Bell Book and Candle
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For the religious phrase, see Bell, book, and candle.
| Bell, Book and Candle Bellbookcandlefilm.jpg | |
| IMDB Page (external link) | |
| Writer: | Daniel Taradash |
| Starring: | James Stewart Kim Novak |
| Director: | Richard Quine |
| Music by: | George Duning |
| Distributor: | Paramount Pictures |
| Release Date: | October, 1958 (USA) |
| Runtime: | 106 min. |
| Language: | English |
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Bell, Book and Candle is a 1958 romantic comedy directed by Richard Quine and starring James Stewart and Kim Novak in their second on-screen pairing (after the Alfred Hitchcock classic Vertigo). The film, based on a play written by John Van Druten and adapted by Daniel Taradash, was Stewart's last film as a romantic lead. Fans of the film point to similarities between it and I Married A Witch and especially the television series Bewitched, speculating that this picture may have been an inspiration. The portrayal of witches as having a subculture with slightly artistic or Bohemian dress and decor is also evocative of the atmosphere of the wizarding world in Harry Potter.
Contents |
Plot
Bell, Book and Candle follows Greenwich Village witch Gillian Holroyd (Kim Novak) who has been unlucky in love and restless with life. When publisher Shep Henderson (James Stewart) walks into her building, she becomes immediately infatuated. When she discovers he's about to marry an old friend of Gillian's, she casts a spell on Shep, but must face the distinction between love and witchcraft.
Reception
When first released in October of 1958, Bell, Book and Candle was a moderate success. In early 1959, the film received Academy Award nominations for Best Art Direction and Costume Design, as well as a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Comedy. The soundtrack, featuring Philippe Clay and The Brothers Candoli who appeared in the film in cameo appearances, also found success.
Awards
Academy Awards
Nominated:
Golden Globes
Nominated:
Cast
James Stewart as Shepherd 'Shep' Henderson
Kim Novak as Gillian 'Gil' Holroyd
Jack Lemmon as Nicky Holroyd
Ernie Kovacs as Sidney Redlitch
Hermione Gingold as Bianca de Passe
Elsa Lanchester as Queenie
Janice Rule as Merle Kittridge
