A Simple Wish

A Simple Wish

Year: 1997

Runtime: 86 mins

Language: English

Director: Michael Ritchie

AdventureFantasyComedyFamily

Murray, a male fairy godmother, is tasked with granting 8‑year‑old Anabel’s simple wish—that her cab‑driver dad Oliver lands the lead in a Broadway musical. His magic wand is broken, and the fairy convention he relies on is under siege by the wicked witches Claudia and Boots, forcing Murray to scramble for a solution as chaos unfolds.

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Timeline & Setting – A Simple Wish (1997)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Simple Wish (1997). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary (early 2000s)

The story unfolds in a modern era, with references to theatrical auditions and Broadway productions. The setting's details imply a present-day timeframe, reflecting current cultural contexts and magical fantasy themes integrated into the everyday world.

Location

Central Park, Broadway, Nebraska

The movie takes place primarily in Central Park, a famous urban oasis in New York City known for its greenery and cultural events. Boston and Nebraska are also mentioned as settings, with Nebraska representing a rural, less urban environment. Broadway, the heart of American theatre, serves as the backdrop for the showbiz ambitions of the characters.

🌳 Park 🎭 Theatre 🌽 Rural

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:52

Main Characters – A Simple Wish (1997)

Meet the key characters of A Simple Wish (1997), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Murray

A male fairy godmother who is treated with disdain within his profession for being a man. Despite this, he is determined and caring, trying to help Anabel and her family with magical solutions. Murray’s character showcases kindness, persistence, and the struggle for acceptance.

🧚‍♂️ Fairy Godmother 🧓 Wise 💪 Determined

Anabel

A young girl eager to see her father succeed and believe in the magic of fairy godmothers. She is hopeful, resourceful, and brave, often taking initiative to help her family and friends. Her innocence and determination drive much of the story’s emotional core.

👧 Child 🌟 Hopeful 💡 Resourceful

Oliver Greening

A carriage driver with aspirations for Broadway success. His traits include ambition, kindness, and resilience, as he faces setbacks but remains hopeful about his dreams. His character embodies the pursuit of artistic achievement and family loyalty.

🚶‍♂️ Aspiring Actor 🎭 Dreamer 💪 Resilient

Claudia

An evil witch banished from the fairy godmother association for her selfish use of magic. She is cunning, malicious, and manipulative, seeking to regain her full power through curses and schemes. Claudia’s actions highlight themes of greed and the abuse of power.

🧙‍♀️ Witch 🕸️ Malicious 🔮 Scheming

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:52

Major Themes – A Simple Wish (1997)

Explore the central themes of A Simple Wish (1997), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

✨ Magic

Magic plays a central role in the narrative, with fairy godmothers, spells, and curses impacting the characters' lives. The film explores the whimsical and unpredictable nature of magic, emphasizing its power to both help and hinder. The characters’ reliance on magic highlights themes of hope, trust, and the consequences of misusing supernatural powers.

👪 Family

Family is a significant theme, with Oliver’s ambitions driven by a desire to provide stability for his children. The story also emphasizes the importance of sibling bonds through Charlie and Anabel, and the nurturing role of fairy godmothers as protectors. Their collective journey underscores love, sacrifice, and support.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:52

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Unlock the Full Story of A Simple Wish

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A Simple Wish Summary

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A Simple Wish Summary

A Simple Wish Timeline

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A Simple Wish Timeline

A Simple Wish Spoiler-Free Summary

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A Simple Wish Spoiler-Free Summary

More About A Simple Wish

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A Simple Wish (1997) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

A Simple Wish (1997) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

A Simple Wish (1997) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow