Watch Bell, Book and Candle

Bell, Book and Candle is a romantic comedy released in 1958 directed by Richard Quine and starring James Stewart, Kim Novak, and Jack Lemmon. The movie centers around a love triangle between the three main characters, moved by supernatural elements and witchcraft. The film features a whimsical and playful tone throughout, as the audience is taken through the life of Gillian Holroyd, a beautiful young witch living in Greenwich Village, New York in the 1950s. Gillian is portrayed by Kim Novak, who delivers a superb performance, shifting between sexy and mischievous, to vulnerable and longing.

Gillian is a modern-day witch, successful in her professional and personal life. She owns a rare African store and is highly sought after by the city's most eligible bachelors. James Stewart plays her upstairs neighbor Shepherd Henderson, a handsome publisher. Shepherd is smitten with Gillian but has a girlfriend whom he intends to marry soon. Jack Lemmon portrays Nicky Holroyd, Gillian's mischievous and free-spirited brother, also a witch.

Nicky soon realizes that Gillian is in love with Shepherd without revealing the secret of Gillian's witchcraft. Gillian decides to cast a love spell on Shepherd, and the consequences of this decision initiate a domino effect on the rest of the characters.

As Shepherd begins to fall for Gillian under the spell, the two of them start to date and spend time together, and their chemistry is undeniable. However, as with any romantic comedy, there are obstacles in their path, with Shepherd's fiancé getting in the way of the unfolding romance.

The catalyst for the plot is set, and the audience is taken on a journey where they witness Gillian navigating the ups and downs of her love life with the help of magic. The Bell, Book, and Candle of the title, are three important elements used in her witchcraft, symbolizing her ability to call upon supernatural powers whenever needed.

The film heavily relies on the talents of the lead actors. Kim Novak's portrayal of Gillian is complex, balancing her confident witch persona with her guarded and vulnerable true self. James Stewart's turn as the charming Shepherd is superb, with his good-natured smile, and affable personality providing a perfect counterpart to Novak's sly and mystical Gillian. Jack Lemmon offers a comedic performance, adding humor and mischief to his portrayal of Gillian's brother Nicky, providing comic relief throughout the movie.

Bell, Book and Candle is famous for being one of the first movies of its kind, introducing audiences to a new kind of witchcraft. Unlike other witch movies from its time, Bell, Book and Candle presents a world where witches are not portrayed as evil or sinister, but rather as complex individuals, balancing their normal social lives with their supernatural abilities.

Another highlight of the film is the set and the costumes. The movie takes place in Greenwich Village, New York, which provides an attractive backdrop to the film's supernatural elements. The use of color in the movie is also impressive, with the costumes and sets featuring a bright palette of greens, purples, oranges, and blues, which complements the movie's playful tone.

Overall, Bell, Book and Candle is a must-watch classic romantic comedy set in the world of witchcraft. Thanks to outstanding performances by the lead actors, and the whimsical tone and vibrant colors, it's no wonder this movie is considered a timeless classic. It's an entertaining and charming film, which will transport viewers to another time and place, filled with magic and romance.

Bell, Book and Candle is a 1958 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.