Directed by
Robert Stevenson
Made by
Buena Vista Distribution Company
Discover the intricate plot of Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
As the Blitz wreaks havoc over London in August 1940, three orphaned siblings—Charlie, Carrie, and Paul Rawlins—are taken away from the war-torn city to the serene countryside of Pepperinge Eye, situated near the picturesque Dorset coast. Here, they find themselves under the temporary guardianship of the indecisive Miss Eglantine Price, portrayed by Angela Lansbury, who harbors her own secrets. Initially, the children’s desperation drives them to consider fleeing back to London. However, after witnessing Miss Price’s clumsy attempt at flying on a broomstick, their plans undergo a change. This moment catalyzes an unexpected series of events when Miss Price discloses that she is learning witchcraft through correspondence courses, aiming to use her newfound abilities to assist Britain in its fight against the Nazis.
In return for the children’s discretion, Miss Price offers them a unique transportation spell, which she awkwardly channels through a bedknob — but with a curious catch: it can only be used by Paul, due to his earlier act of handing the bedknob to her. As they acclimate to their tranquil new home, Miss Price receives a disheartening letter indicating that her correspondence school will be closing, leaving her unable to master the final spell she needs for her magical endeavors. In a moment of urgency, she persuades Paul to use the enchanted bedknob to make a return trip to London, seeking out Professor Emelius Browne, played by David Tomlinson.
Once they arrive in London, they encounter a charming street magician named Browne, who, unbeknownst to him, has stumbled upon genuine magic through an old book. Initially elated by this revelation, he is taken aback when he discovers that the spells indeed function. Miss Price receives the magical tome from Browne, but her excitement is short-lived as she realizes that the crucial final spell, Substitutiary Locomotion, is absent. Determined to reclaim their quest, the group sets off to Portobello Road to locate an old bookseller who had originally supplied Browne with the enchanting manuscript.
Their interactions with the bookseller reveal the chilling lore surrounding the Star of Astaroth, a mysterious medallion formerly owned by a sorcerer named Astaroth. The history recounts Astaroth’s dangerous experiments with magic on animals, endowing them with human-like traits, and his eventual downfall at the hands of his own former disciples, who fled to a secluded island called Naboombu, leaving only myths in their wake.
Paul’s exploration of a vintage storybook within Browne’s playroom establishes a tangible connection to the magical realm they are delving into, not only corroborating the existence of Naboombu but also stoking their adventurous spirit to uncover further mysteries.
As their journey to Naboombu unfolds, they face unforeseen challenges—their enchanted bed, now adrift at sea, accidentally becomes a winning entry in an underwater dance contest, thanks to the spectacular moves of Mr. Browne and Miss Price. The sudden intervention of a bear, who discovers the bed floating in the lagoon, starkly illustrates that the island has a strict “no humans” policy enforced by royal decree. The group is subsequently summoned before King Leonidas, who, adorned with the Star of Astaroth, proposes that Mr. Browne referee a high-risk football match. In the midst of the pandemonium, the match concludes with Leonidas claiming victory, but Browne cleverly swaps his referee whistle for the king’s coveted medallion, enabling the group to make their escape.
Back in the safety of their familiar environment, Miss Price unleashes the full extent of her Substitutiary Locomotion spell, breathing life into inanimate objects. While this newfound power initially ignites excitement, chaos soon ensues as the objects begin to spiral out of control, threatening the very fabric of existence. Confronted with the possibility of the children needing to be relocated, Miss Price gradually recognizes the profound emotional bonds she has formed with them. As the group grows closer, Browne grapples with his feelings about his new family, ultimately saying goodbye. However, destiny intervenes when he finds himself at a railway station, where danger arises in the form of Nazi German operatives.
With enemy forces encroaching on the coast via submarine, Mr. Browne must step up, battling two German agents who aim to disrupt crucial communication lines. After ensuring his safety, he returns to Miss Price’s home, where he discovers his latent magical abilities. Using his powers, he transforms into a white rabbit, blending in seamlessly to evade capture. Once his mission is accomplished, Mr. Browne reunites with Miss Price and the children at a local museum, only to find themselves trapped by the invading soldiers.
Galvanized by the bravery of her friends, Miss Price invokes her Substitutiary Locomotion once again, animating the museum’s displays in an epic display of courage. A legion of suits of armor and military outfits emerges, set on expelling the German soldiers and reclaiming their safe haven. While the enemy ultimately retreats, they inflict significant damage on Miss Price’s workshop, bringing her career as a witch to a heartbreaking conclusion. Despite this loss, she finds comfort in having played an essential role in the war effort, filling her with gratitude.
As time progresses, Miss Price embraces her new role as a guardian for the children, solidifying a momentous change in her life characterized by dedication to her newfound family. Meanwhile, Mr. Browne’s enlistment in the military means he must leave the small town, joined by the local Home Guard. In a tender farewell, he shares a kiss with Miss Price, assuring her that he will return to reclaim his place in their lives.
In this touching scene, Paul’s presence serves as a gentle reminder of their magical adventures together and the ever-enigmatic bedknob that facilitated their journey. Unspoken possibilities for future exploits linger in the air, hinting at more enchanting tales to unfold, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the next chapter for this extraordinary group.
Track the key events of Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Evacuation from London
In August 1940, as the Blitz descends upon London, three orphaned siblings, Charlie, Carrie, and Paul, are removed from the chaos of their war-torn city. They are relocated to the peaceful countryside of Pepperinge Eye, a stark contrast to their previous environment, where they will stay under the care of Miss Eglantine Price.
New Guardianship
The sibling trio meet Miss Eglantine Price, their temporary guardian, who seems indecisive and has her own secrets. Initially wary of their new home, the children consider escaping back to London, driven by a sense of loss and longing for their old life.
Discovery of Witchcraft
Their plans to return to London shift dramatically when the children see Miss Price attempting to fly on a broomstick. This revelation leads to a discovery that she is practicing witchcraft through correspondence courses, which piques their interest and curiosity.
The Enchanted Bedknob
In a deal for their silence about her witchcraft, Miss Price gives Paul a unique spell that allows him to use a bedknob for magical transportation. This unusual gift creates a sense of adventure among the siblings and marks the beginning of their extraordinary journey together.
A Distressing Letter
Miss Price receives a troubling letter indicating that her witchcraft correspondence school is shutting down. Faced with the potential loss of her magical education, she urgently persuades Paul to use the bedknob to travel back to London in search of further knowledge.
Meeting Professor Browne
In London, the group encounters Professor Emelius Browne, an unwitting magician who has stumbled across real magic. They form a connection, and Miss Price is excited to receive a valuable magical tome, only to discover that the crucial final spell is missing.
Visit to the Bookseller
The group heads to Portobello Road to find the old bookseller who supplied Browne with the magical text. Their interactions reveal the sinister history of the Star of Astaroth, a medallion once owned by a powerful sorcerer, adding a layer of urgency to their quest.
Adventure to Naboombu
The children's adventure takes them to Naboombu, an island spoken of in the lore they discovered. Their journey is fraught with surprises, including their enchanted bed being entered in a dance contest, showcasing the whimsical and unpredictable nature of their venture.
Confrontation with King Leonidas
Upon reaching Naboombu, the group is summoned to meet King Leonidas, who wields the Star of Astaroth. He challenges Mr. Browne to ref a high-stakes football match, which they participate in under the pressure of royal decree and amidst chaos.
Victory and Escape
After a tumultuous match, Leonidas claims victory, but Browne cleverly swaps his whistle for the Star of Astaroth, allowing them to escape. Their quick thinking leads them back home, but not without underlying tension and the threat of danger lingering.
Unleashing Substitutiary Locomotion
Once back, Miss Price successfully casts her Substitutiary Locomotion spell, bringing everyday objects to life. Initially a source of joy, the spell spirals out of control, throwing the household into chaos and prompting fears of separation for the siblings.
The Nazi Threat Emerges
As the children grow more connected to Miss Price, Mr. Browne faces danger from Nazi operatives seeking to disrupt communications along the coast. His encounter reinforces his resolve to protect both his newfound family and the mission at hand.
Final Confrontation
In a climactic showdown, Miss Price leads her animated objects in a battle against Nazi soldiers to protect her home. Their bravery and teamwork ultimately succeed, though the workshop suffers damage that signifies a poignant farewell to her life as a witch.
New Beginnings
In the aftermath of the battle, Miss Price embraces her role as a guardian for the siblings. A new chapter begins in her life, marked by deepened familial bonds and a sense of duty infused with love and commitment to her children's safety.
Tender Farewell
As Mr. Browne prepares to enlist in the military, he shares a heartfelt goodbye with Miss Price, promising to return. Their parting signifies the strength of their relationship and the hope for future adventures, leaving behind a legacy of magic and connection.
Meet the characters that bring Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Miss Eglantine Price (Angela Lansbury)
Miss Eglantine Price is a witch-in-training who displays both whimsical charm and a surprising depth of courage. As a guardian to the siblings, her indecisiveness gives way to resilience as she learns to navigate her newfound powers. Throughout the film, she evolves from a hesitant spellcaster to a determined protector.
Paul Rawlins (Cindy O'Callaghan)
Paul Rawlins is one of the three orphans who carries the weight of responsibility and bravery in the face of adversity. His willingness to assist Miss Price with the magical bedknob demonstrates his quick-thinking and adventurous spirit. Paul’s character arc is significant as he learns about bravery and heart in their journey.
Professor Emelius Browne (David Tomlinson)
Professor Emelius Browne is a charming street magician whose discovery of real magic catalyzes pivotal events in the story. He evolves from an unsuspecting performer to a crucial ally in the battle against darkness. His whimsical nature contrasts sharply with his growing sense of duty and affection for the children and Miss Price.
Uncover the settings of Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
August 1940
The story unfolds during World War II, specifically in August 1940, when London is under siege from the Blitz. This time period is marked by significant hardship and the resolve of the British people as they face the threats posed by Nazi Germany. Amidst this chaos, the film weaves a narrative of adventure and magical discovery.
Location
London, Pepperinge Eye, Naboombu
The movie primarily takes place in London, a city grappling with the impacts of war during the Blitz. In stark contrast, Pepperinge Eye represents a serene countryside where the siblings initially find refuge. Their journey also leads them to the magical island of Naboombu, known for its enchanting atmosphere and unique royal traditions.
Explore the core themes of Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Bravery
Bravery among characters is a central theme as they confront the challenges posed by war and magical adversities. Miss Price's courage to use her powers against Nazi operatives and Browne’s transition into a soldier highlight their growth. The film ultimately conveys that true bravery often arises in defense of loved ones and cherished bonds.
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Magic
Magic serves as a transformative element in the story, both literally and metaphorically. Miss Price’s studies and spells symbolize hope and the potential for change in desperate times. The enchanting adventures the characters embark on illustrate how magical elements can intertwine with the realities of life during war.
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Family
The evolving relationships among the characters embody the theme of family, both chosen and biological. The bond between the children and Miss Price strengthens as they navigate their shared adventures. Additionally, Browne’s growing connections with both Miss Price and the children emphasize the importance of love and belonging in a turbulent world.
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