Bell, Book, and Candle

Bell, Book, and Candle

Classically Alluring 

Title: Bell, Book, and Candle

Length: 106 min

Ratings:PG 

The movie starts in an interesting item shop, full of ancient artifacts, as the credits roll. It wasn't too long that we see Gillian (Kim Novak) and realize how alluring she really is. Gillian, has her eye on Shepard Henderson AKA. Shep (James Stewart) from the very beginning, as she watches him make his way home towards his apartment. There Shep is startled when Queenie, a very nosy aunt of Gillian (Elsa Lanchaster) who's made herself comfortable in his home. Well her's aunts visit to Shep's home leads him to visit Gillian's, shop. Which they meet and discuss about holiday plans. Shep hears about the Zodiac club and decides to take his fiance to the snazzy mod club. Shep and his fiance Merle obviously don't fit in and have no idea what they've walked into. Shep luckily finds Gillian and Queenie and make their way towards their direction. It turns out Gillian knows Shep's fiance, Merle and takes advantage of her prior knowledge of her fears and with the help of her brother Nicky (Jack Lemmon) cause Merle to get very anxious. Anyone who suffers from anxiety knows how very unnerving that can be. This causes her to storm out the club with Shep following after.

We later find out why Gillian pulled that trick during the walk back. They soon exchange gifts with each other and decide to try out one of the magical ones. Gillian decides to try to summon an author of the book but instead Shep, comes running in thinking the shop's on fire and cuts the spell off short. Gillian and Shep get to have some alone time when she finds out that he's going to get married the next day. At least Gillian, has Pyewacket to give her some comfort when she hears the news and gives her  the courage to cheat.

Lets say you can figure out what Gillian's spell leads to. Soon Shep heads back to his office and low and behold it seems that author Sidney Redlitch (Ernie Kovacs) is there and a bit on edge about his new book. This leads to a very awkward meeting where Nicky takes advantage of an opportunity. As the time passes Shep becomes even more infatuated with Gillian, which forces her to make a hard choice between the life she always known or the one she's been yearning for.

Over all the movie is must see classic. Even though it's full of old school superstitions and contradictions that might offend some viewers. The movie is really entertaining and fans of these timeless actors should check it out.  

Title: Bell, Book, and Candle

Length: 106 min

Ratings:PG

Year:1958

Director: Richard Quine

Starring: Kim Novak, James Stewart, Jack Lemmon,

Over All Score: A

Entertaining: A, very fast pace movie and entertaining. You didn't have to wait long for juicy scenes.

Cinematography: B+, Probably one of the best of its time. Scenes and shots are done well.

Storyline: A The story it's self is unique, and not played out. Though viewers can come to their own reasons why.

Acting: A, acting is done with skill by the cast, everyone seems believable as their characters.

Music: Score B, Soundtrack N/A. Soundtrack is typical of its time, though it isn't abundant or underplayed. Gillian's tune is quite catchy.