Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a classic 1971 Disney live-action and animated musical fantasy film set during World War II. It tells the story of Miss Eglantine Price, an apprentice witch who reluctantly takes in three evacuated children from London. Together, they embark on a magical adventure using an enchanted flying bed to find a missing spell that Miss Price believes can help the British war effort against the Nazi invasion. The film blends whimsy and serious themes, featuring musical numbers, animated sequences on a magical island inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, and a climactic battle against German soldiers. It is generally targeted at a family audience, though certain scenes and themes of war and magic may require parental guidance for younger viewers.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumWhile 'Bedknobs and Broomsticks' does not explicitly feature LGBTQ+ characters, some contemporary fan interpretations suggest Miss Eglantine Price is a coded lesbian character, with her eventual marriage to Emelius Browne viewed as a 'heterosexual delusion' to conform to societal expectations of the era. The actor David Tomlinson, who played Emelius Browne, is also suggested by some interpretations to portray a coded homosexual character. Additionally, lead actress Angela Lansbury was a recognized gay icon, and her first husband was gay. Roddy McDowall, who appeared in a significantly cut role, was openly gay in his personal life. The film does not explicitly address gender identity.
1. Some interpretations view Miss Price's independent, unmarried life and reluctance towards romance as suggestive of a lesbian identity, with her marriage to Emelius Browne serving as a societal 'cover'. 2. David Tomlinson's character, Emelius Browne, has been described in certain fan analyses as 'homosexual' and 'impotent,' functioning as a necessary 'hetero cover' within the film's narrative due to the prevailing homophobia of the time. 3. Roddy McDowall, who played Mr. Jelk (whose role was largely cut from the theatrical release), was publicly known to be gay and had a relationship with Montgomery Clift.
Violence
MediumThe film contains moderate depictions of violence, primarily in the context of World War II and fantasy adventure. This includes slapstick, implied threats, and a significant battle scene. While not graphic, the intensity of war-related conflict could be frightening for younger children, featuring weapons and implied harm.
1. There is a major battle scene at the end of the film where Nazi soldiers fire guns, and the animated 'ghost-like' army, brought to life by Miss Price's spell, fights with bows, arrows, and lances. Soldiers are shown being hit with weapons and impaled, and gunfire and explosives are heard. 2. Early in the film, the group, including the children, is threatened and held at knifepoint by a sinister character, forcing them into a basement.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumWitchcraft and magical practices are central to the plot, depicting Miss Eglantine Price as an apprentice witch learning spells. The magic is portrayed in a whimsical, fantastical Disney style, used primarily for good, but involves traditional occult elements and materials.
1. Miss Eglantine Price is an apprentice witch who actively learns and performs spells, including transforming herself and others, enchanting a bedknob for flight, and using a 'substitutiary locomotion spell' to animate inanimate objects, such as suits of armor for battle. 2. Her workroom contains traditional witch-related ingredients and items, such as 'wolfbane,' 'hare's toes,' 'newt's eyes,' and 'poisoned dragon's liver,' which she uses in her spellcasting.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe film contains several scenes that could be frightening or intense for younger viewers. These include perilous situations, unsettling animated characters, and the overarching threat of war. The fantastical elements, while magical, can also contribute to suspense.
1. The children are evacuated due to World War II, and scenes depict their displacement and the threat of Nazi invasion, including Nazi soldiers breaking into Miss Price's home, creating a tense and scary atmosphere. 2. During their adventures, the flying bed plunges into the ocean with travelers falling off, and on the animated island of Naboombu, they encounter an animated bear with an aggressive growl and a fierce roaring lion, which could disturb younger children.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowRomantic content is mild and limited to innocent flirtation and the development of a relationship between Miss Eglantine Price and Mr. Emelius Browne. There is one very brief, mild instance of sexual innuendo presented as a hallucination.
1. There are mild romantic references and flirtation between Miss Eglantine Price and Mr. Emelius Browne that evolves into a relationship by the end of the film. 2. Emelius experiences a brief hallucination where he sees a 'scantily clad showgirl' walking towards him on a railway line, presented in a non-explicit and fleeting manner.
Profanity
LowThe movie contains very mild coarse language and some dated, insensitive remarks that reflect the period in which it was made. The instances are infrequent and not used for shock value.
1. A child character, Charlie, uses the phrase 'Not bloody likely!' as an expression of disbelief or refusal. 2. Emelius Brown uses the term 'gypsy switch' in reference to stealing something, and makes sexist remarks such as 'Women always lose things' and 'When will women learn to file things properly!'.
Substance Use
LowThe film includes minor instances of substance use, primarily involving alcohol and smoking in a non-glamorized or central context. These depictions are brief and incidental to the main storyline.
1. Emelius Browne mentions that he is going to stop in a pub for a 'pint to steady his nerves,' indicating alcohol consumption. 2. In one animated sequence, a fish character is seen smoking a cigar.
Disrespect & Rebellion
LowMinor instances of disrespect and rebellion are present, primarily from the evacuated children towards adults, reflecting their initial reluctance and challenging circumstances. Emelius Browne initially operates as a con man.
1. The child character Charlie expresses mild defiance by saying 'Not bloody likely!' when told something, indicating a rebellious attitude. 2. Emelius Browne is initially presented as a 'conman' and 'showman' running a fake correspondence witchcraft college, which involves an element of deception and disrespect for legitimate education, though he later reforms.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe film does not contain explicit anti-Christian themes. However, the central premise of a benevolent witch practicing magic, while presented in a fantastical Disney context, might be a point of concern for some Christian parents who oppose depictions of witchcraft. There are no overt criticisms or mockery of Christian beliefs.
1. The primary character, Miss Eglantine Price, is an apprentice witch actively learning and using spells and incantations to solve problems and fight against evil. This central focus on witchcraft, even when used for good, could be perceived as conflicting with Christian tenets by some. 2. The film's narrative implicitly presents witchcraft as a viable and ultimately positive force, aiding in the defeat of the Nazi invasion, without reference to traditional religious or Christian solutions, which might be a concern for parents looking for media aligned with Christian teachings.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
A general age recommendation of 8+ is appropriate for 'Bedknobs and Broomsticks'. While rated G by the MPAA, its themes of war, mild scary elements, and some dated language necessitate parental guidance for children under 8. The film's length and historical context might also challenge the attention span and comprehension of very young viewers.
Additional Notes
The film exists in multiple cuts (theatrical and extended), with the theatrical version (approx. 117-118 minutes) being the most commonly available. The extended version (approx. 139-141 minutes) includes restored songs and minor subplots, but the core content concerns remain consistent. Some historical elements, such as portrayals of cultural groups in the Portobello Road sequence, might be considered dated or problematic by today's standards, featuring 'racist or sexist remarks' and objectifying minority groups. Additionally, some reviews note that the character arc of Miss Price, where she considers giving up magic to settle down, could be seen as transforming her into a more 'traditional and acceptable female role,' which may be a point of discussion for parents.
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