bedknobs and broomsticks book mary norton

The witch has plans to save England from the Nazis by casting a special spell, which she awaits from the post office. So much fun!īased on the book by Mary Norton (also the author of The Borrowers), BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS is the story of three children evacuated from London during World War II who find themselves looked after by an apprentice witch, Miss Price ( Angela Lansbury). My 4.5yo, who gets scared at a lot of movie scenes, was literally rolling on the floor laughing at the crazy antics of the magically animated medieval suits of armor as they beat back the small Nazi force. However, this is SO comedically well done, and literally no one is hurt. I am touchy about gun scenes in kid movies. The ending scenes where the Nazis come on land has a lot of guns and shooting, which we likely would not see in a kids movie today. The Portobello Road scene glorifies colonialism a bit.but it’s not central to the movie. There were no huge “cringe” moments that jumped out at me watching this movie 30 years later. We educate them about history using other tools - this is just a fun movie, with a great role model in Ms.

Honestly, our kids accepted our brief explanations at face value. I see others expressing concern about the context…Nazis, the Blitz, children leaving London. I was a little apprehensive about showing this movie to my kids (7 and 4), but I was delighted to find it just as funny and engaging as I remembered from my own childhood. Despite this apparent violence, no blood is shed, no one is hurt, and the main character retains a smile throughout the entire battle. The climax of the film involves a drawn-out battle between the main character and a small group of invading Nazis in which the enemy soldiers wield swords and machine guns against her.

Main characters never seem frightened by the war or soldiers, though the children talk briefly about losing their parents to the war. The framework of the movie - World War II, Nazi invasions, and bombings in London - is about as un-child-friendly as it gets, but the film manages to take a lighthearted approach. It's more than two hours long and better suited for longer attention spans or partial viewings. Parents need to know that Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a classic Disney movie that was re-released for its 25th anniversary. A main character talks to a child about wanting to go to the pub for a drink.ĭid you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Bedknobs and broomsticks book mary norton