Run time: 117 mins

The magic of Walt Disney lingers magnificently on in this children’s classic. Over fifty years later, Bed knobs and Broomsticks still weaves an irresistible spell.

Similar in many ways to Mary Poppins, this enchanting family film is filled with unique special effects and delightful music. Angela Lansbury stars as Eglantine Price, the owner of a seaside house in England who has three children foisted on her during WWII. At first, the children aren’t thrilled about being relocated. Then they learn that Eglantine is studying witchcraft by mail and has much mischief planned for the Nazis if they ever land in England. With a bedstead as their magic carpet, Eglantine takes the kids on a wonderful ride into several fantastic worlds.

Miss Price is committed to “doing her bit” for the war effort and, except for some pleasant diversions, her mission is always in focus. Even the animated sequences, one which sidetracks wonderfully into the lagoon frolics, is abruptly interrupted by danger with the characters getting back on their fervent track.

Much like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, the cartoons are neatly mixed with live action, and Lansbury, engaging as ever, heads a capable cast.