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In this supernatural romantic comedy — a rarity in its time — James Stewart plays a New York publisher who becomes the object of affection for a young woman who runs a curio shop. Kim Novak plays the shop owner, who also happens to be a witch. In fact, New York is host to a whole secret underground society of witches. Her brother (Jack Lemmon) is a warlock and their aunt (Elsa Lanchester) is a witch, too. To stop Stewart from marrying another woman (Janice Rule), Novak casts a spell on him to make him fall in love with her. But will he still love her if he learns of her manipulation? And is she willing to risk forfeiting her magical abilities by falling in love?
James Stewart and Kim Novak shot Bell Book and Candle immediately after completing Vertigo together. Both films were big hits and many claim the two stars had great chemistry together. But in this film, I don’t see it. While Novak’s confident, sexy performance is easily the most appealing thing about this movie, I think Stewart is mis-cast. He’s too old, and I never once feel that he genuinely loves Novak — in part because the script robs him of that opportunity, and in part because there’s no magic between the two actors. In addition to Novak’s remarkable turn, supporting players Lemmon, Lanchester, and Ernie Kovacs put in warm, entertaining performances.
If the central relationship had more verisimilitude, Bell Book and Candle could have been a more captivating movie. But it’s still moderately entertaining. I give it points for originality and daring-do. It captures some cozy ‘Christmas in New York’ vibes and has a fun nightclub set called the Zodiac Club where all the witches and warlocks convene at night to listen to jazz. Novak’s familiar, a cat named Pyewacket, is a scene stealer.
Directed by Richard Quine. With Hermione Gingold.
Oscar Nominations: Best Art Direction, Costume Design