Let’s go back to 1940 by way of 1971 as we talk Bedknobs and Broomsticks, a Disney live-action/animated feature set in England during World War II. This week on Deep in the Plus, Rob and Jill discuss this often-overlooked Disney classic that lives in the shadow of Mary Poppins. Walt actually had a hand in the making of this film, even though it came out several years after his death. Ward Kimball, one of Disney’s Nine Old Men, directed the animated sequences. The Sherman Brothers lent their talents with captivating melodies like “Portobello Road” and “Substitutiary Locomotion.”
The film features aspiring witch Elgantine Price (Angela Lansbury) who wants to use her supernatural talents to end the war. Set during the Blitz, in which the Germans relentlessly bombed London, Price is asked to take in three children displaced by the bombings. They learn she’s a witch and accompany her on her quest to find the final spell that she believes will turn the tide of war. With the help of the instructor of her witchcraft correspondence course, Dr. Emelius Brown (David Tomlinson), Miss Price finally gets her wish.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a little bit Harry Potter and a little bit Mary Poppins. But is it worth your time to watch?
Plus, get bonus recommendations as Rob and Jill present their “Deep Pick of the Week.” Hint: Jill’s pick is a great watch considering Walt’s birthday is December 5th. Also, Jill talks about Aristotle…
You can also go back and check out our previous episodes reviewing the back catalog of Disney content on the Disney+ streaming network:
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