Bedknobs And Broomsticks [VHS]

Disaster strikes when the mail-order course in cancelled, and Miss Price must use the magic bed to find the teacher of the course, Dr. Emelius Browne (David Tomlinson). Finding that he is a charlatan, she, the children and Dr. Browne set off to find the spell that she needs; this being in the hands of a group of intelligent (cartoon) animals that live on their own island. Returning to her home, Miss Price's talents are required when a Nazi raiding party storms ashore. [Color, created in 1971, with a running time of 1 hour, 57 minutes, rated G.]

This is one of my favorite Disney movies ever. The movie is quite eclectic, with wonderful scenes of dancing soldiers from across the Empire, a hilarious soccer game involving the animal kingdom, and a fantastic battle between the German soldiers and magically animated armor. This is a wonderful movie, with something for all ages.

[Please consider reading the wonderful book Bedknob and Broomstick by Mary Norton. Though Disney maintained the title, virtually the entire story was changed in the making of the movie.]

Miss Price is a prim and proper typical English lady, who lives in a sleepy southern coastal village during World War II. What the other villages don't know however, is that she is in fact a mail order apprentice witch and so have no hesitation in lumbering her with three London evacuees, who later find out about her secret and try to blackmail her.

They agree that she will give them somthing, if they keep their mouths shut, and so puts a spell on one of their beds that allows them to travel anywhere on it just by turning one of the bedknobs. On finding out that the witch school that she is a student at, is closing her and the children use to the bed to travel to London to meet Proffessor Amelius Brown, the man in charge.

He reveals that he got all of the spells from an old book, of which the last half of the book is missing and so he cannot finish the course. Determined to find the final spell, the children, Miss Price, and Mr Brown embark on an adventure involving loads of talking animals, and a Nazi raiding party.

The acting is brilliant from all the people involved in the film. Angela Lansbury who plays Miss Price the 'good' witch who is trying to help her country using witch craft. Julie Andrews, Leslie Caron, Lynn Redgrave, and Judy Carne were considered for the role of Miss Price before Angela Lansbury was cast. David Tomlinson who plays Dr Amelius Brown the head of the school of witchcraft. Ron Moody was considered for the role of Mr. Brown before Tomlinson was cast.
Ian Weighill, Roy Snart, and Cindy O'Callaghan who play Charlie, Paul and Carrie respectively, the three children who come to stay with Miss Price.

Overall, 'Bedknobs And Broomsticks' is really great part - animated, part - real life movie that will entertain children for hours and hours. Adults will also enjoy the adventure with their kids. This was also the last film from the Disney studios to receive an Academy Award until 'The Little Mermaid' in 1989. Highly recommended, especially if you have children.