Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) is a delightful and imaginative live-action/animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Productions, directed by Robert Stevenson, and featuring a memorable score by the Sherman Brothers. Known for its whimsical mix of magic, adventure, and catchy songs, the film holds a special place in the Disney canon as one of the classic family films of the early 1970s. Based on the 1943 novel The Magic Bedknob by Mary Norton, Bedknobs and Broomsticks is an enchanting blend of fantasy, humor, and musical spectacle, making it a beloved film for both children and adults alike.
Set during World War II in England, Bedknobs and Broomsticks follows the story of three orphaned children—Charlie (Ian Weighill), Carrie (Cindy O’Callaghan), and Paul (Roy Snart)—who are evacuated from London to the countryside to escape the bombings. Upon arriving at the home of Eglantine Price (Angela Lansbury), a reclusive and quirky woman, they discover that their new guardian is not as ordinary as she seems. Eglantine is a witch in training, learning the craft through the use of a magical bedknob that allows her to travel anywhere she wishes. As the children become involved in her magical adventures, they learn that Eglantine is searching for a spell that will help her fight the Nazi forces.
The children, initially skeptical about magic, soon become captivated by the possibilities of Eglantine’s powers. With the help of the magical bedknob, which can transform the bed into a flying vehicle, they embark on a series of adventures, from flying across the English countryside to encountering a group of animated animals. Along the way, they are pursued by the sinister Colonel Heller (played by Roddy McDowall), who works for the German army and is determined to stop Eglantine’s efforts to defeat the Nazis. With the stakes growing higher, the children and Eglantine must use their wits, teamwork, and magical abilities to outsmart the villain and save the day.
