moonspinner55 Review of Bedknobs and Broomsticks

Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)

Disappointingly fatigued Disney adventure with music...

[5/10 · 16 September 2007]

Although haphazardly constructed (by what I suspect to be post-production editing to shorten the film's length), Disney's "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" is nearly an enjoyable showcase for star Angela Lansbury. This adaptation of Mary Norton's book, which the studio hoped would emulate their "Mary Poppins" (with a touch of "Oliver!" tossed in), incorporates animation into the live action à la "Poppins", but the film's messy structure, beleaguered narrative, poor songs and poor child actors hinder the results. Angela is in fine form playing a good-hearted apprentice witch in World War II England who helps defend her country against the invading Germans; her inherent persnickety charm is smoothed out here, and she's relaxed in a lower-key when its called for, even making some of the sugary songs tolerable. David Tomlinson (acting befuddled, like John McGiver's grandfather) is a weak love-interest for her however, and the orphans whom Angela takes in are the most cynical bunch of tots I've seen in some time (even after witnessing Lansbury's magic, they still can't register awe--only wisecracks). Angela has a good time, and the strong third act compensates for the overall fatigue. Badly photographed by Frank Phillips, who shoves all the images right smack up against his lens. ** from ****