Guest Author - Kirsten Olsen-Keyser

Bell, Book and Candle was an original play completed in 1950 by John William Van Druten (I Remember Mama, I Am a Camera) and was adapted for film by the great Daniel Taradash (From Here to Eternity, Picnic) and released in theaters on Christmas Day 1958. It was a milestone in Jimmy Stewart’s acting career as it is the last film the fifty-year-old would play a lead romantic role. 1958 was also a stellar year for his co-star Kim Novak having also worked with Stewart in Vertigo released May of that same year. Rounding out the cast are Elsa Lanchester (Bride of Frankenstein, Murder By Death), Jack Lemmon, Ernie Kovacs and Janice Rule (3 Women, The Swimmer).
Appearing normal to the outside world, the Holroyds are a family of witches living in Greenwich Village, NY. Taking up residence in an apartment building, the expert of the family, Gillian (Novak), runs a primitive art gallery on the first floor while her Aunt Queenie (Lanchester) and Brother Nick (Lemmon) reside on the floors above. Also renting a space is publisher Shep Henderson (Stewart). Unlucky in love and restive, Gillian often wishes she was normal and that she could meet new people. Myth has it that witches are not meant to find true love for if they do, they will loose their powers forever. With a little nudging from her interfering Aunt, she and Shep cross paths one day when he needs to use a telephone. Learning that he is about to marry an old college rival, Merle Kittridge (Rule), she decides to exact some revenge by casting a love spell on him. However, her plan backfires when she begins to fall in love with Shep herself.
Novak is super as the emotionless and sultry Gillian. Stewart plays his part well of the often confused and happy-go-lucky Shep. Lemmon in his supporting role of Nick, a musician at the witch hangout Zodiac Club, is adorable and witty using his powers to joke around and cause mischief. Rule, also a gorgeous actress, is perfect for the role of snobbish Merle. Lanchester and Kovacs add to the comedy as the scatterbrained Queenie and the often intoxicated writer Sidney Redlitch. Stealing some of the spotlight is Gillian’s familiar, Pyewacket the Siamese cat, who is un-credited and simply referred to as “The Cat”.
Bell, Book and Candle is a charming love story and was nominated for a Golden Globe in the Best Picture – Comedy category. Most of the film is shot well with costuming fitting of the beatnik era. For those who enjoy "movie jazz" music, pick up the soundtrack of this one as it features the Brothers Candoli and a score from George Duning.