Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story takes place primarily in wartime London during the Blitz, along with the peaceful countryside village of Pepperinge Eye where the children are evacuated, and the magical island of Naboombu. These three locations represent very different worlds, from the bombed-out city streets to rural England and a fantastical island kingdom.

• london
• pepperinge eye
• naboombu
• setting
• locations

The movie is set in August 1940, during World War II when London was under heavy bombardment from the Blitz. This historical setting places the story at a critical moment in British history when the country faced imminent threat from Nazi Germany.

• world war 2
• 1940
• blitz
• time period
• 1940s

Naboombu is a magical island kingdom featured in the film, known for its enchanted atmosphere and unique royal traditions. It serves as a key location where the characters embark on whimsical adventures beyond the real-world wartime setting.

• naboombu
• island
• magical kingdom
• fantasy location

The film explores three primary themes: bravery, as characters confront both wartime dangers and magical threats; magic, which serves as a source of hope and transformation amid the harsh realities of war; and family, focusing on the bonds that form between the children and their guardian Miss Price.

• themes
• bravery
• magic
• family
• story themes

Magic serves as both a literal plot device and a metaphorical symbol of hope throughout the story. Miss Price's witch training and spells represent the potential for positive change in desperate times, while the enchanted bedknob and flying broomstick create whimsical adventures that contrast with the wartime backdrop.

• magic
• spells
• witchcraft
• magical elements
• enchanted bedknob

Miss Eglantine Price is a trainee witch and the film's protagonist, portrayed by Angela Lansbury. She is a whimsical yet courageous character who transforms from an indecisive spellcaster into a determined protector. As the guardian of three evacuated children, she learns to use her magical abilities to defend against Nazi operatives.

• miss price
• eglandine price
• protagonist
• witch
• angela lansbury

Professor Emelius Browne is a charming street magician played by David Tomlinson who discovers real magic, becoming a crucial ally to Miss Price. Initially an unsuspecting performer, he evolves into a brave fighter and develops romantic feelings for Miss Price while forming strong bonds with the children.

• professor browne
• emelius Browne
• magician
• david tomlinson

The three orphaned siblings, Charlie, Paul, and Carrie, are evacuated from London to the countryside during the Blitz. Paul Rawlins is particularly notable for his bravery and quick-thinking, assisting Miss Price with the magical bedknob. The children form a found family with Miss Price and Professor Browne throughout their adventures.

• children
• orphans
• charlie
• paul
• carrie
• rawlins siblings

Pepperinge Eye is the tranquil countryside village where the three evacuated children are placed. It represents a stark contrast to war-torn London, offering a serene refuge where the children first meet Miss Price and begin their magical journey.

• pepperinge eye
• countryside
• village
• rural england

The World War II setting provides both literal stakes and emotional weight, with the Blitz creating urgency and danger. However, the film handles this serious backdrop with a whimsical tone, presenting the Nazi threat in a fantastical, almost cartoonish manner through elements like singing suits of armor.

• world war 2
• blitz
• wartime
• london bombing
• nazism

A minor romantic subplot develops between Miss Price and Professor Browne as they work together and share their adventures. Their growing affection for each other adds a heartwarming element to the story, though it remains secondary to the family and adventure themes.

• romance
• love story
• miss price
• browne relationship