The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Gems: Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)

How do you choose what to watch on all those streaming services you have access to? There are so many options that it is just overwhelming. These services constantly release new content and overshadow all the great films from the past that are already there and ready to watch. Now there is The Wasteland Gems! Here is a great film on streaming right now that you should check out this weekend:

Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)

When you think of live action Disney classics, what films do you think of? The crown jewel of that era of Disney certainly is Mary Poppins but there are other magical ladies portrayed by legendary musical theater folks to go around. One such film is a wonderfully magical adaptation of Mary Norton fantasy adventure, Bedknobs and Broomsticks. This magical film tells the story of a witch in-training, Eglantine Price, who takes in three siblings during the Blitz. Miss Price attempts to learn magic to help with the British war effort against the Germans during World War II. This is only the jumping off point as this group (teamed up with a “magician” named Emelius Brown) go through some wild shenanigans!

What makes this film so magical? There are multiple sequences in the film that stand the test of time with their impressive visual effects and animation. You have the whole sequence shot in animation that includes the Isle of Naboombu. The journey begins under the sea in a fun and charming lagoon with ballroom dancing and plenty of vibrant music. The impressive live action on animated sequences is a Disney trademark at this point, and this looks amazing and ridiculously charming. Then they make it to the surface of the Isle with a whole thrilling soccer match with anthropomorphic animals. But the most amazing element of the film is when the “Substitutiary Locomotion” spell comes into play. The spell brings inanimate objects to life, and the climax of the film finds a whole range of British military uniforms coming to life and fighting off the Germans. The executioner armor is terrifying and feels so epic to see come to life. The effects are incredible.

How about the musical elements? This is a beautiful and moving musical. The Sherman Brothers find such a fun range of musical beats throughout the film. There are so many great songs from top to bottom. The opening “Overture” teases you with all the musical stylings of the film to come. “The Age of Not Believing” is a beautiful and haunting anthem about wonder and make believe with the impressive voice of Angela Lansbury. David Tomlinson has a few wonderfully fun and charming songs with “With a Flair” and “Eglantine, Don’t Let Me Down”. “Portebello Road” is a big, sprawling musical number that highlights all the different cultures that make up the United Kingdom. “The Beautiful Briny” is such a charming song that makes you want to dance. “Substitutiary Locomotion” is the grand anthem of the film and leads the film into its climax. You can listen to this soundtrack from top to bottom.

What are the essential pieces that bring the film to life? First off, Lansbury is one of the all-time great performers and she certainly brings the humor, sells this shut-in woman, and delivers every single bit of the singing parts of her performance. Julie Andrews was Disney’s first pick but Lansbury delivers a pitch perfect performance. Tomlinson does such a great job portraying the “Mountebank of Fake” that is Mr. Brown. His charm is perfect like this grifter character. The chemistry between Lansbury and Tomlinson is quite palpable and gives them such a great dynamic.

Are you ready for some prime Disney Live Action glory? Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a wonderfully charming journey full of magic, heart, and emotion. Lansbury and Tomlinson are excellent together and are leading this film. The animation and other special effects are a towering achievement that give the film so much personality. You will be having plenty of the songs stuck in your head long after the credits roll.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks is streaming on Disney+.