Streaming Gems: Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) - Opinion
Photo from D23
From Shane Conto
Are you a fan of classic Disney? The most popular of course are all those legendary animated features including Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella. But there is a whole catalog of classic live action films as well that have become fixtures of the Disney lexicon. It is strange in a time with Disney+ to think that “The Disney Vault” used to be a thing. You could only check out certain films periodically throughout time. OR you could have bought the physical media for them to make sure you secured them. But with Disney+, that vault busted wide open and now you can check out these classic films whenever you want.
What is one of those films you should check out? Bedknobs and Broomsticks. In a world where Mary Poppins, some of these classic live-action musicals have been lost in time. But thanks to Disney+, you can check out this whimsical, magical, and charming flick. Set during World War II, three children are sent to live with a woman in the countryside during The Blitz. The wonderful little twist…she is a witch in training! Angela Lansbury brings all of immense talents as a performer to this family friendly romp. She is charming, sharp, and hilarious. The physicality she brings to the table is a joy to watch as she tries to master her broomstick work.
Outside of Lansbury, who or what else makes this a hidden classic? Lansbury has the perfect dancing partner in David Tomlinson. Charming performer in his own right, Tomlinson is a fixture of a few Disney classics including Mary Poppins. His con man persona is delightful and fun as he delivers some of the best musical numbers in the film including “Eglantine”. But it is hard to argue that the music is the real star of the film. “The Age of Not Believing” is an all time classic song that should be held up with some of Disney’s best. There are a few wonderful numbers that fill out this fantastical tale of magic and wonder.
What is the most impressive element of this film? Bedknobs and Broomsticks offers up some of the most impressive visual effects in film at the time. Similar to Mary Poppins, there is a large segment of the film that is classic hand-drawn animation merged with our live action actors. This sequence in the Briny Sea and on the Isle of Naboombu is a wondrous achievement in filmmaking AND a wonderfully fun and joyous sequence that is hilarious and exciting. Watching a whole football match between anthropomorphic animals is a lovely time.
Does all of this magic and wonder stick the landing? What is most impressive about Robert Stevenson’s film is that it has plenty of showstopping moments. But it is the climactic battle between Nazi invaders and reanimated uniforms of legendary warriors of the British Isles is what makes this film so memorable. Seeing a whole army of marching and fighting uniforms is fantastic and ambitious. The effects are top notch and impressively believable. There is an interesting mix of a haunting feel and some classic physical comedy. This is still a family film so we do see these floating uniforms having some fun with the Nazi troops. But there are also heavier beats like a terrifying executioner’s armor (which terrified me as a child) and the chanting music.
What are you waiting for? I don’t blame you for potentially missing this one as it came in the shadow of Mary Poppins but Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a joyous and fun magical romp that the whole family can enjoy. There are multiple iconic moments and sequences throughout the film. The film also boasts some of the most unappreciated and hidden gems in Disney’s catalog. Thanks to Disney+, this wonderful fantasy adventure is just a few clicks away.
You can find Bedknobs and Broomstick (1971) streaming on Disney+.
