Bedazzled Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Wimpy’s short-order cook makes a deal with the Devil to woo a waitress, only to discover that even supernatural assistance can’t fix his awkwardness.

🍿 Bedazzled: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Stanley’s Unrequited Love and Desperation

Stanley Moon, a hapless short-order cook, harbors a deep infatuation for Margaret, a waitress at his workplace. Overwhelmed by his inability to express his feelings and connect with her, Stanley contemplates ending his life. This sets the stage for a fateful encounter that will dramatically alter the course of his existence. His suicide attempt is interrupted by George Spiggott, who reveals himself to be the Devil. Spiggott offers Stanley a deal: seven wishes in exchange for his soul. Stanley, desperate for a chance at happiness with Margaret, accepts the offer, unaware of the mischievous twists that await him.

Seven Wishes Gone Awry

Stanley embarks on a series of wishes, each aimed at winning Margaret’s affection. He transforms himself into an intellectual, a wealthy industrialist, and a rock star, among other personas. However, the Devil cleverly manipulates each wish, exploiting loopholes and ensuring that Stanley’s desires remain unfulfilled. With each failed wish, Stanley becomes increasingly disillusioned and begins to question the true nature of his desires and the cost of his deal with the Devil. He learns valuable lessons about himself, Margaret, and the emptiness of superficial pursuits.

The Devil’s Game

Throughout Stanley’s wish-granting journey, the Devil orchestrates minor acts of chaos and temptation, showcasing his mischievous nature and his ongoing battle against God. He is assisted by the Seven Deadly Sins, personified by colorful characters, including Raquel Welch as Lust. The film explores the dynamic between Stanley and the Devil, highlighting their evolving relationship and the moral implications of their agreement. Stanley’s naivety contrasts with the Devil’s cunning, creating a comedic tension that drives the narrative.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Stanley Moon (Dudley Moore): A hapless short-order cook who sells his soul to the Devil for seven wishes to win over a waitress.
• George Spiggott (Peter Cook): The Devil, disguised, who grants Stanley Moon’s wishes while mischievously twisting them.
• Margaret (Eleanor Bron): The waitress and object of Stanley Moon’s affection, who remains elusive despite his wishes.
• Lilian Lust (Raquel Welch): As one of the seven deadly sins, she represents Lust, assisting George Spiggott in his devilish schemes.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• George Spiggott: “Everything I’ve ever told you has been a lie. Including that.” – A classic line highlighting the Devil’s deceptive nature and playing with truth and falsehood.
• George Spiggott: “You fill me with inertia!” – Said by the Devil to Stanley when he’s being particularly dull, this quote captures the Devil’s impatience.
• George Spiggott: “I had to take advantage of it, doctor’s orders!” – The Devil’s excuse after twisting Stanley’s wishes due to loopholes.
• George Spiggott: “I’m the Devil! What did you expect? ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’?” – Spiggott’s humorous retort to Stanley’s disappointment, underscoring his malevolent nature.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $600,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Bedazzled Reviews

Personal Review

I stumbled upon Bedazzled late one night and was immediately hooked. The absurd humor and the dynamic between Peter Cook and Dudley Moore are pure genius. The whole nun on trampoline scene had me rolling. I found myself rewatching scenes and quoting lines for days afterward. Highly recommended for anyone looking for something different and delightfully weird!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British humor”
  • “Those interested in Faustian tales”
  • “Viewers who appreciate clever dialogue and satire”
  • “Fans of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Religious satire”

Professional Reviews

• The Swinging 60s Film Review: “Bedazzled is a witty and visually inventive take on the Faustian legend, perfectly capturing the spirit of swinging London. The chemistry between Cook and Moore is undeniable, and while some of the humor may feel dated to modern audiences, its clever satire remains timeless.
• Cult Classic Corner: “A cult classic for a reason! Bedazzled is a quirky and endlessly quotable comedy with an eccentric sensibility. Peter Cook’s devilish charm and Dudley Moore’s hapless charm create a memorable duo. However, it’s definitely an acquired taste and may not appeal to everyone.
• Sixties Cinema: “While it may not be laugh-out-loud funny to modern audiences, Bedazzled offers a fascinating glimpse into the comedic sensibilities of the 1960s. The film’s satirical wit and offbeat humor provide a unique viewing experience, even if some of the jokes fall flat. Raquel Welch is mesmerizing in her limited screen time.

Audience Reactions

Peter Cook’s devil is endlessly charming and hilariously mischievous.: Viewers praised the sharp, satirical wit of the script and the comedic chemistry between Cook and Moore.

The film’s unique blend of humor and philosophical undertones resonated with viewers.: Many appreciated the film’s clever take on the Faustian legend and its exploration of morality.

Overall Consensus: Bedazzled is a cult classic praised for its sharp wit, eccentric humor, and the comedic chemistry between Peter Cook and Dudley Moore. While some aspects may feel dated, its satirical themes and offbeat charm continue to resonate with audiences.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Peter Cook had significant control over the script, which showcased his brand of taboo-breaking and gleeful absurdism.”
• “The film satirizes religion with bouncing nuns, but ends with God winning over the Devil on a technicality.”
• “Raquel Welch’s role, while heavily promoted, is brief, lasting only about seven minutes on screen.”
• “Dudley Moore also composed the film’s score.”

🖥️ How to Watch Bedazzled?

Currently, ‘Bedazzled’ (1967) is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming options as availability may vary. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, it is not available on any major streaming subscription platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Bedazzled, you might like these similar films:

• Damn Yankees (1958): Shares the theme of selling one’s soul to the Devil for personal gain, with a comedic and musical twist.
• Oh, God! (1977): Features a humorous take on divine intervention, with God appearing in modern life to offer guidance.
• Click (2006): A modern comedy where the protagonist gains a device with wish-fulfilling capabilities, but faces unexpected consequences.
• The Devil’s Advocate (1997): Deals with themes of temptation and moral choices, albeit in a darker, more dramatic context.

🛒 Bedazzled Related Products

• Bedazzled (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A beautifully restored edition of Bedazzled from the Criterion Collection, featuring bonus content, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage, offering an unparalleled viewing experience for fans of this cult classic.
• The Best of Peter Cook & Dudley Moore: A digital compilation featuring classic sketches and performances from Peter Cook and Dudley Moore’s extensive comedic careers, highlighting their unique chemistry and comedic genius, offering hours of entertainment.
• Bedazzled (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Vinyl]: A limited-edition vinyl pressing of the original Bedazzled soundtrack, featuring Dudley Moore’s iconic compositions and musical arrangements, providing a nostalgic and audiophile-quality listening experience for fans of the film’s score.
• Bedazzled Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original Bedazzled movie poster, capturing the film’s iconic imagery and retro aesthetic, perfect for decorating any fan’s living space.

🎧 Soundtrack

Bedazzled features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by The Dudley Moore Trio
• “Love Me” – performed by Dudley Moore

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Dudley Moore Trio – Bedazzled

Did you know Dudley Moore was a fantastic jazz pianist? Check out this groovy rendition of the Bedazzled theme by his trio – it’s a cool and classy take on the movie’s music that really highlights his talent!

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