Book Vs. Movie: Bell Book and Candle
The Original 1950 Play & the 1958 Film

"Bell, Book, and Candle," released in 1958 and directed by Richard Quine, is a romantic comedy that intertwines the ordinary and the supernatural. The movie revolves around Gillian Holroyd, a beautiful and free-spirited witch who resides in Greenwich Village, New York. Her magical world turns unexpectedly when she develops feelings for her neighbor, Shepherd Henderson. This story takes place on Christmas Eve, making it a unique holiday classic.

The film is based on the 1950 play by John Van Druten and stars James Stewart and Kim Novak (who had also filmed Vertigo the same year). It showcases the hip world of the late 1950s with an unusual romance full of flights of fancy and, of course, cats!

In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• The work of John Van Druten.
• The use of witchcraft as a theme in mid-20th Century America.
• The cast of the 1958 film: James Stewart (Shep Henderson,) Kim Novak (Gil Holroyd,) Jack Lemmon (Nicky Holroyd,) Ernie Kovacs (Sidney Redlitch,) Hermione Gingold (Bianca De Pass,) Elsa Lanchester (Aunt Queenie Holroyd,) and Janice Rule as Merle Kittridge.

Clips used:

• Gillian casts her spell
• Bell, Book, and Candle (1958 trailer)
• The “Club Zodiac”
• Shep realizes Gil loves him
• Shep gets mean
• Gillian is now a human
• Music: George Duning

Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts.
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