It might not be fair to compare Bedknobs and Broomsticks to other movies, but when it is so similar to another classic Disney film, it can be very hard not too.
Take the plot – a female lead character takes too looking after some children, who then go on some magical adventures, and get to meet crazy animated characters clashing with the real world film, based on a classic English children’s book, and accompanied by lots of songs from songwriting duo The Sherman Brothers. Hang on, didn’t I just describe Mary Poppins?
And that is Bedknobs and Broomsticks problem – it is constantly in thrall to Mary Poppins, and frequently bettered by it too. That’s not to say that it is not without its merits. The storyline of a witch learning her spells, who then manages to stop an attack on English soil by German World War II soldiers thanks to her new found spells, is actually a much more focused plot than Mary Poppins, and moves at a fast pace.
It also combines some great cartoon animation with its live action. Perhaps thanks to improved technology, the under the sea scenes and cartoon football match are movie highlights.
The movie was originally planned back in 1961, and was due to star Julie Andrews in the event that the troubled production of Mary Poppins never quite got off the ground. Fortunately, it did, and this movie was pushed back a little. By the time Bedknobs and Broomsticks was due to be made, Julie Andrews did not want to star in a movie so similar, and initially turned down the role.
I think I would have loved to have seen Julie Andrews in this role, and think she is a better fit than Angela Lansbury. The film is also let down by its child stars, who are consistently irritating, and have annoying voices.
Fortunately, this is made up for by David Tomlinson, who also starred as Mr Banks in Mary Poppins, and the film comes alive when he joins the story with his gentle humour.
The songs are another underwhelming element of the film. Although still a typical, upbeat score from The Sherman Brothers, it really lacks some classic, memorable songs. The Beautiful Briny is the stand out song, and it comes as no surprise that this was a left over song from the production of Mary Poppins.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks has just not stood the test of time, and watching it now feels very dated, with unintentional humour and simple film making. But any Disney fan should at least give this a watch, as it is still an important movie in the studio’s history, and an interesting companion piece to the true classic of Mary Poppins.
Disney Everywhere Rating: Part of Disney’s Old Home Guard.
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