Bell Book and Candle

1958
Approved
1h 46m

IMDb RATING

6.8/10

14K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

Play trailer2:37

Holiday Romance Screwball Comedy Comedy Fantasy Romance

A modern-day witch likes her neighbor but despises his fiancée, so she enchants him to love her instead.A modern-day witch likes her neighbor but despises his fiancée, so she enchants him to love her instead.A modern-day witch likes her neighbor but despises his fiancée, so she enchants him to love her instead.

Director
- Richard Quine
Writers
- Daniel Taradash
- John Van Druten
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.8/10

14K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

2,225

538

Director
- Richard Quine
Writers
- Daniel Taradash
- John Van Druten
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 2 Oscars
- 4 nominations total

Videos2

Photos178

+ 170

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Cary Grant actively sought the lead role.

Goofs
There are only ten signs of the zodiac decorating the doorway into the Zodiac Club.

Quotes
Merle Kittridge: Are you trying to say you're... *jilting* me?
Shepherd 'Shep' Henderson: W-well, that's a very heavy word, Merle. It's a very heavy word. Let's just say that we're... uncoupling.

Alternate versions
The 1999 U.S. DVD release includes both the original theatrical version (as seen in theaters and on VHS) and an extended version (which is obviously not labeled as such). The theatrical version runs for 102 minutes, while the extended version is approximately 4 minutes longer at a runtime of 106 minutes. The theatrical version is presented in 4:3 full screen, while the extended version is presented in 16:9 widescreen.

Connections
Featured in Hollywood and the Stars: In Search of Kim Novak (1964)

Soundtracks
Jingle Bells
(1857) (uncredited)
Written by James Pierpont
In the score during the opening credits

User reviews145

Review

Featured review

Bewitching Romantic Comedy -- Sunday Afternoon Delight!

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? The International cast of supporting actors includes an authentic Parisian Night Club Act, as well as the ultra-eccentric Hermione Gingold (of Gigi/Moulin Rouge fame). Elsa Lancaster is an absolute delight as the intuition-plagued Auntie Queenie. Don't miss this bewitching piece of light entertainment!