The Witches (1990)

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

Director:

Nicolas Roeg

Writers:

Roald Dahl (based on the book by), Allan Scott (screenplay by)

Stars:

Anjelica Huston, Mai Zetterling, Jasen Fisher

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 3 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

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

Storyline

A recently orphaned young boy is taken to a seaside hotel in England by his grandmother, who is recuperating after an illness.. Also staying at their hotel is a group of witches who have gathered to prepare a plot to rid England of all children.

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Plot Keywords:

witch | hotel | mouse | metamorphosis | child hater | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Adventure | Comedy | Family | Fantasy | Horror | Mystery

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

The German title is "Hexen hexen", which literally means "Witches practice witchcraft".

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Goofs

When Mr. Stringer says, "What the devil!" his mouth doesn't move.

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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.

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Crazy Credits

The opening credits zooms towards the camera above an unknown snow landscape.

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Alternate Versions

All UK versions were cut by 2 seconds to secure a PG rating. The mouse transformation was slightly shortened and a shot of a witch's bloody scalp when she removes her wig was removed.

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Connections

References Suspiria (1977)

User Reviews

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+!!!!!!!!

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 August 1990 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Witches

Filming Locations:

Cookham Dean, Berkshire, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,221,402, 26 August 1990

Gross USA:

$10,360,553

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$10,360,553

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lorimar Film Entertainment, Jim Henson Productions, The Jim Henson Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1