Rating: 
Summary: OF WITCHES AND LOVE
Review: After their teaming just 5 months prior, in the Hitchcock masterpiece VERTIGO, this movie may seem small potatoes, but it's a little charmer with fun performances from all. An entertaining film which offers the exquisite beauty of Kim Novak and the droll talents of the likes of Jack Lemmon, Ernie Kovacs, Elsa Lanchester (as Gillian's delightfully giddy Aunt Queenie) and Hermoine Gingold. On stage, the Van Druten play had served the then-married Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer well, and, while granted, Novak was no Palmer, she nonetheless offers her own style in this very nice little comedy about witches, magic and spells. For Stewart, it must have been a pleasant and relatively easy assignment, and in the listing of his films, it's interesting as the point where he ceased to be a romantic leading man; in his movies, he would court no more. With the exception of THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE, in which he would win and marry Vera Miles, Stewart would either be a married man or a loner. Jimmy was now 50, and he agreed with the critics that it was a little off-putting for actors of that age to be cast opposite much - obviously - younger actresses. The gorgeous colour photography was done by the great James Howe Wong while George Duning (who did the score for TV's THE BIG VALLEY) provided the witty musical score.
Rating: 
Summary: Charming, colorful, quirky.....bewitching.
Review: Adapted from the stage comedy of the same name, Bell Book and Candle stars Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak, fresh from their successful teaming in Hitchcock's Vertigo. Novak plays Gillian Holroyd, a genuine, bonafide witch who runs a south seas antiquities shop. Falling in love with her neighbor, publisher Sheperd Henderson (Stewart), Gillian casts a spell on him. With help from her aunt (Elsa Lanchester), she obliges him to dump his fiancee, and ex college rival, and rush to her side. All of this goes against the grain of Gillian's Endora-like mentor Mrs. DePass (Hermione Gingold), who does her best to counterract the love spell. Meanwhile, Gillian's wacky warlock brother Nicky (Jack Lemmon) courts disaster by coauthoring a book on black magic with Sidney Redlitch (Ernie Kovacs). Legend has it that a witch can neither cry or fall in love. If she falls in love, she will lose her powers....can you guess what happens?Rumor has it that this is the inspiration for the televisions series Bewitched. There are several striking, undeniable similarities. This film was released in 1958, and I find it just as enjoyable today as I'm sure it was then. Memorable performances by Novak as the icy-cool Gillian and Stewart in his last "romantic leading man" role drive the film. Jack Lemmon and Elsa Lanchester add a lot of quirky flavor as Gillian's spell casting family. Fast pacing, clever writing, great costumes and fabulous eye-popping technicolor make this a film worth watching over and over. It's sure to cast a spell on you too.
Rating:
Summary: The Magical Ms. Novak
Review: "Bell, Book and Candle" ( BBC ) is a very pleasant comedy, given an enormous boost from a formidable cast. In fact, much of my four-star rating is based on the actors involved, and their performances. Notwithstanding many glowing reviews, this is not a classic film and all of the key actors have made better movies. I understand that BBC is based on a play. I hope that the stage version also had a strong cast, because the plot is really very slight. Jimmy Stewart is a book publisher who doesn't know that his apartment building is inhabited by a couple of witches played by the gorgeous Kim Novak and her nosy "aunt", Elsa Lanchester. When Kim finds that she is attracted to Jimmy, and discovers that his fiancee is a nasty former school mate, she decides to seduce him. Don't worry Mom and Dad--this is 1958--the "seduction" is totally "PG". We also meet Kim's "warlock" brother in a local night club--a bongo-playing Jack Lemmon, as droll as ever. Then we have Ernie Kovacs as an author with a big interest in witchcraft and booze, not necessarily in that order ! Such a shame that Mr. Kovacs passed away at an early age--a major loss for film and television comedy. Finally, as the "grande dame" of witches, Hermione Gingold steals scenes in her gloriously theatrical way. I'm convinced that Jimmy Stewart could have read a telephone book for two hours, and still be watchable and entertaining. His character is required to look befuddled, perplexed, indignant and incredulous--qualities that Mr. Stewart could raise to an art form. He also has a number of scenes where he is "required" to kiss Ms. Novak passionately--and to think he got paid for this as well ? ! Many beautiful women became movie stars in the 50s--Marilyn Monroe is a legend--Elizabeth Taylor--Ava Gardner--Rhonda Fleming--Grace Kelly--it's a long list. For this reviewer though, Kim Novak was the most stunning woman on screen. In this film--and others--her presence is electric. Jimmy Stewart doesn't have a chance ! I should add that Ms. Novak was a recent guest on "Larry King Live"--yes, guys--she is still a knockout ! The DVD is nice, rather than outstanding--the colours exhibit some haziness here and there--mono sound, of course. This is not a great film, but if you want to spend a couple of pleasant, undemanding hours with this delightful cast--Stewart, Lemmon, Kovacs, Lanchester, Gingold and the truly magical Ms. Novak--you will not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: "What would you say if I told you I was a witch?"
Review: BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE must have been pretty hip when it came out. Although made in 1958, I would recommend it now to anyone looking for a devilishly good romantic comedy. It's also the perfect Christmas movie for the offbeat. Featuring Kim Novak as Gillian Holroyd, a "spellbinding" witch who is itching for a more "humdrum" existence, and Jimmy Stewart as Shep Henderson, the sophisticated publisher who becomes the object of her "affections", BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE takes you on a very cool journey with the Greenwich Village contingent who like a little jazz with their witchcraft. This film is full of clever, "witchy" moments that are quite sly, not cheesy. Gillian's legendary Siamese cat, Pyewacket is mesmerizing as he prowls around Gillian's "anthropology" shop/dwelling and is later used to great hypnotic effect in some key scenes that I won't spoil by revealing them here. Gillian's childlike Aunt Queenie (played magnificently by former BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, Elsa Lanchester) can't seem to stay out of trouble, particularly when she taps Shep's phone, causing it to produce "goblin" noises. Jack Lemmon is loads of fun as Gillian's beatnik brother, Nicky. Nicky plays bongos, intends never to fall in love and has a talent for turning out street lights, the sound of which I will always associate with this film. The moments in the Zodiac club are quite charming as are the scenes in head witch, Mrs De Passe's home, where Shep may have to venture to remove a love spell. Keep your eyes open for the standout scenes that take place in Gillian's apartment; one, when the witches exchange Christmas gifts (Gillian lights silver paint in a summoning spell) and equally noteworthy, the moment Gillian and Pyewacket cast their spell on Shep. Gillian's transformation from icy to sensitive is never dull. As with many films of the 50's, all the characters and settings are luxurious and stylish. Manhattan becomes the perfect backdrop for the romantic whirlwind that Shep and Gillian embark on. Shep's office (and secretary) say a lot about the kind of man Shep is. So does his fiancee. I am delighted that more people don't seem to know about this film (if only to keep Hollywood from remembering it's charm and trying to do a lame remake of it). It's a great find. If you like a little Halloween with your Christmas, this film is essential.
Rating: 
Summary: An Entertainment
Review: James Stewart and Kim Novak star in this movie about a publisher (Stewart) who crosses paths with a witch (Novak) who is looking for some excitement. There's nothing serious about this film but it is great fun to watch two good actors with chemistry at work. Though the film was release in the late 1950's, the set and some of the language definitely lets you know that the 1960's aren't far away. If you're looking for some lite entertainment and something different, give Bell, Book and Candle a try.
Rating:
Summary: Kim Novak Enchants in this Bewitching Romantic Comedy
Review: Kim Novac is wonderful as the 'good witch' falling in love with mortal James Stewart. The special treat with this film is that there is a complete 'underground society' (literally) of witches and warlocks, of whom we get to know Elsa Lanchester and Jack Lemon, both recommending Kim Novak quickly forget her romance with the mortal man. This film is a visual feast with some tidbits of 1950s Jazz music in the score. Complete with black cat, spell-book and magic tricks. Who can blame Jimmy Stewart for falling for Kim Novak's spell? Don't miss this bewitching piece of light entertainment!*****
Rating:
Summary: The Magical Ms. Novak
Review: "Bell, Book and Candle" ( BBC ) is a very pleasant comedy, given an enormous boost from a formidable cast. In fact, much of my four-star rating is based on the actors involved, and their performances. Notwithstanding many glowing reviews, this is not a classic film and all of the key actors have made better movies. I understand that BBC is based on a play. I hope that the stage version also had a strong cast, because the plot is really very slight. Jimmy Stewart is a book publisher who doesn't know that his apartment building is inhabited by a couple of witches played by the gorgeous Kim Novak and her nosy "aunt", Elsa Lanchester. When Kim finds that she is attracted to Jimmy, and discovers that his fiancee is a nasty former school mate, she decides to seduce him. Don't worry Mom and Dad--this is 1958--the "seduction" is totally "PG". We also meet Kim's "warlock" brother in a local night club--a bongo-playing Jack Lemmon, as droll as ever. Then we have Ernie Kovacs as an author with a big interest in witchcraft and booze, not necessarily in that order ! Such a shame that Mr. Kovacs passed away at an early age--a major loss for film and television comedy. Finally, as the "grande dame" of witches, Hermione Gingold steals scenes in her gloriously theatrical way. I'm convinced that Jimmy Stewart could have read a telephone book for two hours, and still be watchable and entertaining. His character is required to look befuddled, perplexed, indignant and incredulous--qualities that Mr. Stewart could raise to an art form. He also has a number of scenes where he is "required" to kiss Ms. Novak passionately--and to think he got paid for this as well ? ! Many beautiful women became movie stars in the 50s--Marilyn Monroe is a legend--Elizabeth Taylor--Ava Gardner--Rhonda Fleming--Grace Kelly--it's a long list. For this reviewer though, Kim Novak was the most stunning woman on screen. In this film--and others--her presence is electric. Jimmy Stewart doesn't have a chance ! I should add that Ms. Novak was a recent guest on "Larry King Live"--yes, guys--she is still a knockout ! The DVD is nice, rather than outstanding--the colours exhibit some haziness here and there--mono sound, of course. This is not a great film, but if you want to spend a couple of pleasant, undemanding hours with this delightful cast--Stewart, Lemmon, Kovacs, Lanchester, Gingold and the truly magical Ms. Novak--you will not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Love this movie!!!
Review: Jimmy Stewart, Kim Novak, and a beautiful cat.....I absolutely love this movie. It is usually shown on television around Christmas time, and I have watched it every year since I discovered it. I'm so glad to see it is out on DVD! I'm going to purchase it right now! Don't miss this one!
Rating:
Summary: Love this movie!!!
Review: Jimmy Stewart, Kim Novak, and an beautiful cat.....I absolutely love this movie. It is usually shown on television around Christmas time, and I have watched it every year since I discovered it. I'm so glad to see it is out on DVD! I'm going to purchase it right now! Don't miss this one!
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, funny and beguiling
Review: When black-clad barefoot Gillian (Kim Novak) yearns aloud to her cat/familiar (Pyewacket) for a normal Christmas around normal people, she gets more than she bargains for. When the new tenant in her building, Shep (Jimmy Stewart), falls across her path, she decides to seek a little revenge on his fiancee who was a beau-stealing, poison pen in college. Kim Novak is absolutely beautiful in this one and Jack Lemmon, as her wacky bongo playing brother fills out a perfect cast. The aunt (I can't remember her name) is wonderfully batty - probably the inspiration for Esmerelda in the Bewitched series (just my guess).
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