Bell, Book and Candle
Seen it?1958 | 106 min | Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (76% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics, anyone who wants a laugh and fantasy fans. If you loved Enchanted, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Light and funny, romantic.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 46 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1958: an older pace and style.
Gillian Holroyd, a modern-day witch, becomes smitten with her handsome upstairs neighbor, Shep Henderson. Using her magical powers, she casts a love spell on him, only to face unexpected complications when genuine feelings emerge, threatening her supernatural abilities.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
76% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.6 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 2 Oscars.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$3 million worldwide on a $2 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 108K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
I Married a Witch
Sunday Safe BetAnother romantic comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Enchanted
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed comedy.
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Weeknight WatchAnother fantasy film, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Penelope Weeknight WatchAnother fantasy film, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Mannequin Weeknight WatchAnother romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Richard Quine
- James StewartShep Henderson
- Kim NovakGillian Holroyd
- Jack LemmonNicky Holroyd
- Ernie KovacsSidney Redlitch
- Hermione GingoldBianca de Passe
- Elsa LanchesterAunt Queenie Holroyd
- Janice RuleMerle Kittridge
- Philippe ClayFrench Singer at the Zodiac Club
- Bek NelsonTina
- Howard McNearAndy White