In one sentence: Bell, Book and Candle is a festive romantic classic blending witchcraft, love and ‘50s style.  

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James Stewart is perhaps best known for Christmas favourite It’s a Wonderful Life, which often tops lists of the greatest festive films ever made. What is less widely known is that he also stars in another Christmas-set movie. Bell, Book and Candle pairs Stewart with his Vertigo co-star Kim Novak, alongside Jack Lemmon in a witty, stylish film that would later inspire the hugely popular television series Bewitched.

The film follows Gillian Holroyd (Kim Novak), a witch who owns an art gallery where she pads around barefoot and converses with her striking Siamese cat, Pyewacket. Her aunt (Elsa Lanchester) and brother (Jack Lemmon) also possess magical powers and quietly use them, taking care not to expose themselves despite enjoying to indulge in a prank or two. Gillian, however, becomes smitten with her neighbour Shepherd Henderson (James Stewart) and would very much like him for Christmas and beyond. Shepherd is, unfortunately, engaged to Merle (Janice Rule), a woman who was unkind to Gillian during their school years. Gillian decides to intervene with a love spell and what follows is a festive screwball comedy with a supernatural twist.

Kim Novak is excellent as the mysterious, coolly seductive witch who simply wants to be loved. James Stewart plays the spellbound romantic with warmth and humour, while Jack Lemmon brings his trademark comic energy in a supporting role that risks exposing the family’s supernatural secret. Cary Grant was reportedly keen on the role of Shepherd and, given his mastery of screwball comedy, he would have been a perfect fit. That said, Stewart is charming in his own way, even if he lacks Grant’s effortless good looks. This was reportedly Stewart’s final romantic lead role and at fifty, he was double Novak’s age.

The Siamese cats who played Pyewacket frequently steal scenes. Kim Novak’s own cat, also named Pyewacket, appeared in the film, which perhaps explains her ease and affection on screen. Siamese cats were a popular cinematic presence in this era, seen in films such as That Darn Cat! and Lady and the Tramp. Their striking appearance and unmistakable yowls made them captivating screen companions and it is a shame we do not see them so often in film and TV.

One of the movie’s greatest successes is its presentation of witches as stylish, modern and immersed in jazz culture, a far cry from the pointed hats and broomsticks of folklore. Placing a character more commonly associated with Halloween into a Christmas setting subverts expectations and works surprisingly well.

Bell, Book and Candle is not a film that frequently appears on festive television schedules or streaming recommendations, which makes it something of a hidden gem today. While it may not be as overtly Christmassy as some seasonal staples, its magical cast, witty script and elegant 1950s fashion make it a delightful Christmas watch that deserves rediscovery.

★★★★½ (4.5/5)