Bell, Book and Candle (1958)

dir Richard Quine

Everybody seemed to get together at some point and decide that Gillian must be the witchiest name of all time. Maybe this was the first occurrence, it sure predates the other occurrence I can think of off the top of my head, Practical Magic. Really, what’s the deal? Is it the G? G is a pretty witchy letter, I guess.

I had a hard time with this one. I wanted to love it, but honestly I barely liked it. It was okay. I wish I watched it back in 2016 when I was more into guys and witchcraft, and when The Love Witch was fresh in my mind. (Note: this is another watch from Anna Biller’s list of inspiration for The Love Witch.) Nowadays, I have a hard time connecting with movies where the plot is simply about seducing a man. No lens of irony or nothing. Ugh. Seriously how boring. And by the way, I don’t like James Stewart at all. I think he was well cast in Rear Window because that character is meant to be nosy and annoying as shit, but good god, his voice drives me nuts (derogatory). Bell, Book and Candle reminds me of Charade (1963), unfortunately in the worst way. Both films seem interesting to me, and yet while I’m sitting in front of the screen, I just don’t care. Am I supposed to care about these men? I feel bad for these women, whether it’s gorgeous Kim Novak or adorable Audrey Hepburn, for caring about these men.

Okay, okay. Let me say some nice things.

Kim Novak. Beautiful woman. She sure knows how to sit on a couch. Her short hair here is simply divine. I don’t think I realized it was actually cut that short. From pictures I figured it was an updo of some kind.

The cat is also great. Love a Siamese.

What else? The club, The Zodiac, is pretty fabulous. Asking people’s signs at the door is such a stellar gag. I should start asking for zodiac signs on my booking form for haircuts. A Pisces haircut really is different than a Capricorn haircut, isn’t it…

Blah blah blah. I’m bored! This is a sweet flick. I’m glad I watched it. I probably won’t watch again but that’s okay. Thanks, Richard Quine.