31 Days of Halloween #6: Bell, Book and Candle

Bell, Book and Candle (1958) 

******* (7 out of 10 Stars)

Directed by Richard Quine
Starring: James Stewart, Kim Novak, Elsa Lanchester, Jack Lemmon

“Pye-Pye-Pyewacket, what’s the matter with me? Why do I feel this way? It’s such a rut.”

First things first, this is a Christmas movie. Why is it on a Halloween review list? If you’ve seen this classic, you already know—it just fits. Imagine it’s snowing outside, your phone is acting up with strange, unintelligible voices, and a peculiar lady is tidying up your apartment without explanation, criticizing your messiness. Then, you meet a captivating downstairs neighbor who runs a mystic curio shop and invites you to the enigmatic Zodiac Club. It must be witchcraft. Now, let’s get to the review.

This movie is masterfully crafted with impressive sets, a compelling script, rich colors, and a stellar cast. James Stewart delivers a performance he’s known for, portraying an educated, dedicated man with simple truths and expectations. Kim Novak plays a lonely witch dreaming of a new life, and her acting is top-notch, holding her own among an exceptional cast.

I could go on about the film’s timing, musical score, costuming, set design, and more, but these qualities are expected from this era. Calling this movie enchanting doesn’t do it justice. When it appeared on my Halloween review list, I was pleased to present it. It’s not typical Halloween fare, but it certainly belongs on the list.

Sure, let’s delve into some of the noteworthy negatives.

My biggest criticism is that the cast’s immense talent sometimes leads to competition on screen.

Another issue is the pacing. At times, it feels slow. It might test the patience of some. Additionally, the plot, while charming, can be somewhat predictable, lacking the twists and turns that keep an audience on the edge of their seats.

Another point of criticism is the character development. While the main characters are well-portrayed, some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, which can make their actions and motivations seem less convincing. This is frustrating because otherwise there is a high degree of acting skill and experience

The film’s attempt to blend romance, comedy, and supernatural elements doesn’t always ring true. There are moments where the balance feels off, making certain scenes feel either too whimsical or too serious for the overall tone of the movie.

Finally, I feel that this plays as a Halloween Movie, more than a Christmas movie. It seems to have an awkward place sitting on the fence between the two. Despite these drawbacks, the film’s strengths still make it a worthwhile watch.

For those looking for similar Halloween movies that didn’t make it onto the review list, I recommend Arsenic and Old Lace. This classic blends dark humor with a touch of the macabre, making it a perfect fit for the season. Additionally, consider The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. This film offers a mix of romance and supernatural elements, creating an eerie yet enchanting atmosphere ideal for Halloween.