Jarrod R
In Bell Book and Candle, we are transported back to New York in the 1950s. We're introduced to Gillian, played by Kim Novak, who we learn throughout the story is a witch. She does seem taken by her upstairs neighbor, Shep Henderson, played in his own special way by Jimmy Stewart.
One thing leads to another, and Gill places a love spell on Shep, which upends his plans, including his impending marriage.
Along the way, we meet writer Sidney Redlitch, played by Ernie Kovaks, who is fixated on witches and their mysterious ways. In his brief time on screen, I noticed that he must have made an impression on Jeff Goldblum since his vocal patterns are nearly identical.
(Digging deeper, I learned that Goldblum portrayed Kovaks in Ernie Kovacs: Between the Laughter in 1984)
Jack Lemon is in the supernatural club, too, and we learn about his powers little by little in a playful performance.
All in all, this is a rom-com with a witch-y twist. While the ending was predictable, I still had a great time and wish that I could become a regular at the "Zodiac Club."
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
04/11/25
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E N
I'm in love with Kim Novak! Absolutely great movie!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/18/25
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Robert S
It isn't just about witchcraft; it pertains to any "oddness" in personality or behavior, like Autism, e.g., and the conflict with "normalness" and the decisions that have to be made. Wonderful!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
11/03/24
Full Review
Orin R
You just can't take your eyes off her!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
10/30/24
Full Review
Audience Member
A really good one here with James Stewart and Kim Novak. Yes I recommend this one James Welch, Henderson, Arkansas September 22, 2023.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
09/22/23
Full Review
Matthew D
Mesmerizing cat eyes and magic spellcasting with a cute romance!
Director Richard Quine's fantasy romantic comedy Bell, Book, and Candle (1958) is wonderful. I particularly found Kim Novak's forlorn witch spellbinding. Her beauty and elegance charm with a performance that is equally enchanting and moving. Quine's direction captures the imagination with cool witch hexes, cute cat shots, and sweet romantic gestures. Original writer John Van Druten's story is fantastic with a bored witch falling in love with a human man. I appreciate how the story wants them together under normal tenderness and affection without the lover's spell being cast still on James Stewart's bumbling lover. The empathy writer Daniel Taradash gives to Kim Novak's witch heroine Gil is wonderful.
James Stewart is excellent as the non-believer book publisher Shep Henderson. He's a nice love interest for Novak because he plays the spellbound lover a bit well. Jack Lemmon is funny as the bongo playing nightclub warlock Nicky Holroyd. Him turning out street lights and putting on a sinister grin is fun. Ernie Kovacs is fascinating as the author Sidney Redlitch, who is interested in witches and warlocks in New York.
Kim Novak is gorgeous and endearing as the lovable, lonely witch Gil Holroyd. Her petting the adorable cat Pyewacket and yearning for James Stewart with her cat eyes is enchanting. Novak can play the alluring femme fatale, the playful flirt, and the devastating depressed woman seeking excitement and love in life. Elsa Lanchester is a scream with her zealous giggle and constant meddling as the naughty witch Aunt Queenie Holroyd. Janice Rule plays the stern busybody girlfriend of Stewart's named Merle Kittridge. She plays mean well. Hermione Gingold is great as the older witch gossip Bianca De Pass.
Editor Charles Nelson has these smooth cuts to keep you engaged within scenes and creates a brisk pace. 106 minutes passed by like 20 for me. Cinematographer James Wong Howe shoots with startlingly smooth and refined panning shots. His close-up shots of Kim Novak and Pyewacket's eyes are mesmerizing. Cary Odell's art direction creates a cozy home and seedy jazz nightclub with wondrous magic spell effects. The green flame, light dousing, and eyeball focus shots are neat. Set decorator Louis Diage's set decoration is miraculous as I wish I could live in Novak's apartment slash witch artifact shop.
Composer George Duning's film score is dreamy with romantic melodies and stunning orchestration. I really loved the romance theme and the cool spells. Costume designer Jean Louis crafted dazzling backless gowns, leopard shawls, black leather gloves fitted for Kim Novak's voluptuous figure. I think Bell, Book, and Candle has some of the prettiest outfits in Old Hollywood pictures.
In all, Bell, Book, and Candle is marvelous with resplendent effects, cute cat, quirky parrot, amusing humor, cool witchcraft, compelling acting, sterling direction, and an intriguing romance.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
08/07/23
Full Review
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