Bedazzled (1967) 6.8
A hapless loser sells his soul to the Devil in exchange for 7 wishes, but has trouble winning over the girl of his dreams. Director:Stanley Donen |
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Bedazzled (1967) 6.8
A hapless loser sells his soul to the Devil in exchange for 7 wishes, but has trouble winning over the girl of his dreams. Director:Stanley Donen |
|
| 0Share... |
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Peter Cook | ... | ||
| Dudley Moore | ... | ||
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Eleanor Bron | ... |
Margaret
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| Raquel Welch | ... | ||
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Alba | ... |
Vanity
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Robert Russell | ... |
Anger
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| Barry Humphries | ... | ||
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Parnell McGarry | ... | |
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Danièle Noël | ... |
Avarice
(as Daniele Noel)
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Howard Goorney | ... | |
| Michael Bates | ... |
Inspector Clarke
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Bernard Spear | ... |
Irving Moses
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Robin Hawdon | ... |
Randolph - Harp Teacher
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Michael Trubshawe | ... |
Lord Dowdy
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Evelyn Moore | ... |
Mrs. Wisby
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Stanley is a short order cook, infatuated with Margaret, the statuesque waitress who works at Wimpy Bar with him. Despondent, he prepares to end it all when he meets George Spiggott AKA the Devil. Selling his soul for 7 wishes, Stanley tries to make Margaret his own first as an intellectual, then as a rock star, then as a wealthy industrialist. As each fails, he becomes more aware of how empty his life had been and how much more he has to live for. He also meets the seven deadly sins who try and advise him. Written by John Vogel <jlvogel@comcast.net>
"Bedazzled", mainly because it's not available on DVD (and even VHS in the UK), has become something of a cult in recent years. This is also due to the simple fact that its a very good film, a very mannered and well-crafted high concept flick.
Dudley Moore and Peter Cook were still friends in 1967. They were two of British TV's most feted stars, and had also enthusiastically appeared together in a few ensemble comedy films. They were no slouches when it came to their first feature either. Stanley Donen was brought in a director, Cook toiled over the witty script, Moore did the perky score.
"Bedazzled" is slightly dated and is quite an uncommercial product overall, but its still a clever and interesting film. It doesnt deliver bellylaughs, but it is pretty thought-provoking and intelligent. There's funny one-liners ("Yes, Irving Moses-the fruitier etc), totally original ideas (the animated fly sequence, Raquel Welsh as Lust), slapstick stuff and a top pop parody with Cook as the indifferent "Drimble Wedge".
The pathos and sadness underpinning the movie is perhaps best summed up with the conned old lady's "Goodbye" as the Eyewash men leave. "Bedazzled" is very British and very 60s, but it still a well-made and well-acted fantasy, much better than the silly 2000 remake.