Review of Bell, Book and Candle (1958) by Steve N — 03 Dec 2010

Jimmy Stewart is among the most talented actors in the history of film. But as with any other actor, even Stewart had his hits and misses. Among his misses was this movie. More than likely where the idea for the 1964 sitcom, "Bewitched" came from, it tends to struggle from beginning to end. Even with the aid of suporting actor Jack Lemmon, the story is hardly believeable. And switching the standard boy meets girl storyline to make it girl meets boy did just as little to move the story along.

The storyline has a major plothole near the end, which won't be given away here. But in watching the entire movie, one can't help but question that one particular aspect of the story that would sink the entire story from the get-go.

What's more the dvd presentation offers little to help make the overall experience any better. It offers very little in the way of real worthwhile bonus features. At best, the dvd offers character profiles as bonus features.

The one saving grace to this movie was in the general setting. So many movies today seem to go over the top with the sets, and special effects. Classic movies such as this one, though, prove the old adage that les is more. Less is going on in the backgrounds, which allows audiences to focus more on the characters themselves. Perhaps more directors and writers should take note of this classic movie-making style. It would do at least a little to improve the quality of today's movies.