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IMDbPro

Bell Book and Candle

  • 19581958
  • ApprovedApproved
  • 1h 46m
IMDb RATING
6.8/10
12K
YOUR RATING
James Stewart, Jack Lemmon, Kim Novak, Elsa Lanchester, Hermione Gingold, Ernie Kovacs, and Janice Rule in Bell Book and Candle (1958)
Official Trailer
Play trailer2:37
3 Videos
99+ Photos
ComedyFantasyRomance
A modern-day witch likes her neighbor but despises his fiancée, so she enchants him to love her instead.A modern-day witch likes her neighbor but despises his fiancée, so she enchants him to love her instead.A modern-day witch likes her neighbor but despises his fiancée, so she enchants him to love her instead.
IMDb RATING
6.8/10
12K
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Richard Quine
  • Writers
    • Daniel Taradash(screenplay)
    • John Van Druten(play "Bell, Book and Candle")
  • Stars
    • James Stewart
    • Kim Novak
    • Jack Lemmon
  • Director
    • Richard Quine
  • Writers
    • Daniel Taradash(screenplay)
    • John Van Druten(play "Bell, Book and Candle")
  • Stars
    • James Stewart
    • Kim Novak
    • Jack Lemmon
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 126User reviews
    • 52Critic reviews
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 2 Oscars
      • 4 nominations total

    Videos3

    Bell Book and Candle
    Trailer 2:37
    Watch Bell Book and Candle
    Bell Book And Candle
    Trailer 2:36
    Watch Bell Book And Candle
    Our Favorite On-Screen Witches
    Clip 3:43
    Watch Our Favorite On-Screen Witches

    Photos177

    Kim Novak in Bell Book and Candle (1958)
    Kim Novak in Bell Book and Candle (1958)
    Kim Novak in Bell Book and Candle (1958)
    "Bell, Book and Candle" Kim Novak 1958 Columbia
    "Bell, Book and Candle" Kim Novak 1958 Columbia
    James Stewart, Kim Novak, and Janice Rule at an event for Bell Book and Candle (1958)
    James Stewart, Kim Novak, and Pyewacket in Bell Book and Candle (1958)
    James Stewart, Kim Novak, and Pyewacket in Bell Book and Candle (1958)
    James Stewart, Kim Novak, and Pyewacket in Bell Book and Candle (1958)
    James Stewart, Kim Novak, and Pyewacket in Bell Book and Candle (1958)
    James Stewart, Kim Novak, and Pyewacket in Bell Book and Candle (1958)
    Jack Lemmon and Elsa Lanchester in Bell Book and Candle (1958)

    Top cast

    Edit
    James Stewart
    James Stewart
    • Shepherd Henderson
    Kim Novak
    Kim Novak
    • Gillian Holroyd
    Jack Lemmon
    Jack Lemmon
    • Nicky Holroyd
    Ernie Kovacs
    Ernie Kovacs
    • Sidney Redlitch
    Hermione Gingold
    Hermione Gingold
    • Bianca de Passe
    Elsa Lanchester
    Elsa Lanchester
    • Queenie Holroyd
    Janice Rule
    Janice Rule
    • Merle Kittridge
    Philippe Clay
    Philippe Clay
    • French Singer at the Zodiac Club
    Bek Nelson
    Bek Nelson
    • Tina - Shep's Secretary
    Howard McNear
    Howard McNear
    • Andy White - Shep's Co-Publisher
    The Brothers Candoli
    • Musicians at the Zodiac Club
    Fred Aldrich
    Fred Aldrich
    • Mover
    • (uncredited)
    Leon Alton
    Leon Alton
    • Club Patron
    • (uncredited)
    Monty Ash
    • Herb Store Owner
    • (uncredited)
    Joe Barry
    • Exterminator
    • (uncredited)
    Wolfe Barzell
    Wolfe Barzell
    • Zodiac Club Proprietor
    • (uncredited)
    Willie Bloom
    • Undetermined Role
    • (uncredited)
    Gail Bonney
    Gail Bonney
    • Betty - Merle's Maid
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Richard Quine
    • Writers
      • Daniel Taradash(screenplay)
      • John Van Druten(play "Bell, Book and Candle")
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Cary Grant actively sought the lead role.
    • Goofs
      There are only ten signs of the zodiac decorating the doorway into the Zodiac Club.
    • Quotes

      Shepherd 'Shep' Henderson: That girl you know, Gillian Holroyd, she's one.

      Merle Kittridge: A witch?

      Shepherd 'Shep' Henderson: Yes!

      Merle Kittridge: Shep, you just never learned to spell.

    • Alternate versions
      The 1999 U.S. DVD release includes both the original theatrical version (as seen in theaters and on VHS) and an extended version (which is obviously not labeled as such). The theatrical version runs for 102 minutes, while the extended version is approximately 4 minutes longer at a runtime of 106 minutes. The theatrical version is presented in 4:3 full screen, while the extended version is presented in 16:9 widescreen.
    • Connections
      Edited into Bride of Monster Mania (2000)
    • Soundtracks
      Jingle Bells
      (1857) (uncredited)

      Written by James Pierpont

      In the score during the opening credits

    User reviews126

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    8/10
    Bewitched
    "Bell Book and Candle" was shown recently on cable. Not having seen it for a while, we decided to take another look at this comedy. Based on the James Van Druten's Broadway hit, which was a vehicle for Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer in the early fifties, the film was adapted for the screen by Daniel Taradash. The film was directed by Richard Quine, who turned the play into a delightful comedy.

    Evidently, judging by some of the comments submitted by IMDb, the big issue seems to be the pairing of the two stars, who had collaborated on "Vertigo", released the same year. Movie audiences didn't think anything about the age difference when this film was released. In fact, most of the aging male stars of that period were always involved with much younger women.

    The film set in Manhattan during Christmas is a delightful comedy that has enchanted viewers. Kim Novak was at the height of her beauty as it's clear the camera adored her no matter what was she playing. As the witch that becomes human, her Gillian is charming. James Stewart, who plays the publisher Shep' Henderson, is also seen at his best. Mr. Stewart was an excellent comedy actor who shows in here why he was at the top.

    In supporting roles the wonderful Elsa Lanchester, playing Queenie, is a welcome addition to any movie, as she proves here. Jack Lemmon's Nicky Holroyd, the brother of Gillian, is also good. Ernie Kovacs is also seen as the writer Sidney Radlitch.

    This is an excellent way to spend a winter night at home watching "Bell Book and Candle".
    helpful•28
    8
    • jotix100
    • Oct 3, 2005

    FAQ12

    • What is 'Bell Book and Candle' about?
    • Is "Bell Book and Candle" based on a book?
    • What does the title mean?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 19, 1958 (Finland)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Languages
      • English
      • French
    • Also known as
      • Bell, Book and Candle
    • Filming locations
      • Flatiron Building - 175 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA
    • Production companies
      • Columbia Pictures Corporation
      • Phoenix Productions (III)
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross worldwide
      • $125
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 46 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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    James Stewart, Jack Lemmon, Kim Novak, Elsa Lanchester, Hermione Gingold, Ernie Kovacs, and Janice Rule in Bell Book and Candle (1958)
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