holt: Codfish
Crew
- Director: Robert Stevenson
- Producer: Bill Walsh
- Music: Irwin Kostal
Movie Trailer:
Related News:
- Where Bedknobs and Broomsticks stars are now – from EastEnders star to Strictly legend and driver for South West trains, January 17, 2023
- Revisiting ‘Bedknobs And Broomsticks’, Disney’s Odd Attempt To Recapture That ‘Mary Poppins’ Magic Read More: https://www.slashfilm.com/572434/bedknobs-and-broomsticks-revisited/, February 20, 2020
- 13 live-action Disney movies you probably forgot existed, December 23, 2019
Related Song(s):
Eglantine (Song)
“Eglantine” is a song from the 1971 Disney live-action/animated musical film “Bedknobs and Broomsticks“. The song was written by the Sherman Brothers and sung in…
Don’t Let Me Down (Song)
Nobody’s Problems (Song)
Portobello Road (Song)
“Portobello Road” is a song from the Disney musical film “Bedknobs and Broomsticks“. The song is featured in the movie’s opening sequence, and is sung…
Substitutiary Locomotion (Song)
“Substitutiary Locomotion” is a song from the 1971 Disney live-action and animated musical film “Bedknobs and Broomsticks“. The song is performed by Angela Lansbury, who…
The Beautiful Briny (Song)
“The Beautiful Briny” is a song from the 1971 Disney musical film “Bedknobs and Broomsticks“. The film follows a group of children who are sent…
The Age of Not Believing (Song)
“The Age of Not Believing” is a song from the 1971 Disney live-action/animated film “Bedknobs and Broomsticks“. The film follows the adventures of three children…
With a Flair (Song)
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