World War II remains one of the most horrifying events in history. The remnants of this major event are reflected in photos, documentaries, and most importantly, cinema. This Disney Classic, ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks‘, however, added a whole new meaning to it altogether.
The 1971 live-action animated musical is nothing short of a forgotten masterpiece. It’s got fantasy, it’s got wonder, it’s got comedy, and it’s got music. But most of all, it has quite the witchy plot that links it with this indelible event.
Wonder And Witchcraft Meet Warfare In This Disney Classic
Directed by Robert Stevenson, Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a witchy take on the events during World War 2. Most specifically, this live-action musical film focuses on the occurrences during the Blitz.
Where Germany and Italy worked as Axis Powers against the UK, many people went into hiding. They feared for their lives with the arrival of the German army, and this also included orphans.
Many families were displaced during the war, while kids lost their parents. In the movie, Charlie, Carrie, and Paul are taken under the wing of Miss Price.
Little do they know she’s a witch, and that’s one reason they stay. This is especially true when they witness her flying on a broomstick. She performs a travelling spell and has mastery over other spells except for a final one.
It all turns out to be a sham when it is discovered that Price’s teacher is a humbug. This begins a quest to uncover the secrets of the grimoire of spells, which they finally find out.
The movie does a whole spin on the legend of Astaroth; while he’s an evil entity in fables and legends, here Astaroth is a sorcerer who holds mastery over the locomotion spell. The magic is what adds to the offbeat nature of the movie’s war themes, and here’s why!
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Bedknobs And Broomsticks Is An Offbeat World War II Movie
The star of Astaroth isn’t a mere medallion; it is a talisman. It is the KO that helps Price, her professor Brown, and the children protect themselves.
This is where the national identity comes in as she animates the objects into solid figures. They fend off and ultimately save the day. In a parallel universe, however, the reality would be completely gruesome, but since it is Disney, it blends fantasy and wonder into it.
This World War 2 classic weaves adventure, magic, and themes of resilience and perseverance into the plotline.
What makes Bedknobs and Broomsticks different from other movies is that it leaves us with hope. A faith for a better tomorrow, while it also reflects the dire realities of war.
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Charlie and his siblings are left orphans due to war, like many other children. They are made to face the harsh reality at a very young age, and we see their initial refusal.
The kids rediscover the idea of a home and belongingness, contrary to most war movies, where they end up dead or haggling for bare necessities.
The movie here also sparks joy and courage as we witness Price as an empowered individual. She is a feisty yet resilient individual who is fearless yet nurturing towards these kids.
Overall, this movie is a perfect pick for people who love a sprinkle of magic and curiosity with a blend of history. It is a must-watch if you love war movies that offer a refreshing and light-hearted perspective! To make it better, it’s also got a musical flair for those who have a penchant for the genre!
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