The Witches (1990)

Director:

Nicolas Roeg

Writers (WGA):

Roald Dahl (book)
Allan Scott (screenplay)

Release Date:

24 August 1990 (USA)

Genre:

Fantasy | Family | Horror

Tagline:

Saving the world from witches is a tall order for a boy they've turned into a mouse!

Plot:

A young boy stumbles onto a witch convention and must stop them, even after he has been turned into a mouse.

Plot Keywords:

Young Boy | Mouse | Hotel | Witch | Convention

Awards:

Nominated for BAFTA Film Award. Another 3 wins & 7 nominations

Cast

Anjelica Huston	...	Miss Eva Ernst / Grand High Witch
Mai Zetterling	...	Helga Eveshim
Jasen Fisher	...	Luke Eveshim
Jane Horrocks	...	Miss Irvine
Anne Lambton	...	Woman in Black
Rowan Atkinson	...	Mr. Stringer
Bill Paterson	...	Mr. Jenkins
Brenda Blethyn	...	Mrs. Jenkins
Charlie Potter	...	Bruno Jenkins
Sukie Smith	...	Marlene
Rose English	...	Dora
Jenny Runacre	...	Elsie
Annabel Brooks	...	Nicola
Emma Relph	...	Millie
Nora Connolly	...	Beatrice

Runtime:

91 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Norway:10 | Iceland:L | Iceland:LH | West Germany:6 (f) | Netherlands:6 | Argentina:Atp | Australia:PG | Chile:TE | Finland:K-8 | Germany:6 (video rating) | Peru:PT | Singapore:PG | Sweden:7 | USA:PG | UK:PG (cut)

Filming Locations:

Bergen, Hordaland, Norway

Company:

Jim Henson Company, The

Trivia:

The last film personally overseen by Jim Henson.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: When Luke saves the baby that was pushed downhill by the great witch, you can see the safety cable attached at the bottom of the stroller.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Helga: When your father was a boy like you, and living with me here in Norway, I told him about witches too, so that he would always be aware. Now, the most important thing you should know about real witches is this - now listen very carefully! Real witches dress in ordinary clothes, and look very much like ordinary women. They live in ordinary houses, and they work in ordinary jobs.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Wonderful World of Roald Dahl (2005) (TV)

One my favorite childhood ... and present.. movies!

This is a movie which is highly underrated. It is a fantastic adventure about a young boy and his wise grandma who go on vacation along the English coast. Unknowlingly running into Grandma's most feared enemy- the Grand High Witch. When Luke accidentally crosses paths with the Grand High Witch and her Witch minions, it is up to him, Bruno Jenkins, and Grandma to save all the children of England!

Anjelica Huston does a marvelous job at portraying the snobbishly aristocratic Eva Ernst as well as her unmasked counterpart, the evil Grand High Witch. She definitely steals the show in this one, although Mai Zetterling does give one that warm nurturing feeling as the wise but kind grandma. And Jasen Fisher did a good job as well.

Not only is the acting good, but the special effects.. or should i see puppets and makeup.. are marvelous! The grand high witch without her face mask is really a terrible sight! And the little mice, really puppets opposed to the technological computer created special effects, really work out great and give a more earthy feel non animated animal movies.

If your an adult and your looking for a nail biting psychological thriller your looking in a very wrong direction. But if you are looking for a classic, fun, adventure for all ages- I suggest you watch this. I give it an A+!!!!!!!!