Bedknobs and Broomsticks Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bumbling witch, some orphans, and a huckster use a magical bed to stop Nazis with enchanted museum pieces… because World War II.

🍿 Bedknobs and Broomsticks: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Orphaned Children Evacuated to the Countryside

During World War II, three orphaned children from London, Charlie, Carrie, and Paul Rawlins, are evacuated to the countryside to escape the Blitz. They are reluctantly taken in by Miss Eglantine Price, a reclusive woman living in the village of Pepperinge Eye. The children quickly discover that Miss Price is not just an ordinary woman, but an apprentice witch learning her craft through a correspondence course.

Discovering Witchcraft and a Magical Bed

The children accidentally witness Miss Price attempting to fly on a broomstick and discover her secret. To ensure their silence, Miss Price enchants a bedknob from Paul’s late father’s brass bed, giving it the power to transport them anywhere they desire. The children, especially Paul, become fascinated with the magical bed and its ability to travel to fantastical places.

The Search for the Substitutiary Locomotion Spell

Miss Price learns that her correspondence course is being discontinued due to the war, jeopardizing her chance to learn the crucial “Substitutiary Locomotion” spell, which can bring inanimate objects to life. Determined to complete her training and aid the war effort, Miss Price, along with the children, sets out to find Professor Emelius Browne, the headmaster of the witchcraft school.

London and the Isle of Naboombu

Their search leads them to London, where they discover that Professor Browne is a charlatan showman. He reveals that he copied the spells from an ancient book, “The Spells of Astaroth,” but only possesses half of it. They embark on a quest to find the missing half, leading them to the Isle of Naboombu, a magical island inhabited by animated animals. There, they must retrieve the missing spell from King Leonidas, a hot-tempered lion.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Miss Price (Angela Lansbury): An apprentice witch, reluctantly caring for evacuee children during World War II, seeks to complete her training and aid the war effort.
• Emelius Browne (David Tomlinson): A charismatic but ultimately fraudulent showman who originally sold Miss Price her witchcraft course.
• Charlie (Ian Weighill): The eldest of the Rawlins children, initially skeptical but eventually embraces the magic.
• Carrie (Cindy O’Callaghan): The middle Rawlins child, practical and often acting as a voice of reason.
• Paul (Roy Snart): The youngest Rawlins child, he possesses the magic bedknob and triggers many of their adventures.
• Col. Heller (John Ericson): The leader of the German platoon that invades the town.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Miss Price: “Treguna, Mekoides, Trecorum, Satis Dee!” – This is the incantation Miss Price uses to activate the Substitutiary Locomotion spell, bringing inanimate objects to life.
• Paul: “It’s got nothing to do with my knob.” – Said by Paul, referring to the bedknob, which is the source of the bed’s magical ability to travel anywhere.
• Emelius Browne: “I’m a Professor of Performing Magic! Not actual magic!” – Professor Browne clarifies that he is a magician and not a real witch.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: Unknown
• Worldwide Gross: $17,871,170

💥 Bedknobs and Broomsticks Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ isn’t as perfect as ‘Mary Poppins,’ but I still adore it! Angela Lansbury is absolutely delightful as Miss Price, and the whole idea of a witch helping with the war effort is just so creative. I remember being completely mesmerized by the underwater ballroom scene as a kid. It really sparked my imagination. The Portobello Road scene is a bit long, but I still bop along. Honestly, the ending battle where the armor comes to life is still epic. It’s just pure Disney magic!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Disney films”
  • “Families with young children”
  • “Those who enjoy musical fantasies”
  • “Viewers interested in World War II-era stories with a magical twist”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild cartoon violence”
  • “Brief depictions of wartime themes”
  • “Some potentially dated cultural depictions”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Charming performances by Lansbury and Tomlinson elevate this whimsical tale, though the pacing falters in extended musical sequences. The special effects, particularly the climactic battle, remain impressive for their time, offering a delightful, if uneven, cinematic experience.
• Variety: “A delightful blend of live-action and animation, ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ offers enchanting entertainment for the whole family. While it may not reach the heights of ‘Mary Poppins’, its originality and Lansbury’s captivating performance make it a worthwhile watch.
• Time Out: “This Disney flick may be a blatant ‘Mary Poppins’ retread, but Angela Lansbury shines as the apprentice witch, and the blend of animation and live-action delivers some genuinely magical moments, making it a nostalgic treat for viewers of all ages.

Audience Reactions

The blend of live-action and animation is unique and charming, especially during the underwater dance sequence.: Most viewers agree that Angela Lansbury delivers a standout performance, and the movie offers a fun, nostalgic experience.

The ‘Substitutiary Locomotion’ sequence at the end is funny, creative, and visually stunning.: Critics and viewers agree the movie is enjoyable and full of great songs but can feel long or slow at some points.

Overall Consensus: A charming and imaginative Disney film, elevated by Angela Lansbury’s performance and its unique blend of live-action and animation. While pacing issues and derivative elements exist, it remains a beloved classic for many.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Visual Effects)- 1972

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Julie Andrews was initially offered the role of Miss Price but declined, later regretting her decision and expressing a desire to work with Disney again.”
• “The film features a blend of live-action and animation, with the animated sequence on the Isle of Naboombu being one of the most memorable parts of the movie.”
• “The Sherman Brothers, who also wrote the songs for ‘Mary Poppins,’ composed the music for ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks,’ aiming for a similar magical and whimsical feel.”

🖥️ How to Watch Bedknobs and Broomsticks?

Bedknobs and Broomsticks is available to rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for television airings on channels like Disney Channel or Freeform. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can also be purchased from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Bedknobs and Broomsticks, you might like these similar films:

• Mary Poppins (1964): Also combines live-action and animation with memorable songs and a magical nanny figure.
• The Worst Witch (1986): Shares the theme of a young woman learning witchcraft with comedic elements.
• Pete’s Dragon (1977): Disney’s movie that blends live-action and animation with musical numbers.
• Paddington (2014): Similar heartwarming tone, British setting, and magical elements blended with real-world situations.

🛒 Bedknobs and Broomsticks Related Products

• Bedknobs and Broomsticks [Blu-ray]: The restored and remastered version of the movie on Blu-ray, offering stunning visuals and enhanced audio quality for a premium viewing experience. Experience the magic like never before.
• Disney Bedknobs and Broomsticks: The Official Cookbook: A collection of magical recipes inspired by the film, perfect for fans who want to bring a touch of Miss Price’s kitchen to their own home. Dishes include dishes from Pepperinge Eye and treats from Portobello Road.
• LEGO Ideas Disney Hocus Pocus: The Sanderson Sister’s Cottage: A replica of the Sanderson Sister’s Cottage from Hocus Pocus featuring all of the memorable details from the movie. It’s perfect for any Disney fan.
• Enesco Disney Traditions Bedknobs and Broomsticks Flying on Bed Stone Resin Figurine, 8.5 Inch, Multicolor: From Disney Traditions by Jim Shore, this 8.5 inch figurine captures Miss Price, Emelius, and the children soaring through the skies. It is crafted from high-quality stone resin and is hand painted. It’s the perfect piece for any Disney collector.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “The Age of Not Believing” – performed by Angela Lansbury
• “Portobello Road” – performed by David Tomlinson, Angela Lansbury & Company
• “The Beautiful Briny” – performed by Angela Lansbury, David Tomlinson & The Children
• “Substitutiary Locomotion” – performed by Angela Lansbury

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Angela Lansbury on Her Accent and Bedknobs and Broomsticks | The Dick Cavett Show

Ever wonder how Angela Lansbury mastered that accent? Check out this vintage interview where she talks about ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ and her fascinating vocal transformations. It’s amazing to hear her talk about the magic of the film!

Bedknobs and Broomsticks – Disneycember

Want a funny and insightful take on ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’? The Nostalgia Critic dives deep into what makes this Disney flick so unique (and a little weird!). I always appreciate his honesty, and this review is no exception!

A Step In The Right Direction (Reconstruction)

Did you know there was a song cut from ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’? This video reconstructs that lost musical number, ‘A Step in the Right Direction’! It’s so interesting to see what was left on the cutting room floor and imagine how it would’ve fit into the movie.

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